Scoraig 2017 wind turbine workshop photos

The self-timer group photo session.

On this year’s course we built a 2F machine but with 16 magnets instead of the usual 12.  I have a cheap source of these smaller magnets.  The 2F is a “2 metre diameter Ferrite magnet wind turbine” which is documented in my 2F wind turbine construction manual.

The rpm is a little higher than the 12-pole version.  We played with adding an extra layer of magnets to one rotor, and got about 15% higher flux density (hence lower rpm) but I don’t think I will build any serious alternators stacked like that.

Most of the blade carving was done with drawknives but I did not get any pics of that.  It’s an easier procedure than the one in my Recipe Book and seems to give good results for this size of turbine.

I am very grateful to Kostas Latoufis for coming to help, and for putting up with me so patiently.  Also grateful to the five participants for their hard work and good company.

 

About hugh

I live off-grid in NW Scotland and have spent my life playing with wind turbines. I also love small hydros. Hands on renewable energy is my thing and I like to learn and to share my experiences.
This entry was posted in construction, courses, ferrite magnets, Scoraig. Bookmark the permalink.

4 Responses to Scoraig 2017 wind turbine workshop photos

  1. David Simms says:

    Looks like a fun time.
    just one question…Given that you are off-grid, did you use your system’s batteries to do the welding -I know that some people do that- or did you use a gas generator ?

    • hugh says:

      hi David,

      Yes we use the batteries and inverter to weld. Much better than a generator. Silent and smooth with instant power response. for many years I used a generator and it’s great to now have a big enough system to comfortably weld with it. A decent 48V battery and a 3kW inverter is all you need to run an inverter/welder (much more efficient than the old buzz box type). I have had many engine-based welders over the years but using renewables is by far better.

      cheers
      Hugh

      • David Simms says:

        Interesting…I use an inverter welder, myself, and I like it very much; small, light, DC output and it does a great job. When asking myself about welding with wind/solar, I’ve always considered the straight-off-the-battery approach but I like your approach more. It’s not as messy and, unlike an engine-welder, it’s not running even when you’re not striking an arc.

        years ago when we were running on wind, I had rebuilt a two-cylinder Wisconsin engine and I teamed it up with a 200A, 24 v aircraft generator for welding. It worked very well but had I set it up to dump charge into the batteries when not actually striking an arc, I could have justified it a bit better. I definitely prefer your idea and I’ll file it away for future use.

  2. Jimmy says:

    Lovely to see that well done

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