Topic: Wind power on the allotment

[davee52uk]

I have just seen a picture as titled above. User philgoben has constructed a nice little wind turbine. Some questions:

1. You don't seem to have slip rings - does this work O.K. without them? Doesn't the wire get wrapped round the post

2. The post isn't very high. Books on wind generator state that these should be at least 20ft; again does this work?

3. What do you use the generated power for?

4. You have also a chimney coming out of the roof - for a stove?


I would like to know as I have (partly) made a generator about 20 ft high with blades about 75cm across. I only got so far and ran into a series of difficulties and so have left this for a bit.

[caroline7758]

Don't you need planning permission for that? ;D

[philgoben]

Hi There Yes the turbine does work It is used to power lights, charge battery's for the light in the chicken pen and run the alarm system. There is no slip ring as they they are unreliable. yes the wire does get wrapped round the pole but i just get a cane and push it around about once a week. It produces a max of 10watts but that is enough for what i need. Would be nice to have one about 2000 watt for heating then i would not need the stove. However there is 7000 volt pylon wires above the turbine so i will not be putting it any higher.
The Whole turbine cost about £15 to build using a stepper motor from ebay and the rest i had arround.
Pm or email me if you wish
Phil

[philgoben]

planning permission emm I asked the site manager and there was no problem. This is  a private site not council   

[star]

Im jealous......I want a woodburner at home. Let alone my lottie shed :(

Sounds great though........ ;)

[saddad]

Oh that sort of wind power... I thought it was another Bean Thread....
 :-[

[davee52uk]

Thanks for the information. I may go back to working on mine during the Winter.  I would liek to use it as a water pump but as the site is on a natural slope this may not be necessary.

Anyway thanks for an interesting use of alternative technology.

[dtw]

Where is the picture?

[philgoben]

click on view gallery below my user name for the picture.
It's a bit out of date as i have re built the turbine now with 4 stronger blades and balanced
everything. Please if you are going to build one don't use plastic for the blades as they self destruct in wind speeds over 30mph. As for the stove there is quite a few members who have these, some with large diameter pipes along the length of the green house and fans to circulate heat i'll try to get some photos if anyone is interested

[annppayne]

Viewed your gallery and I am very impressed with your allotment.   You are obviously technically minded and have the practicality to carry it out.

I am challenged in that area.   

However I am going to erect a frame for the blackberry bushes I recently bought.   Do you have any tips?  Will report back when the job is completed.   Probably with banaged fingers as it will involve the use of a saw and hammer !    ::)

[DavidW]

Phil,
      can you post the drawings / instructions on the turbine build and any additional info

Thanks in advance
David

[philgoben]

Give me a few days and I'll put something together, not sure if this is appropriate for this forum so  may be I'll put a page on my web site and pass the link on. There is lots of good info on the net you might want to try like www.otherpower.com
Phil