DaytonDave wrote:

Again, I'm only getting REALLY interested in these windmills... am search all such information myself. It seems really difficult to dig out. I understand that 10-15 mph wind is about what's needed, anything over that the blade is either pitch controlled, magnetically and/or frictionally braked. All done in the gear box. I did see where the Univ. of Wisconson (at Milwaukee) was just awarded a sizable grant (stimulus money) to study gearboxes which currently have a lifespan of about 5 years. I havn't found the RPM/torque spec's or nothing, maybe you can contact them...don't recall they webpage address (GE Wind is another good place to look). I wonder about the effects of ice and required lighting, as well.... I have to deal with them on my TV towers (have three, each at 1000AGL). I would have to imagine the generator RPM/torque specs would be fairly standard.... you could try to get some Catapiller or Kohler diesel power generator info for those specs (I operate one of each, at work... a 600kw and a 1000kw... running two TV stations... transmitters, air conditioning, studio and control rooms, 100%.... there's a 25kw battery UPS to keep the computers going until the diesel fires and runs up to speed... about 15 sec. after loss of grid).
 
In checking other things, I think that a PTO (farm tractor power take-off) operates near 600RPM and a PTO generator at Tractor Supply specs at 18hp for a 10kw generator. I seen another 1kw generator, belt drive, needed 5hp but didn't get the RPM. Hope that helps!
 
BTW.. the Air Force Museum also has a restoration hanger... it's 'on base' and you have to take a bus to get to it. It's not open all the time, was there a couple of times but didn't see the A&P's anywhere (think it was the weekend).  Yeah... to see EVERYTHING out there... it's a three day, continuous walking event.

alrampone wrote: Dave, let me pick your brain about wind energy. What is the largest KW generator your devices can run? What rpm must the generator turn to produce electricity? Who are some of the US manufactures of the generator?  By the way, I've been to the Air Force Museum, AWESOME!!! Only one better place, Silverhill MD. About 12 large hangers where they rebuild planes for the Smithonian. You can talk to the A&Ps. Its by appointment only. Thankyou  Al

 

Dave, my name is Al Rampone. I am a retired helicopter pilot. I am part of a group building a 30ft diameter pnumatic water wheel. It will develope 5,475hp at 8 rpm. It should run a 3.75mw generator and provide clean electricity to 3,600 American homes. These devices can be placed in industrial parks next to the end user. This will eliminate long transmission lines. (the grid)

 

Thanks for the note! I'm just "getting here", just registered today. I don't have any current projects that I'm working on, hope to get into the business tho. Do know a couple of other retired helicopter pilots, being from Dayton (Home of the Air Force)... I'm only a fixed wing pilot, VFR at that (sunday afternoon, rubber band, puddle jumper type!). Will look forward to some pictures of your project, when you get them. I remain mostly interested in wind energy now.... being familiar with planes. I know the PV cells too but  just don't get as interested in them.

Dave, my name is Al Rampone. I am a retired helicopter pilot. I am part of a group building a 30ft diameter pnumatic water wheel. It will develope 5,475hp at 8 rpm. It should run a 3.75mw generator and provide clean electricity to 3,600 American homes. These devices can be placed in industrial parks next to the end user. This will eliminate long transmission lines. (the grid)

I do have CAD drawings of my device, and pictures of my small crew working on the project. I will have to get someone to show me how to post them to my site. As you can see my site is not as elaborate as yours.

Hi, my name is Al Rampone. I share your concern for cleaning up the planet and I am doing my part. I am building a 30ft diameter pnumatic water wheel. It will develope 5,475hp at 8rpm. It will power a3.75mw  generator that can provide clean electricity to 3,600 American homes. My device will use almost no fuel and create no exhaust.