Pedal power VS wind power?

[jawnn]

I have been watching videos about how to build a generator/alternator out of a ceiling fan motor. I can't get enough info without a book.

None are very clear about how much physical resistance there is when under load. I can maintain only about ¼ hp and then there are losses in a bicycle drive train. Someone told me generating 100 watts is like riding a bike at 15mph. but are all motors the same?

I assume that the term “cogging” means the magnetic resistance in turning the motor, or is that just to get it turning, not counting the momentum after it is turning.

I need to top off my 18 amp hour battery pack at least one volt a day in the winter. Solar does not work here in winter but there is a lot of strong wind. So I am thinking that I really should build a small wind turbine, possibly omni directional.

Well I would just buy a motor if I could find one that will definitely work. But I have no technical knowledge of what to look for. In fact it would be easier to find a new motor than to find a used ceiling fan motor.

I saw the thread about using an exercise bike and a microwave transformer; is passing a lot of large magnets past one large coil better than a lot smaller coils past a lot smaller magnets? (Ceiling fan motor)

My land lord, that has the solar panels, is trying to build a generator out of a bicycle wheel. Sounds good for slow speed wind.

I can't get back here till Monday, I ride a bicycle at age 63 over the worst hill in the worst weather to the library just to research stuff on the internet for only two hours!

If someone could give me a link to a motor that would work or at least tell me how to find one…I would be grateful.

[Mary B]

There are posts here about converting ceiling fan motors. Someone will chime in and post who did it.

[zap]

Here's a few ceiling fan posts to get you started.

http://www.fieldlines.com/index.php/topic,146516.0.html
http://www.fieldlines.com/index.php/topic,131925.0.html
http://www.fieldlines.com/index.php/topic,140625.msg941410.html#msg941410

You're mostly correct in your definition of cogging in relation to motors.  If it cogs when it's starting up then it will cog when it's running... momentum will help overcome it but it's usually still there.

If you have the wind and some room (and permission) to put up a turbine you'll do way better than peddling.  100 watts peddling is pretty hard to sustain for very long unless you're in very good shape and yes, some generators will be more efficient than others.  I would say the "100 watts is like riding a bike at 15mph" quote is fairly close for any low end bike.
Generally... a well designed brushless will be more efficient than a brushed gen. 

I've sent you a PM.

[Bruce S]

Do a search for a long time forum member Norm, he did quite a lot with pedgens.

[hiker]

http://www.fieldlines.com/index.php/topic,129867.msg843607.html#msg843607

[jawnn]

all those links go the same place.

I havwe too many questions.... like:
 Does the shape of the ciol matter?
 Do the magnets need to be the width of the coil?

[Bruce S]

all those links go the same place.

I havwe too many questions.... like:
 Does the shape of the ciol matter?
 Do the magnets need to be the width of the coil?

the good thing is:! you can find the answers to those questions in the FAQ section 

[jawnn]

ok ... what is "Hugh's book" ( as refered to in another thread) it sounds like it may help

[jawnn]

I realy need a good book for home builders of wind power....I do not have the time to sit here and read all of these threads.

I alos can not see the screen very goodly.

[jawnn]

I found a referance to "The first build should ALWAYS be from either the plans from DanB and the boys or from Hugh Piggott." but no links...

ok now the links abouve work.

[JW]

ok ... what is "Hugh's book" ( as refered to in another thread) it sounds like it may help

http://scoraigwind.com/books/books.htm


JW