Wind turbines

[bm_cricket]

Hi everyone. You may remember me from such ePlaya threads as "How choose batteries" and "How to choose art cars" but today I would like to discuss a serious and real concern: How to choose a wind turbine generator.

I'm going to build a small wind turbine and it will really just be used at Burning Man. Does anybody know someone on ePlaya who has experience with wind turbine generators? This, clearly, won't be cheaper than me hauling out the generator that I already own, using the equipment I already own, or buying the 15 gallons in gas that I always do... but it will make me feel better.

What do you guys use for wind power at Burning Man. I want to get a motor from eBay. I think it's pretty easy to do, I just need to choose the right one. I know that I'm not the first one to build one, and I'm not the first Burner to do it. I've found lots of advice on the internet on choosing motors, but none of it so far has been by one of you lovely nut-jobs.

[unjonharley]

Taihaar had/has a wind generator on his bus.. He is pretty sharp.. Might want contact him..

[ranger magnum]

There is a place in Ventura CA. that makes bad ass wind turbines. Don't know the name offhand, but they know their shit.

[bm_cricket]

Does their name rhyme with Mindy Station? There is a place with a name that is similar to that located at 398 S. Ash St., Unit C, Ventura, CA that does in fact look like it knows a thing or two about wind power. Thanks!

[pink]

Lacivious bought Retrofrolic's wind turbine from them. May want to contact him.

[Bless]

If you build one, please document it with photos and video for eplaya consumption!

[bm_cricket]

If you build one, please document it with photos and video for eplaya consumption!

When I finally get around to doing it, yes, yes I will. The first step for me is working out what parts I actually need to buy vs the parts I can get away with finding for free. Hmmmm.

But yes. Time to blow the dust off my camera and take some pictures.

[bm_cricket]

Lacivious bought Retrofrolic's wind turbine from them. May want to contact him.

I don't know him. I don't seem to see that name on ePlaya. Could you PM me with more to help?

[Tiahaar]

ah! I just found your thread after replying to your PM...will put the pic out here too. Mine is a permanent magnet alternator (pma) by hornet, they replace the core of a heavy duty alternator with magnets so that the thing starts making useable voltage at low rpms. I used to have a big 40voltdc tape drive motor as my generator but it kinda lasted only 2 years in the playa dust. My current one will charge at 5-10 amps in a steady breeze and peg my 30 amp meter in a stiff wind heh. I turn it off (a double pole/throw switch disconnecting from battery and shorting the pma leads puts on the brakes) when a windstorm comes ups, need heavier meter and wires for full rating use. Haven't put it up the last 2 years 'cause I'm lazy and have more solar panels

[theCryptofishist]

Lacivious bought Retrofrolic's wind turbine from them. May want to contact him.

I don't know him. I don't seem to see that name on ePlaya. Could you PM me with more to help?

He used to be trishntek. He hasn't posted much under the new name. pink is in his camp.