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Forum Index : Windmills : Digital timer/ tachometer?
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Sonny Regular Member  Joined: 17/01/2010 Location: United StatesPosts: 66 |
When I finally get my mill up and running something I would like to keep track of is the RPM I get at a specified wind speed. So I can fine tune the blades to work with the wind I have available here. We don't get much wind above 10mph. Here is what I am looking at to at least give me some of the data I will need to do this.Tachometer I'm sure some of you fellows have done this, if so could you give me some pointers?? Thanks Sonny a complete novice |
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Bolty Regular Member Joined: 03/04/2008 Location: AustraliaPosts: 81 |
I do not know what kind of alternator you are proposing. You may or may not be aware that most simple digital multimeters have a frequency setting. Using this on the AC output on your alternator will give an INDIRECT reading of RPM. If your needs for RPM are more stringent than this, this would not be suitable. For blade tuning however it should be entirely adequate. As an example, my alternator is 3 phase 9 pole. If my frequency meter is reading 27 Hz, this means that my alternator is doing 27/9 rotations per second. ie 3 rps or 180 rpm. This may be of help to you! |
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Greenbelt Guru  Joined: 11/01/2009 Location: United StatesPosts: 566 |
SONNY, The digital counter on the page you linked Has the capability of counting as slow as 60 rpm--1 turn per second up to 1000 rpm, You would need a sensor to mount on the rotor hub or generator Just a tiny magnet and a pickup coil. some sensors read a piece of reflecting tape. A battery powered sensor using infrared Like a TV remote can flash the info to a IR photo receiver This kind of setup will not need wires from the mill to the counter. This little luxury may get costly and I would suggest that BOLTY has the best answer. You have a good lookin Scooter. Greenbelt. Time has proven that I am blind to the Obvious, some of the above may be True? |
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| Sonny Regular Member Joined: 17/01/2010 Location: United StatesPosts: 66 |
Thank you Greenbelt and Bolty. I will take your advice. I have a digital vom on order. I did not know you could do this with them. I have had my old radio shack vom for maybe 30 years and had never had any need for a digital one till now. Thanks also Greenbelt for the compliment on the bike. I do like taking it out for a ride when I have the time. I thought when I retired I would have more time to ride but heck I stay busier now then I did when I was working.  a complete novice |
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| Catch66 Newbie  Joined: 13/03/2010 Location: United StatesPosts: 27 |
Hello today, 
I am also interested in a Tachometer & after getting search results. Sonny.how were the results.. On paper looks good. I went to your mentioned web site. Can this also be used with preset upper limits to shut down turbine when it over speeds. Using this on the 3 phase legs. To Auto control speed. Has anyone used this Tach. it runs on 12v and does have a 5 amp output relay. by using a couple of SSR with 12 vdc to trigger. Thanks |
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