Building a Wind Generator with a DC Motor

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on building a wind generator using a DC motor, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate motor size and blade dimensions for optimal power generation. Participants suggest researching commercially available wind turbines to understand the relationship between blade size and power output. A key resource mentioned is the Betz's Law formula, which relates power generation to wind speed and turbine area. Additionally, the conversation highlights various methods for designing blade shapes, including ideal calculations, empirical data tables, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of DC motor specifications and power ratings
  • Familiarity with Betz's Law and its application in wind energy
  • Basic knowledge of fluid dynamics principles, including the momentum equation
  • Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research commercially available wind turbines to analyze power output versus blade size
  • Study the application of Betz's Law in wind turbine design
  • Explore the momentum equation in fluid dynamics for wind energy calculations
  • Learn about CFD modeling software for optimizing blade shapes
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, engineers, and renewable energy enthusiasts interested in designing and optimizing wind generators using DC motors.

wright3400
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Hi everyone. This is my first time trying this. So please be gentle. My question is to do with a dc motor. I want to build a wind generator and I am trying to figure out what size motor to start with and try to size the blades to get the best out of it. I know that their is a lot of other questions, but I can at least get started. Thanks
 
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Welcome to PF!

How much power do you want to generate? Have you looked at commercially available wind turbines to see how much power goes with what size blades?
 
wright3400 said:
out what size motor to start with and try to size the blades to get the best out of it. I know that their is a lot of other questions, but I can at least get started. Thanks

At the bottom of this section is a formula for power as a function of wind speed and turbine area. Just guess the 'power coefficient' and match that result to the motor power.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betz'_law#Betz.27_law_and_coefficient_of_performance

There are many levels of difficulty in designing the blade shapes depending on how much you want to optimize it. You could use some ideal calculations (perhaps see 'momentum equation' for fluids), empricial data tables or CFD modelling.
 

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