Good day! I'm a relative newby to the board here, but have been reading for a while and am an avid DIYer in most things mechanical/techy. I previously have been involved in various DIY communities, including in a moderator status, so would like to bring this experience to this community.
I have a question / proposition for all...
From the reading and studying of this Alt Energy community so far, it appears that there is a gap in the availability of suitable Alternators for use in the small windpower DIY community. Is this true?
I derive this conclusion from seeing lots of projects of people making their own Axial Flux Alternators, or trying to use various motors and automotive alternators for their projects. Is this 'cause people just like to tweak around, or because there aren't any lowish-cost products available?
If there is a need for an alternator for the individual windmill user, I guess I want to know what you all think of participating in a group design/build of something appropriate for this audience? Something focused on low-cost and meeting your own needs, that can become sort of a standard design to help forward the wind power cause.
My brother-in-law has a small business doing prototype manufacturing, and he is amazing at all things mechanical-- machining, fabricating, and is good with all sorts of moving parts. Myself, I previously worked in the loudspeaker industry, so have a decent knowledge of electromagnetics, windings, adhesives, and manufacturing. We have access to a well-equipped shop with all the needed equipment, plus have the experience at prototype designing and fabrication. Plus, I am a Technical Writer by day, and am very good at documenting processes, communicating technical stuff, etc.
Wondering what you guys think of doing a collaborative "group design" of an alternator available for our own community?
Of course, we would share the design/build process, plans, materials, and all of that. Or, depending on the final result and the complexity, we could make them available ready built in essentially a non-profit setting.
Is this of interest to anyone? Please share any thoughts or comments!
Thanks,
Darren