At 02:00 PM 1/25/03 +0000, k_toral <k_toral@...> wrote:

>To clear where I stand, I'll make a list for a "practically
>viable and doable" wind turbine for one time do it yourselfer new
>comers.
>
>0.Spend time to read archives of this list, ask questions.
>
>1.Don't make your own generator, but still get copies of Hugh
>piggott's books.
>
>2.Find a surplus brushles PM motor with;
> -The power, and voltage rating close to your need.
> -RPM should be low enough to work without mechanical reduction.
> -Bench test it. You can't simply use plate data anymore.
>
>3.Armed with bench-test data, finalise your rotor design.
> -Use three blades, make the turbine horizontal.
> -Don't use any sort of variable pitching.
> -Make twisted blades only if you are handy, have the tools and have
> spare blade blanks.
> -Consider side furling.
>
>4.Raise your guyed tower with gin pole.
>
>5.Use least amount of electronics keep it simple.
>-Don't entertain the idea of grid connection.
>-Choose safety and reliability over fancy and high performance.
>
>List is getting longer and I gotta go as you do.
>
>Kerem Torl.

The above all sounds like good advice to me. I could add:

. make the blades from wood (don't mess with fibreglass or metal)

. use power devices such as a radial arm or band saw to rough out the
blades (as opposed to carving them)

. build everything heavy duty (base, bearings, shafts, tower etc).

Laurie Forbes

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