rotary electrical connector

I've been looking at plans for diy wind generators. None of the plans for horizontal generators address a need for a rotary electrical connector in the pivot so the generator can follow the wind 360 degrees without wrapping the power wires around the tower. The only rotary connectors I can find look to be pretty expensive. I am wondering if there cheaper options or other means to solve this problem.

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: rotary electrical connector

    The website and forum below are dedicated to wind power--Perhaps they have some better sources/information for you about your slip rings and DIY Wind questions:

    http://www.otherpower.com/
    http://www.fieldlines.com/board/

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • niel
    niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: rotary electrical connector

    brushes come to my mind.
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Re: rotary electrical connector
    jcdd wrote: »
    I've been looking at plans for diy wind generators. None of the plans for horizontal generators address a need for a rotary electrical connector in the pivot so the generator can follow the wind 360 degrees without wrapping the power wires around the tower. The only rotary connectors I can find look to be pretty expensive. I am wondering if there cheaper options or other means to solve this problem.

    Often, the cables are dropped down through the tower, with an Anderson connector at chest level, where there is an access port into the tower. Weekly, or monthly, you open the port, un-plug the connector, and unwind the twists. Seems to work better than brushes and slip-rings.
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