Unique Savonius wind turbine
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tractorgp
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tractorgp
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Here's another video of the Savonius turbine. You can't see it but I have a small mechanical load on the turbine (a strap on the shaft with a small weight attached). Stops to control the limits of the augmenter/overspeed rotational range are now in place and most of the bolts/nuts are set permanently in place in preparation for a pickup truck speed test.
woodlandfarms
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Not as easy to build on your own, think it produces the same but has a bit less footprint.
Silent rooftop wind turbines could generate half of a household's energy needs : TreeHugger
Silent rooftop wind turbines could generate half of a household's energy needs : TreeHugger
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tractorgp
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Thanks for that link. An interesting machine for sure. Making the blades a challenge for home made. Looks like it would fit in the drag category (as opposed to a lift machine) and probably more expensive to produce compared with a typical small HAWT. Didn't notice any mention of overspeed control so must be by means of electronics only (not necessarily the best idea in terms of reliability). Also they must have had no shortage of development funds judging by the use of wind tunnels, etc. Didn't see any numbers re noise output, efficiency, etc.
woodlandfarms
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I think the Savonius are a fantastic setup, especially in the "homemade" category. I have a few more articles on this spinning cone design and if any have specs will forward but yeah, there is no way I could build their version for sure....
woodlandfarms
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Is this odd-looking wind turbine the most efficient you can buy? - The Washington Post
Hugely negative and well researched article
Hot air around a wind turbine | Skepsis Blog
Hugely negative and well researched article
Hot air around a wind turbine | Skepsis Blog
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tractorgp
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From what I have observed you have to take most claims on unique windmills/turbines with a grain of salt. Darrieus and Savonius are the only true inventors of viable machines in terms of recent history (1900's on). Lots of other inventions (including some of my own) have improved the concepts in terms of efficiency, better self starting, smoother operation, and overspeed control. But for the most part, in my opinion, there is a lot of hype associated with it all. For both drag and lift machines efficiency deficiencies can be compensated for with a slight change in turbine swept area - so generally speaking no big deal. BUT I truly enjoy checking out the different ideas that come up
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BHD
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how tall do you plan on installing this machine?
and if it is horizontal how does it orient it to the wind direction?
and if it is horizontal how does it orient it to the wind direction?
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tractorgp
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I have a tower from a small horizontal axis machine that I had up 25 years ago. The tower is only about 6 feet high (but I have other sections that I could add later) and that will be mounted in my pickup for some tests. The machine has a tail assembly and when mounted the machine will yaw to follow the wind. My posted videos do not show the tower and bearing mounted shaft that the machine fits on. Lately I've been working on improvising a simple tachometer and anemometer to give me some idea about what's go on during the tests. Will also make video recordings.