2015-05-15 (F) Weekly Summary

Test stations were constructed out of shelf hangers but the idea was abandoned in favor of PVC. A diagram for the PVC station was sketched on graph paper. Originally the designed used 3/4" PVC pipes for only the areas where the turbines and generator attached and 2" PVC would be used as the main support arm. After feeling the rigidity of the schedule 40 PVC the larger PVC seemed unnecessary.

Abandoned idea of using shelf brackets

Early PVC schematic

An advantage to the PVC design is the spacing provided by couplers. Bearings can be inserted into 1/2" PVC couplers if they are bored out slightly which has been done in the past. This time adapters were modeled and printed so bearings could be put right on 3/4" PVC couplers. Files for the adapters are available on the project pages. Prints were made in white since it was the filament color on hand and happened to match the pluming PVC.

Model of adapter

Print of adapter

Two adapters were printed and inserted into a 3/4" PVC T. A pulley and bolts were assembled and nutted together. Bottles were added, but not yet modified, and spun to give an idea of what a simple turbine will look like.

Rudimentary vision of turbine

Mounts were made for the motors and 3/4" PVC spacers were cut to put distance between the generator and turbine. The spacing was based on a rubber O-ring purchased from a surplus store for the purpose of connecting the pulley on the generator and the pulley attached to the turbine. Some tension can be felt on the band which is desirable. The rubber O-rings were elastic.

Generator connected to turbine pulley

Three five foot segments of 2" PVC were assembled in a T shape to make a base for the test stations. A horizontal piece will connect to balcony railing while vertical pieces will hold the test stations. Each test station will be held by 3/4" angle pieces which have been attached with small vertical pieces to ensure they don't rotate.

Base pieces

24" threaded rods were purchased for each station. Each rod is 5/16-24 size and thread. 8mm threaded rod would work with appropriate hardware. Hardware was laid out in a line to show which parts go where and in what order. Electronics are still needed.

Station without electronics

Order of parts for a station

Five assembled stations without electronics

The rest of the weekly summaries have been arranged by date.





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