Quote:
Originally Posted by Daox
It looks like 3 phase AC being rectified to DC.
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In the 1st paragraph of the instructable it says, "It's a permanent magnet alternator,
generating 3 phase ac, rectified to dc, and fed to a charge controller."
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I'm puzzled at their selection of bearings. They have chosen, unsealed roller bearing ("harley bearings"). These bearings are designed for a primary load that is perpendicular to the line of rotation (like a wheel on the road). However, the primary windmill load will be in-line with the axis of rotation (like a merry-go-round). Sealed ball bearings would be a better choice, and radial bearings would be the best choice to deal with on-axis loading.
Since the windmill is elevated and exposed to weather, water-sealing is crucial. Their unsealed 'harley bearing' (or any other bearing) will require precise supplemental seals to have any appreciable life.
But it looks like this is their first draft, so a second version will likely be called for in the near future.
-AC