Wind Generators

Status
Not open for further replies.

tom baker

First Chief Moderator & NEC Expert
Staff member
Location
Bremerton, Washington
Occupation
Master Electrician
Are DC wind generators alternators with either a mechanical commutator or solid state rectifier? Is the output DC or AC
Wouldn't the smaller generators be pure DC like the old automotive generators?
 
Are DC wind generators alternators with either a mechanical commutator or solid state rectifier? Is the output DC or AC
Wouldn't the smaller generators be pure DC like the old automotive generators?

I haven't seen all of them, but I'll bet they are rectified 3 phase alternators just like cars.

Old automotive DC generators are no longer used for a good reason. They require more material for the same amount of output, thus are larger and heavier, and also have a very low output at low speeds, compared to an alternator. Also, there is no way to make a brushless DC generator.

The Swifts are 3 phase with a permanent magnet rotor. It is a brushless design. There are slip rings, but that is to keep a connection as the turbine is moving with the wind.

That doesn't mean a person couldn't make a wind turbine using an old style generator. But for commercial applications, the alternator design is the best.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top