Hello all - first time poster here.
I have performed one motor conversion in the past using ceramic bar magnets installed into slots cut in the rotor of a 1 1/2hp 3ph 8 pole (rewound) Baldor motor. It seems to work pretty well (I get about 1 KW from it at around 1400 RPM installed on a 12 foot turbine and "geared up" by about 4.5 to 1).
Anyhow I am now contemplating converting an AO Smith "blower" motor - 3ph, 4 pole, 230/460V using this time neo magnets and aiming for 230 V max output at whatever alternator RPM that happens at.
I have read many posts herein regarding motor conversion and it has been v useful reading but I am still a bit uncertain as to the following:
. What neo thickness would be most appropriate? I'm thinking 3/8 or maybe 1/2" (but am uncertain as to the possible problems of lamination saturation).
. I've seen here examples of conversions utilizing either round or rectangular neos. Rectangular would give better coverage but are perhaps more difficult to install(?).
. Rectangular neos can be purchased in 4" and higher lengths. I'm concerned however with the difficulty in handling such large & powerful magnets and am thinking perhaps lengths of 1 or 2" may be more appropriate(?).
. What would be the best glue for afixing the neos to the rotor? I have seen mentioned Loctite "super glue", epoxy glue and the cyanometh... type of glue. After the neos are glued, what is the best filler - epoxy or maybe polyester ester, or some other?
. Is it worthwhile or necessary to glue the magnets to a flat surface or is the round surface of a turned rotor OK?
Any guidance offered here would be much appreciated.
BTW, I have also just launched a blade pitch controlled 12 footer (pitch motivated by flyweights and restored by torsion springs, both on each of the three blade shafts). Seems to be working well so far........
Laurie Forbes
Calgary, Alberta