Converting 12V wind genset to 48V?

softdown

I should set up my unused wind genset now that I have a bucket truck and can safely service the unit. It has an automotive alternator. Thinking I’ve read it can be converted to 48V? 

Bought it over 10 years ago, I’m sure the little Alaskan fab shop has moved on.

softdown

Question is how to convert a 12V automotive alternator to 48V. Perhaps youtube has a vid.

softdown

Heard it is simple but have not found a simple way to do it.

BB.

I would not do it--But there are voltage doublers (and 3x...) just using diodes and capacitors:

https://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/Voltage-doubler-circuit.php

https://itecnotes.com/electrical/electrical-voltage-multiplier-step-by-step-explanation/

Note sure how you would wire with a 3 phase alternator with these multiplier circuits... And for high currents, probably need pretty large capacitors (and diodes).

Otherwise, run a 12 volt bus/battery and use a standard electronic Boost Converter to whatever voltage you want... Still not a "simple/cheap" setup (extra 12 volt battery, etc.).

https://www.amazon.com/dc-buck-converter/s?k=dc+to+dc+buck+converter

Finding a >40 VDC output simple/cheap boost converter may not be easy either.

-Bill

softdown

thinking more about it - I suspect it might be most efficient to use it charge a smallish 12V battery bank and run evening/early morning power gobblers off of it. 

Marc Kurth

softdown said:

thinking more about it - I suspect it might be most efficient to use it charge a smallish 12V battery bank and run evening/early morning power gobblers off of it. 

That makes sense to me because the net power produced is not likely to be monstrous. If it turns out to be a good healthy, reliable power producer, you can expand it.

Hoping all is well with you and yours.

Marc

softdown

Marc Kurth said:

softdown said:

thinking more about it - I suspect it might be most efficient to use it charge a smallish 12V battery bank and run evening/early morning power gobblers off of it. 

That makes sense to me because the net power produced is not likely to be monstrous. If it turns out to be a good healthy, reliable power producer, you can expand it.

Hoping all is well with you and yours.

Marc

Only recall reading one book about wind energy. That book stated that the useful range for "home grade” wind gensets was ~15 - 30mph. This is a windy area but I doubt the wind falls in that range more than 10-15% of the time. Might be wrong if mounted high enough though. I see the commercial grade wind gensets turning, at a useful speed, when ground speed is only ~10mph. 

BB.

Those are also on 30 meter towers (generally residential "grade" systems) to 140 meter towers (100-140 being utility grade systems).

Your mileage may vary (just a quick search, don't know anything about link)

-Bill

1. https://windexchange.energy.gov › maps-data

   WINDExchange: Wind Energy Maps and Data

   Wind Energy Maps and Data. Find maps and charts showing wind energy data and trends. Filter by Turbine Hub Height. 30-Meter Residential 40-Meter Wind Speed 50-Meter Community 60-Meter Wind Speed 100-Meter Land-Based 100-Meter Offshore Also See: Data by State. Tutorial: ...

   • 30-Meter Residential

     30-Meter Residential - WINDExchange: Wind Energy Maps and Data

   • 90-Meter Offshore

     90-Meter Offshore - WINDExchange: Wind Energy Maps and Data

   • 80-Meter Land-Based

     80-Meter Land-Based - WINDExchange: Wind Energy Maps and Data

   • 140-Meter Potential

     140-Meter Potential - WINDExchange: Wind Energy Maps and Data

   • Wind Energy State Information

     Wind Energy State Information. Select a state below to find state-specific data and information about wind energy, including maps, capacity, ordinances, and more.

   • 50-Meter Community

     50-Meter Community - WINDExchange: Wind Energy Maps and Data

   
   

softdown

Whatever it takes to bring down our energy bills. Oh wait.