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Home : Chispito Wind Generator : FAQs |
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We've had a ton of questions since the release of Chispito. This page covers most of those questions, but if you can't find your answers here, contact us. Also, follow the comments on the Chispito Instructables
Can I use fan blades?
What size of copper wire do you suggest? Won't the wires twist up as the wind generator follows the wind? What batteries do I use with a Chispito? What type of controller should I use with Chispito? Is making Chispito expensive or difficult? What can this wind generator produce?
Chispito produces 100 watts in a 30 mph wind at 12 volts DC. It starts charging a 12 volt battery around 7-10 mph, or 270-300 rpm. Do I have enough wind to use a Chispito?
You probably have enough wind at times, but maybe not all of the time. Chispito needs 7-10 mph to start charging a 12 volt battery, and 15-20 mph is best. I have a motor here, can I use it? Maybe. The motor should be permanent magnet and have 25-35 rpms per volt. For more information, please visit the parts page >> Where do you get that motor? The particular motor we use in the instructions comes from a treadmill. You can use different treadmill motors as long as they have permanent magnets and have 25-35 rpms per volt. For more information, please visit the parts page >> Can I mount the motor directly to the pipe flange?
No, don't do this, you won't be able to balance the mount. Attach the motor to the square tubing, then attach the square tubing to the pipe flange at the balance point. Do you offer Chispito kits or parts? We did offer kits at one time, but we don't offer them anymore. We won't be offering them in the future. Get to know your junk yard! Can I put a Chispito on my car, then go down the road and charge a bank of batteries that then powers my car?
You could put a Chipisto on your car, and yes, it could charge a battery as you drove down the road. Will it produce more power than you are using to drive down the road? No, see Newton's laws or take a basic physics class. That is like asking does water run uphill. Where do you find 8” PVC? Check your local well driller for scrap pieces. Also, sometimes irrigation supplies will have them. City sewer and water departments might have some scraps as well. Because you only need 2 feet of pipe, it will be easy to find a scrap instead of trying to buy a piece. Can I use another size of pipe? Yes, but performance will be different. You can alter the size of the pipe to get different results. For more information, see the parts page >> Can I use fan blades? Yes you can, but your performance will be poor. There is a difference between catching wind and creating it. The blades in the instructions are easy to make, so start there. What size of copper wire do you suggest to hook to the batteries?
We suggest at least 10 gauge stranded wire. The best stuff is fine stranded welding cables, as they are tough, but more expensive. Do not use solid wire, it will break. Won't the wires twist up as the wind generator follows the wind?
Yes and no. They do and can twist, but is it a problem? Not for us. A good remedy is to place a plug at the bottom and untwist the wires once every few years, if it becomes a problem. Or use welding cables, they will untwist. We do not recommend implementing skips rings, as they are likely to fail, and will allow the generator to spin very fast, creating a safety hazard. What batteries do I use with a Chispito?
Deep cycle lead-acid batteries work well. Car batteries will work, for a little while, and then fail. Get deep cycle batteries. Golf cart batteries are good, and you can usually get free old ones from golf courses. What type of controller should I use with Chispito?
Dump load controllers are best with wind generators. Basically, when the batteries get full, they dump the extra energy coming from the wind generator into a dump load, like a water heater. There are many sources and types of these controllers. Do not use an in-line controller, like you would use with a solar panel. These series controllers disconnect the wind generator when the batteries are full, allowing it to free spin and throw parts and blades at your head! Is making Chispito expensive or difficult?
It shouldn't be. Making Chispito should be fun and educational. If it is frustrating, take a break, and come back to it later when you can enjoy it. Don't force it, work with the process, not against it. Make it a friend and family event to make the most of the experience. |
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