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Forum Index : Windmills : Low friction anemometer
| Author | Message | ||||
moose4621 Newbie  Joined: 10/01/2012 Location: AustraliaPosts: 30 |
After my first attempt at an anemometer got shot down in flames for it's lack of weather resistance, I had an idea for a low friction design using neo's for bearings. I had a look on the net but couldn't find any similar attempts, not that I spent that much time looking. So this morning I threw together my idea and am pleased with the results so far. It starts spinning with an almost undetectable breeze an smoothly accelerates as the breeze increases. 
As you can see, I have used a small 10 x 2mm neo top and bottom and are recessed into the pvc housings far enough that the 1/8" dia piano wire shaft cannot escape from it's home. The shaft is ground to a point on both ends. The sensor magnets are recessed into the bottom of the rotor and the base has a recess for the hall effect sensor. I've tried to spin it off it's axis but those magnets hold it pretty well and if I do manage to up set it momentarily, it quickly jumps back to centre and continues spinning. But this is in extreme circumstances. The 20 x 4mm alluminium flat bar mount has a set screw where the two pieces meet. This is to adjust the distance between the magnets so that there is a small clearance between the top of the shaft and the top magnet. The spokes are 3mm stainless steel and the cups are 1mm alluminium sheet pressed into cups. My next improvement might be top use carbon fibre spokes and plastic cups to reduce the weight of the rotor assembly. I probably should replace the steel shcs's with nylon or s/s bolts too. Apart from that I think it's ready to go. He who dies with the most toys, wins! |
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