A new forum, a new start
Today I have been playing with the 3 phase brushless motors used in electric bicycles.
China are reportedly manufacturing 12 million of this type of motors per year, so there should be a lot more around soon on the likes of ebay/scrap e.t.c
They are just about perfect as wind turbine alternator donors, brushless, Neo magnets, low rpm, typically 1 volt per 9rpm (on the 48v versions).
I managed to generate 300 watts via pedal power
with a 24v unit and a gear ratio of 3.4:1
That was hard going, 100 watts was sustained for 15 minutes, then I was knackered.
Cogging was non existent as the stator core teeth are skewed - On an electric bike, freewheeling needs to be as smooth as possible, another advantage for wind power useage.
Well, 299 watts peak.