greentheo

Version 2.1 of the CR especial turbine has been completed and attached the base mounting structure.  .

Here is a nice shot of the turbine down in Waco, TX.

And a video.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BZBJ2lzE5U[/youtube]

Dimensions:

• 24" diameter X 60" blade height
• 4" wide blades constructed from 4" drainage PVC cut into thirds.

Other stats:

• All PVC for the blades, shaft and connections.
•  Current mounting height.. about 10'
• Total cost excluding generating engine - ~$50

A nice feature that Bryan added was putting a coupling in the middle of the shaft so that the blades could be phased into the wind spreading the torque of the blades throughout the rotation.

Performance and future work:

• Wind down in Waco isn't especially strong and consistent... but even so at 10' and with really small blades, the windmill does turn.  Next steps:  Elevate to 30', build replica in CO and take to top of Front range for testing.
•  The blades used are 4" wide, and have little aerodynamic lift.  The windmill often gets stuck facing into the wind in slow wind speeds. Next steps: Craft light wings which create lift and are closer to12" long.
• The diameter of the turbine is 24", this provides the ability for higher RPM's but lowers the turning torque.  Next steps: widen out to 48" diameter and retest.
• The height of the turbine is an overall 60", not bad, but the 4" PVC for the shaft can go to at least 2 times longer without causing flexing issues.  Next steps: increase height to 96"-120"

We don't have any readings on the wind speed and power efficiency... mostly because we don't have the equipment.

But... if you're reading this, like the project, and have 300 dollars to donate to a tax deductible ministry please shoot me an email at munkey906 at gmail.com... we'll get some good data recorded and analyzed asap!