Using DC Motor as Generator to Build a Wind Turbine

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of using a permanent magnet DC motor from a treadmill as a generator for a homemade wind turbine. Participants explore the electrical readings obtained from the motor and seek advice on its functionality and setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports attempting to use a treadmill DC motor as a generator and describes the electrical readings obtained with a multimeter, noting a lack of voltage readings but a current reading of around 10 amps.
  • Another participant questions the method of testing, suggesting that without a load, voltage may not be registered, and emphasizes the need for a proper setup to measure output effectively.
  • There is a discussion about the term "chucked," with one participant clarifying it refers to mounting the spindle for testing.
  • One participant expresses confidence that the motor should work as a generator, given the current reading, but questions whether the multimeter was set correctly to measure voltage.
  • Suggestions are made regarding the motor's operational speed and the potential need for additional mechanical effort to generate significant output.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of confidence in the motor's ability to function as a generator, with some agreeing it should work while others highlight the need for proper testing methods and setups. No consensus is reached on the effectiveness of the current testing approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using a load to measure voltage and the potential limitations of the multimeter settings. There is uncertainty regarding the appropriate method to test the motor's output effectively.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY wind turbine projects, electrical engineering enthusiasts, and those exploring the use of DC motors in alternative energy applications may find this discussion relevant.

7yler
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I am attempting to build a wind turbine, as many have successfully. I have read that a permanent magnet dc motor out of a treadmill will serve well as the generator for the turbine. I'm not very electrically savvy, but I'm attempting to learn. I have posted pictures of the motor, and the multimeter that I'm using. I hooked up the red wire on the motor to the red wire on my meter, and the black wire on the motor to the black wire on my meter. I then chucked the spindle of the motor and spun it in my drill to see if I could get a reading on the meter. I had no reading on any of the "DC V" settings, and no reading on any of the "AC V" settings. BUT, I did have a reading of around 10 on the "12A" setting. I tested all settings turning the motor clockwise, and well as ccw. What does this mean? Am I able to use this as a generator for a wind turbine? :confused: Thanks for any help.
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What does "chucked" mean? That's designed to run at 7,100 rpm and 2.5 hp. You'll need some serious effort to make it show much of an output. A pull-string like on a lawnmower might do it.

Should work, though.
 
Chucked, as in mounted the spindle and turned it. A pull string? I don't quite follow.
 
Sorry, your picture is so big, some of your post got cut off - you used a power drill you say? I would think you could register some current (the amps), but without any load on it such as a resistor, you won't register any voltage.
 
Nice motor.

It is probably working OK if you can get 10 amps out of it as a generator.

Your multimeter requires you to move the red wire to the VOLT_OHM position to read voltage. Did you do this?

Have you tried to use it as a motor by attaching it to a 12 volt battery?
 

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