This is the second prototype of my wind power project. The first version was based upon an old, scrounged DC motor with the props constructed from balsa wood. It flew very well but produced little power due to the size of the motor. This version uses an improved stepper motor design (not yet wired up) which I purchased from Ebay. Although it still retains the original balsa wood/cain tail fin and the main vertical strut.The main prop is now scrounged from an old room cooler thingy I found lying around the woods, believe-it-or-not. It spins quite nicely in a light breeze when just placed loosely on a dowel but now I'm awaiting a strong breeze to test this rig. There's a little resistance and quite a bit of weight on the prop (which may improve) so this version will require stronger winds than the previous prototype. This is a good thing though since, due to the plastic props, it should be capable of spinning pretty quickly and sustaining high winds. Should. As ever, the proof of the prototype is in the testing!
So, wish me luck - I'll make further posts as no doubt the design improves as bits drop off and others are added!
Cheers.