First Try at a Generator

[motoman465]

Well, I thought I would give this a try and see what I learn.  I don't have much money so everything is as close to free as I can get.  The rotor is a rear brake rotor from a Pontiac Grand Prix.  Since I work at a Pep Boys, I put the rotor on the brake lathe and cut a channel in it for the magnets.  The hub/bearing assembly came from a local boneyard for $6.  I bought a set of 29 neo magnets off e-bay for $13.50.  They are small, 1/2" by 1/8" discs.  The wood I have had laying around for some time.  Instead of buying sheet plastic, I am collecting old washer solvent bottles at work and cutting them apart.  Not the ideal size, but I will make them work.  I also bought a three pack of magnet wire from Radio Shack for $5.  I am planning on building a VAWT along the lines of the one on the bottom of the VAWT page on otherpower.com.  I am going to build it with interchangable air foils so that I can see what design performs the best.  Since my money and fabrication skills are both limited, it will be a bit on the crude side, but there will only be one direction to go from here.  LOL!  I am looking forward to the journey and also to learning and making some new friends.

[pepa]

hi motorman, welcome, you have some of the parts for a good machine and after you get a little experience in this habit forming hobby, you will be ahead of the game by having these parts. play with it and do not get upset if something doesn't work. you will be able to find a lot of help here but you have to do your part by reading and watching what the other folks do here. almost every thing that can be done has already been tried at one time or another by someone here, it will save you a lot of grief if you watch and listen. i have a shop full of things that didn't work and you will have your own collection soon enough. Pepa.

[ghurd]

Trying to save you some grief and money.

Look at Willib's diagrams, concerning magnet and coil spacing. The magnets are too low on surface area.

Remember, the thickness of the coils should not be thicker than the magnets.

You need bigger magnets.

Without bigger magnets, it plain ain't gonna work.

G-

[motoman465]

Thanks, Ghurd.  I will have to check around and see what is available.  I will have to wait until later this week(payday).  I am extremely grateful that people such as yourself are willing to help out a newcomer.  Thank you!

Todd

[motoman465]

Pepa,

Thanks, I look forward to working and learning.  It helps so much to have people who have been there to help teach me from their experiences.  Looking forward to learning from everyone and to hopefully helping to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.  I would love to one day live off the grid.  A lot of people think that I want to do this to save money, but that is a welcome side-effect.  I would rather save the planet than save money.  Thank you so much for your help.  

Todd

[elvin1949]

Todd

 Keep those small mag's.They will work in a small

motor conversion.

later

elvin

[motoman465]

Thanks, Elvin.  I am looking for larger magnets right now and I will keep the smaller magnets, even if only for fun.  LOL!

Todd

[willib]

Todd you might find this video worth looking at

http://www.otherpower.com/images/scimages/2965/Three_Phase_rev2.wmv

since free is allways good , check out my new diary on free wire , in a few mins.