Hi to all--I'm Curt, new to the board, Located in NE Missouri. I currently have a 860 watt solar array with 560 amphours of battery (next upgrade), an Outback 3048 invertor and MX-60 controller. I have been lurking here and trying to post to no avail--board admin can't seem to figure out why after registering as a user and logging in, I continually get a "Permission Denied" when attempting to post. We are still working on it and in the meantime, maybe admin will be so kind as to post this for me. Any user with suggestions on board access could email me direct at xpag@nemr.net.
I have scratch built the 10' Windpower mill in 48 volt configuration (complete at this point-except for tail vane) I purchased the set of three fiberglass blades off ebay from an outfit in Texas. They are 10'5" swept area and cost me $118.00 with shipping. A couple questions on the mill.
- My Kill switch stops the blades, but does not hold them firm--I suspect this is due to virtually no resistance in the 5' of 10ga wire, as mounted on my test stand. Any thoughts?
- Using the fiberglass blades and I'll put a 1/4" sheet of PVC on for a tail vane--How do I determine if I need to add tail weight for proper furling. Every other aspect of the mill is virtually to specifications in the online directions. (And I complement Otherpower for the explicit, easy to follow instructions--a little interpolation needed in places, but outstanding)
Next a couple questions on my tower.
I purchased this used free standing radio antenna tower from the local hospital when they installed a new taller tower. I paid $255.00 for it. It has some vry minor surface rust, but is structurally like new. It is 5' across the 3 leg base and would be 98 feet tall if completely assembled. However I have decided to use only the lower two sections with a 7" stub of 2 1/2" schedule 80 pipe for mounting the generator on. This will put the generator at 80 feet. I have bolted on my stub at the top and if I ever feel the need, I could put the 3rd section (25 feet) on with out any problem.
I've configured the base as a tilt up--the tower secured along one section with "pipe in pipe" hinges and a hold down on the opposing leg. All hardware is 3/4" grade 8 and hinge components are schedule 80 pipe. At the base of the tower is a gin pole receptacle. I plan on using a 30' gin pole and raise with my tractor using 3/8" 1/7 strand utility pole guy wire. All guys will be single length--no splices. (Bought a bunch of it from the local electric plant here in town--dirt cheap--with hardware.
My base for the tower is 10" I beam, welded into a "T" configuration. This will be imbedded in 2' of concrete with three (one at each corner) 4' deep concrete pylons with rebar.
I will guy the tower at 65/70 feet with the same 3/8' utility pole 1/7 strand guy wire. Being a triangle base with one side hinged --side guy wires (as in a four guy system) will not be possible---I intend on raising the tower with guys attached near the top and then connecting them via turnbuckles to the the guy anchor points, once it is standing--about 40' from the base in a triangular pattern off of each leg.
Am I being over concerned with the guying of the free standing tower? It was free standing design with it's original mast radio antenna on it--however with a 105 pound wind generator mounted on it, I feel guys are necessary.
I will be test raising the tower lower section (41 feet), then again testing (two lower sections and stub (80 feet), prior to raising with the wind genny on it.
Sorry for the long dialog and many pictures--If I could get board access--this would have been sequencially done in smaller posts. Any suggestions/comments/criticisims woul;d be appreciated. I've only been into RE for a few months, but as you can see--not afraid to get my feet wet. Iv'e done a lot of reading on the net, but i'm still wet behind the ears.
Curt B.