Hi Peoples,

As a newbie to F&P alternators and wind generated electricity, I figured I could run a little "My Place" topic so you guys could follow my progress.

At the moment I have a series 80 F&P motor rewired as a S/P as per Gizmo's instructions - I have also just finished decogging it. I have chosen to build a VAWT design that resembles ED's design from WindStuffNow

I was originally going to set the F&P alternator in a box with the complete unit inside the box - bearing housing exposed to the topside and mount the VAWT to the shaft. The VAWT will be 60cm dia. X 100cm high.

After seeing that EcoInnovation are now building their 400 series windmills with the blades attached to the rotor end of the shaft - I decided to do the same with my VAWT - the whole unit braced by a steel frame.

I'm going to put all the electronics inside the box. I had some concerns about this - heat related, but now that I'm mounting the F&P alternator this way, I can attach a small fan to the lower shaft inside the box to provide cooling.

I've use 2x 35A bridge rectifiers to create my DC current, which I believe is good for 35A with a decent heat sink. BTW, I can crack out 15-20 volts by hand turn. I have a third rectifier there ready if I need - I believe this with give me 40-50A + capacity.

I have also purchased a K220 shunt regulator kit from Oatley Electronics - looking forward to putting that together.

I must admit that I'm kinda exited about all this because it's a LONG time since I was involved in a project that provided such enthusiasm.

Greg