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shades2 | 03-09-2008 08:42 AM
Savonius wind generator I have read about a Savonius wind generator. It consists of a 55 gallon drum cut to shape and a car alternator. Interesting concept in a pinch, obviously not the most efficient generator known to mankind.

shades2 | 03-09-2008 08:58 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator Took a little searching, but here are fairly detailed plans for a hobby sized demonstrator model: http://www.re-energy.ca/pdf/wind-turbine.pdf http://www.re-energy.ca/t-i_windbuild-1.shtml It doesn't use a car alternator, but it should serve as a basis for larger wind generators.

Canadian-guerilla | 03-09-2008 09:01 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator Faroun Savonius Wind Turbine http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/sa...nd-turbine.jpg http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/sa...d-turbine2.jpg

Twisted Avatar | 03-09-2008 09:04 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator Great share !! I am trying to build a HUGE data base of pdf files(not tech savy but I do know how to downlaod pdfs).... just incase if they shut down the internet..... this is will be a GOOD KNOW HOW to have!!! Many thanks shade! T

Copperhead | 03-09-2008 09:07 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator Quote:
Originally Posted by Canadian-guerilla (Post 1002519) Faroun Savonius Wind Turbine http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/sa...nd-turbine.jpg http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/sa...d-turbine2.jpg
I like the concept I'm seeing here. Maybe it's not the most efficient generator known to mankind, but it looks like it is made to hold up when others will be on the ground.

shades2 | 03-09-2008 09:11 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator There is also a site called Picoturbine, I'm trying to find out a bit more about that turbine. http://www.picoturbine.com/projectlist.htm I'm glad you've found this interesting. The idea of hooking up a car alternator was so simple, it's all there, already engineered to go. Albiet not designed to survive outdoors too well. 'Let my armies be the rocks and the trees and the birds in the sky' Charlemagne

shades2 | 03-09-2008 09:12 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator Quote:
Originally Posted by Copperhead (Post 1002524) I like the concept I'm seeing here. Maybe it's not the most efficient generator known to mankind, but it looks like it is made to hold up when others will be on the ground.
Man that thing looks rugged. I'm pretty sure I've seen these on sailboats before, as they don't have the invariable space hogging and more dangerous spinning prop.

Copperhead | 03-09-2008 09:13 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator Quote:
Originally Posted by shades2 (Post 1002527) There is also a site called Picoturbine, I'm trying to find out a bit more about that turbine. http://www.picoturbine.com/projectlist.htm I'm glad you've found this interesting. The idea of hooking up a car alternator was so simple, it's all there, already engineered to go. Albiet not designed to survive outdoors too well. 'Let my armies be the rocks and the trees and the birds in the sky' Charlemagne
Keep us posted please.

Dave | 03-09-2008 09:23 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator The key to wind generation is achieving enough RPMs to generate power. You should check your local wind speed averages to see if this is possible or worth your time. Dave

shades2 | 03-09-2008 10:47 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave (Post 1002536) The key to wind generation is achieving enough RPMs to generate power. You should check your local wind speed averages to see if this is possible or worth your time. Dave
True, probably not that applicable to my situation, but hopefully useful for others. Doesn't require a degree in engineering or specialised equipment to build and generate small amounts of power which is nice. Could be used to run a battery charger or similar on a small scale, or an electric water pump or similar on a larger scale.

GoldWampum | 03-09-2008 12:30 PM
Re: Savonius wind generator Quote:
Originally Posted by shades2 (Post 1002509) I have read about a Savonius wind generator. It consists of a 55 gallon drum cut to shape and a car alternator. Interesting concept in a pinch, obviously not the most efficient generator known to mankind.
I've worked a lot with wind turbines and in-particular with vertical models. The split barrel type Savonius is indeed the most inefficient wind turbine I have ever witnessed. Just telling it like it is. Yeah, in a high wind regime it will produce power. However it also has trouble starting on it's own unless you have a big gust. Many of them use a starter when the wind reaches a particular speed. You are better off with a less radical curvature than a barrel offers and vertical turbines work best with some directors in place. I also have had better luck with 3 blades. If you are just looking to experiment and build something that will occasionally add a little power to your system, it can be fun. If you are looking to seriously supplement your usage and are not experienced with the vertical design, I'd say you are better off with a small prop. It works out of the box and starts at lower speeds and is more efficient. And it will pay for itself over that Savonius pretty quickly IMO. Still, when I build one it will likely be a vertical, but then I have huge experience with them and a plan in my head that is better than the best with which I've worked. Siting with wind turbines is also critical. For instance, a small vertical could be mounted on a roof structure or if on a rural property at a crest from a coulee or other area where wind is channeled. Just my nickel's worth but it is real nickel. :D

bsdetector | 03-09-2008 12:50 PM
Re: Savonius wind generator 1 Attachment(s) A practical scaled up version with promising output for the DIY'ers. Plans included. http://www.windstuffnow.com/main/lenz2_turbine.htm

