From: nojunk@knology.net   
      
   On 12/11/2014 1:15 PM, Paul Dudley wrote:   
   > On Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:26:14 -0500, adsDUMP wrote:   
   >   
   >> Most treadmills use DC motors - typically in the 100-150 volt range.   
   >>   
   >> If the treadmill motor is a permanent magnet motor, you can easily make   
   >> it into a DC generator.   
   >>   
   >>   
   >> On Tue, 09 Dec 2014 13:54:10 -0600, Paul Dudley   
   >>  wrote:   
   >>   
   >>> I've recently began to dabble with PV and since we do tend to get some   
   >>> good breezes (Harnett County NC)I've decided to try my luck at wind   
   >>> turbine energy as well. I've been reading about how people turn a   
   >>> treadmill motor into a generator.   
   >>>   
   >>> My PV is the HF 45 watt set. It does a great job of providing lights in   
   >>> my barn (it comes with 2 12vdc lights). I have an HF 2000/4000w inverter   
   >>> hanging off it and when the batteries are fully charged I run my drill,   
   >>> recip-saw or circ-saw etc. But certain days with lack of sun the panels   
   >>> barely push 11.8v. Yet the wind is blowing my neighbors lawn decor   
   >>> windmill full speed.   
   >>>   
   >>> 1 ) I've run up on a Roadmaster Corp Vitamaster 500 treadmill for $20.   
   >>> Does anyone know what sort of motor it would have and would it be   
   >>> suitable for said needs ? I've searched the web for any info on them but   
   >>> can't seem to find any manuals or info.   
   >>>   
   >>> 2) If the above motor wouldn't be suitable than I've considered trying   
   >>> to rebuild a ceiling fan into an alternator. Anyone have any luck with   
   >>> one ?]   
   >>>   
   >>>    TIA   
   >>>   
   >>>   Paul   
   >   
   >    Well ... I went to see about the treadmill today and it was gone.   
   >   Thanks to those who replied. ... Still lookin'   
   >   
   >    Paul   
   >   
      
     Depending on the size of your propeller, you could go to the junk yard   
   and get an alternator from a car. If you are at all resourceful, you can   
   probably come up with an alternator without spending any dollars, there   
   are literally millions around. I don't mean steal it, someone around you   
   is junking a car.   
     How big is your prop? How about a Savonius rotor? Keeps everything   
   near ground, easy to work on.   
     Here are a few examples,   http://tinyurl.com/ngw5pbm   
     Give us an idea of what power you plan on generating, is a 1000 watts   
   max enough? A 100 amp alternator will do that.   
   Find some average wind speed maps for your area, get some info to start   
   working with.   
                                    Mikek   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)