ICON Treadmill motor

[JHoot1951]

I have an ICON M-175679  21.4 amps 2.65hp

Is this motor capable of being used as a windmill??

Thank you

[taylorp035]

What is the rated rpm and at what voltage?  Once the rpm / volt ratio is calculated, then people on here can be more helpful with what sized blades would be ideal for the voltage you are trying to charge at.  Most treadmill motors are in the 25-50 rpm/ volt range, with a lower value usually being better suited for a 4-6 foot diameter windmill to hit 12v and start charging in 10 mph winds.

[JHoot1951]

Sorry but I cannot find any RPM marks on the motor?

I bought 36" plastic blades?

Guess I will keep going and see what happens?

Thank you for your time

[Smithson]

You could go to ebay.  There is one there now being sold by a treadmill technician.  I'm sure he would know the rpm.  Just send him an email through ebay with with the rpm question (and anything else you need to know) as if you were interested.  Then repost your information here.  Someone will provide an answer here.    Arch

[JHoot1951]

Well let me ask another dumb question?

Does it have to reach and maintain 12 volts to work?

[joestue]

if you really want to know, look on ebay for the same motor you have, and you'll probably find one with a nameplate on it.

that said, the only treadmill motor i have is 120volt, 2520 rpm, which works out to 1900 at 90 volts, which is just about the same as all the others.

yes, you need a blocking diode to charge a battery and the current only starts flowing after the motor volts exceed the battery volts.

[Bruce S]

Well let me ask another dumb question?

Does it have to reach and maintain 12 volts to work?

Not a dumb question at all, BUT the output voltage that you want to work with, does matter.
Easy thing to do; grab an electric drill chuck the end into it. Connect a DMM to 2 of the wires set it on 200Vdc and begin spinning the motor. If the know the max RPM of your drill then you can get an idea of its output capabilities.
This is a PM DC motor so you do have a good start.
Cheers

[Mary B]

Measure the voltage under a load, I use a 120 watt light bulb