GoldWampum | 03-09-2008 01:24 PM
Re: Savonius wind generator Taking a peak at the Faroun link. That concept has been around for a while too. If I am seeing it correctly, it blanks one side of the rotor, which directs the wind to side of the rotor. That model increases the efficiency, but at the same time diminishes it's omni-directional ability. I find the omni-directional capability one of the advantages of vertical wind turbines. As far as RPM goes, it is important if using a typical automotive alternator, since they are usually relatively linear with power output v. RPM. Larger ones can be found at places like Caterpillar supply stores. The DC can be used for lighting and other DC applications or inverted. Top of the line inverters used to be Trace Inverters. I haven't checked lately, but I assume it's still as good as what's out there. If you build big enough to produce more power, turning an induction motor and re-generating through a variable speed motor driver works well and RPM isn't as important as say... torque. Downside is that you may have to add a metering panel to display the parameters you want for generation instead, since they are most often designed to display and capture motor driver parameters. Most likely you are looking to keep it simple though, for both operation and parts.

GoldWampum | 03-09-2008 01:36 PM
Re: Savonius wind generator Keep in mind that this model is patented and this pic is from the patent, but notice the stators/directors (6) that direct the wind from any direction, and the rotor (3) blades. Also keep in mind that the general design is not patentable, only certain small particulars. Blade tips, equipment ratios and such. The general design is so friggin' old that it is considered common knowledge. In order to patent, it must be some new twist that adds value. Personally, I have several points that I could use to add value to the general model, but am not interested in a patent, just an improvement for my own use. This is of course a commercial model that is rather large, but they can be scaled up or down. http://peswiki.com/images/b/be/Wind_...015258_300.jpg

Unclad Lad | 03-09-2008 01:39 PM
Re: Savonius wind generator Quote:
I am trying to build a HUGE data base of pdf files(not tech savy but I do know how to downlaod pdfs).... just incase if they shut down the internet..... this is will be a GOOD KNOW HOW to have!!!
If the Internet is "shut down", you might not have a usable computer. Sort through them, find the best ones, and PRINT THEM OUT. Take it to kinkos, and they'll do a nice spiral bind for you. Yes, the Savonius is inefficient, but its also very low tech and can be built from junk that is just sitting around.

GoldWampum | 03-09-2008 02:10 PM
Re: Savonius wind generator Quote:
Originally Posted by Unclad Lad (Post 1002721) If the Internet is "shut down", you might not have a usable computer. Sort through them, find the best ones, and PRINT THEM OUT. Take it to kinkos, and they'll do a nice spiral bind for you. Yes, the Savonius is inefficient, but its also very low tech and can be built from junk that is just sitting around.
Like I said, fun project, but not much practical purpose. What do you get for your trouble? I think you will be disappointed but give it a shot. They are nothing more than a science project or a bridge to something better. A good project for a high school kid. You would be building the absolute worst wind turbine in the world. That's why it's cheap.

bsdetector | 03-09-2008 02:18 PM
Re: Savonius wind generator The performance of the self starting LENZ2 turbine is in the order of 400 watts, great for battery charging. For emergency power if SHTF these small turbines and others could help fill in the gap that solar panels leave. I own a small neodynium PMG turbine, a 5 foot alloy blade HAWT for just that reason. I won't be searching for gasoline or kerosene just to light up my humble abode or listen to the shortwave ...

Heimdhal | 03-10-2008 04:00 AM
Re: Savonius wind generator i am looking at a property with large amount of running natural water(springs and creeks) that I, should i purchase, would like to fashion some sort of damed water turbine. Anyone got any links for those :) Construction difficulty is not a big deal, it can be hard a tedious, ill manage. I want something that can adequatly supply power to residence, and/or suppliment solar. Any ideas?

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