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WINDTURER power estimation with TRACKER software

A project log for 3D PRINTED PORTABLE WIND TURBINE

A small Portable Wind Turbine, mostly 3D printed!

adriancubasadriancubas 10/15/2022 at 17:100 Comments

I have been thinking of a simple methodology to correlate the data obtained from the generator, with the behavior of Windturer in normal operating conditions. I have had some accuracy difficulties with certain manual tachometers. I'm still looking for a quality one.

My first idea was to try to place optical sensors and multimeters on the Windturer while it was operating, but placing all that equipment can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Also recording the data can be challenging with the conditions and equipment that I have. Recreating a variable wind, similar to that of Windturer operation under normal conditions, is also another challenge.
The results that I show you below have limitations, but it can be a method of estimating performance.
With the battery installed and under the influence of the wind generated by a fan created with a BLDC drone motor, I was able to generate a wind of around 10.5km/h as seen in the anemometer placed in front of the Windturer.
By shooting with a slow video camera capable of 240 frames per second and using TRACKER software, a free video analysis and modeling tool built on the Open Source Physics (OSP) Java framework, I was able to make certain measurements, in particular the linear speed of the tip of the Blade for a short period of time.
Averaging the values in m/s and converting them to RPM, I was able to conclude that with a value of 10.5 km/h of wind, the rotor rotated at approximately 670 RPM. Correlating this value to those obtained in the generator measurements, it can be inferred that the battery charging current at that time was 0.3A or 300mA. At first glance it might seem like a low value, but keep in mind that 10 km/h of wind is not a high value, and in this case it is very turbulent.
There are complete guides to learn how to use this software and I think it may be appropriate for your measurements. See you!


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