Dragonfly Power Wind Generator ebook

This ebook is a large file 9mb containing full instructions on how to make the Dragonfly. These plans are a comprehensive update to a 1939 design. You will also in the receive an ebook copy of the original plan. Please note these plans are in HTML format - like a web page and must be viewed and printed using a normal web browser. the files will be delivered in a compressed format - zipped. They can be uncompressed using a free software probably already installed on your computer. If not please visit this link.  When the files have been unzipped click on 'Read Me' file.

Designed for people who operate and maintain their own system. Dragonfly philosophy recognizes that nothing manmad lasts forever, but planned obsolescence is unethical. So the Dragonfly is designed to last as long as the user has interest. It has locally available spare parts, few critical tolerances, and the maintenance technology is uncomplicated. Components are adaptable to the supply: off the shelf hardware, lumber, and almost any make of alternator or generator. Included with plans are directions for construction, wiring, troubleshooting, towers, battery maintenance, site selection (wind appraisal without an anemometer), some sources of inexpensive materials, and instructions for blade making and balancing (though I also sell blades and kit blades). Blades are twist taper cut from 2x4 lumber. Watts per dollar/pound, Dragonflies are one of the most "efficient" wind generators on the market, though one could expect that initial low cost might be offset by higher maintenance, this is not necessarily true, and depends on the local environment. 

An inconceivable topic in 1939, is the carbon footprint. Here Dragonfly absolutely excels. Since Dragonfly can use materials that are either renewable or second hand, it can be made with little or no footprint of it's own: their manufacture doesn't produce Co2 (unless you use power tools).

The feathering mechanism consists of a horizontal hinge which allows the blade, axle, and alternator to tip back as a unit to spill high winds over the top. It is held in operating position by its' own weight and a coil pull-spring. Units that I sometimes make are guaranteed to survive winds to 80 mph, when the blade is properly balanced, and the field is loaded. Manual shutdown for stronger wind can be accomplished from the ground. The blade, bearings and drive pulley rotate as one unit about a fixed axle. The v-belt drive pulley is available in several sizes from heating and air-conditioning stores, and may be easily interchanged to obtain the best power ratio.

Any alternator will work, but those with higher rated output means more wind is necessary to overcome the draw of larger electromagnetic fields, so big alternators don't produce at all in milder winds. Generators and lower rated alternators loose the power advantage of storms, (which occur to a greater or lesser extent about every 2 weeks worldwide), but take better advantage of wind below 10 MPH. 

Some desirable characteristics are:
Rated Power Output: 400 to 800 watts.
RPM Output Range: between 200 and 1,000. 

Alternators starting around 450 rpm. The Charge Controller for a car alternator is that same cars' Voltage Regulator. They're designed to go together. Some are built into the alternator, and some are separate units. They turn the field off when the battery voltage reaches about 14 Volts. The alternators exposure to the elements is not a problem unless the unit is used in a marine environment. Otherwise there is nothing at the top of the tower that won't be found under the hood of a car, except sunlight which may affect the wiring insulation. In a marine or other harsh environment, marine alternators are available with enclosed brushes, bearings and a corrosion resistant finish. Electrical terminals can be coated with protective caulking or shellac.

There are two kinds of automatic field switches shown in the Dragonfly plans, either will do: one is a momentary switch that requires occasional cleaning, this switch is normally on and is turned off by the weight of the feathering mechanism at rest in still air. The other is an enclosed mercury switch (good to 32 degrees below zero, needs no cleaning or attention after initial adjustment) which is clamped to the side of the feathering mechanism. The blade is designed to have a high RPM which will create a vacuum behind it to instigate feathering. When the RPMs are sufficient to produce electricity, the blade has already begun to feather slightly. As it tips back, the mercury switch tilts, or the momentary switch closes, to turn the field on.

Testimonials

The following customer responses testify to the simplicity of design and construction of the Dragonfly wind generator as well as its durability and the ease with which it can be modified to local materials and conditions.

...The plans are already here. ...they are of very high value to me and will save countless hours and money by preventing various mistakes. Thank you for offering those plans to people. Internet became a strange place where quality information becomes harder and harder to get- your site is an exception.