A small scale learning system

[RedLance]

Ok, so we tore down the tree house that came with the property when we bought it.  It was rotted pretty badly.  So now we are planning to build a new one.

I want to install a small RE system into this new tree house.

I have 4 VW 3 watt solar panels, and an old house window to install like a skylight to mount the panels under.  I'm not sure if I'll need a charge controller for these or not.

I also don't know yet which battery I'm going to use.  I was going to use a 54amp hour gell cell, from surpluscenter.com, but they are out of them.  I'll probably just get a marine "deep cycle" battery, at least to start with.

We scrapped out a few very old printers at work, and I got a bunch of motors...One of them specs out as follows:

LEESON direct current permanent magnet motor

811803-001

Model: CM34D9NZ1C

CAT.NO.: M1130012.10

VOLTS: 50

RPM: 975

AMPS: 3.6

H.P.: 1/8   FR. :34

DUTY: CONT  AMB.: 40 C

ENCL: TENV  F.F.: 1.00

INS.: H1    TYPE: DN

                  C94A

I also have a 24 volt one, with similar specs, but 3 amps.  I'm assuming these would work for wind generators...what kind/size of prop should I use?

Any recommendations overall?  I figure this will run a couple lights, LEDs if I can find suitable ones, otherwise probably 1156 bulbs, a car stereo a fan or 2 and a couple of lighter sockets for occasional use.

[elvin1949]

  I would NOT use the 1156 bulb [30something watts]

Use CFL bulbs,i have a 7 watt over my computer,plenty bright.I have a 4 watt cfl in my bathroom,bright enough to shave by.A little small to read by but i can read by the 7 watt.

 You need to talk to Ghurd about the stepper motors for wind,some work good some not so good.

 later

Elvin

[DamonHD]

I use a 3W cool white LED to work by in the evening...

Rgds

Damon

[Nothing40]

If you've scrapped any old scanners,Save the CCFL and the driver,along with the optical bits-They contain pieces of mirror that can be used to reflect the light a bit more.

Here's a pic of a simple one I made one evening,and have been using daily (nightly) ever since! It only draws about 5-6W,and makes a pretty good amount of light.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa154/Nothing40/SolarStuff/PICT0040.jpg

[RogerAS]

Hey,

Here's a couple shots of some of MY stepper based turbines. They work. They're cheap, and easy to build. Been doin' this for years.

[RedLance]

If it makes a difference, the motor I listed above is not a stepper motor.  I got a bunch of steppers and servo motors too, but they are all smaller then this one.  This one seems to be along the lines of the 50 volt Ametek motors.

Should I get a set of carbon fiber blades off ebay or are they not worth it?  How did you make your blades?

Thanks!

[jonas302]

Here is a bunch of info on pvc blades that are popular with the small moters http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/4/19/161431/811

[RogerAS]

Hey,

I cut my blade out of plastic 55 gal drums. I made a paper pattern and taped it along the drum on a slight angle. I then used my little jig saw to make the cuts. Simple quick and easy. These are hard to balance though because the barrels vary in thickness in short distances. There is an upper size limit too. When they get big and the sun heats them up they get limber and distort. A propane torch can be used to tweak the twist and cupping to tune them.

Small wooden blades would spin my steppers. Blades aren't the issue with these. Internal resistance limits the amp output. However when one adds several as a small farm the amps start to add up.

There are so many types of steppers out there to be salvaged it can become confusing.

Take care.

[Bruce S]

RedLance;

   On using the VW panels, you could link these together in parallel just like the big panels are done.

The output will be low enough you shouldn't need to worry about needing a charge controller, if you're going to only use these while building the 'mill.

These are good units , behind the window though, you will get a lower output from them, so if you can mount them say on the roof of the tree-house they'll do better.

You could get hold of the LED replacements for the 1156ers, but pricey, and CFL or CCFLs will give beeter light for lot less. You could even pick up a couple of the battery powered CFL light at lowes/home depot types places. Not too pricey and can have batteries in them incase 12 batt gets too low.

Once you get going on a few of the steppers you should then go with some kind of controller, there's a few designs on here that are as good as the retail versions.

Best of Luck send pics when possible :-)

Bruce S

[wooferhound]

I'm wondering about the VW Solar panels too

you want to put them on a treehouse. But solar panels don't like Shade at all, not even a little bit.

[DamonHD]

But maybe pointing straight up just for diffuse light wouldn't be too bad.

Just derate to maybe 10% of nominal Wp to avoid disappointment.

Rgds

Damon

[elvin1949]

 It just crossed my mind.HF sells 12volt led worklights [drop lights].I don't remember the price but it is cheap enough i almost bought one when i was broke.[3 days before payday]

 later

Elvin

[Bruce S]

elvin;

 Saw one hooked up and turned on, way ugly off blue instead of white.

BUT it didn't break when the guy dropped it on purpose.

Didn't buy either, cart was full pocket was empty :-)

Cheers

Bruce S

[RedLance]

Well, after we tore down the old tree house, we discovered that the tree is not in very good shape...

So, we talked the kids into building it on top of the current large wooden play structure, so it will be out in the back yard, with no shade.

[Bruce S]

Well, that's a bummer for a tree-house idea, but good for the solar panels.

Since you'll be using small panels, pointing them, or hanging them on the south side of the fort :-) will give you the most charging time. Try to angle them about 10 degrees from laying completely flat with panel staring straight up at the sun, this angle for best sun angle for most all day, and may be different where you are located. I'm in the Midwest and mine is a whole lot more.

Good luck with the project.

Bruce S

 

[elvin1949]

  Bruce

 Seems to be a lot of that empty pocket syndrome

stuff around lately.

later

Elvin