The Savonius Super Rotor !

(Page 4 of 4)

March/April 1974
By Michael Hackleman 
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I've excluded batteries from my estimate of costs because picking the type and size of storage cells to use in this or any wind energy system is a subject that requires a lot of thought. I believe that Jim Sencenbaugh (MOTHER NO. 20, pages 32-36) makes a good case for his decision to buy Ni-Cads (nickel-cadmium), and I, too, recommend them. Initially, however, we'll stay with lead-acid batteries because of a special low-cost deal we've been able to work out with a local auto wrecking yard. (Secondhand batteries, like trash, are a growing resource.)

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Our system depends on the cooperation of the guy who runs the yard (we give him a $10.00 deposit to insure him that he won't get ripped off). Our friend's job is to inspect incoming batteries and to give us a call when he has one of 100-amp hour capacity or better. We pick up the unit and keep it for a week of rigorous testing with hydrometer, cell voltage tester, charger and dummy load which discharges the device at a known rate.

If the battery checks good, we pay the yardman $2.00 for it. Otherwise we return it to be disposed of through his regular outlet (which pays only $1.25). We need ten of the 12-volt storage units for our system and we get them all this way for $20.00 plus $5.00 of the original deposit which goes to the dealer if he finds us our quota within a specified time period. If he doesn't, we take back the $10.00. The seller can't lose and often gains and we always end up with a good battery, with no risk and at low cost.

Proper care and use of a lead-acid battery-if it's in good condition to start with-will give the storage cell many times the life of the same unit in an automobile. This goes for all types: Even NiCads won't last long unless they're correctly charged, discharged and maintained.

AN S-ROTOR PUMP
Although I've described the Savonius rotor only as a producer of electricity, the same device has a long history of application for the pumping of water. We're particularly pleased with a Canadian-designed S-rotor pump system, from Brace Research Institute, Macdonald College of McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue 800, Quebec, Canada. Ask for Leaflet L-5, and get a list of the Institute's other publications while you're at it they have some really nice information on various wind and solar energy projects.

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  • Bruce K 12/11/2008 9:12:20 AM

    Yes, these designs have been around for a long time. Here's another link to a site with several free plans, for both a 55 gallon drum (plastic drums) wind turbine (instructional videos), more VAWT turbines and a 4 foot horizontal axis wind turbine. All plans are free.

    http://www.greenterrafirma.com/vawt-designs.html

    http://www.greenterrafirma.com/DIY_Wind_Turbine.html

    Enjoy,
    Bruce.

  • richard 11/18/2007 11:22:50 AM

    we have some free wind turbine plans on our site that can be
    downloaded if you are interested. www.OneToRemember.co.uk they
    include various VAWT designs. just pop along to download them
    http://www.onetoremember.co.uk/cart.php?target=category&category_id=256

  • Bill 11/17/2007 8:57:05 AM

    Can I order the plans by sending a check to Earthmind at 26510
    Josel Drive, Saugus California 91350 or, perhaps via this internet
    site? Sincerely, Bill

  • Joe 11/13/2007 4:57:11 PM

    I am interested in the CP of this design. I am also interested in
    any designs for home made test rigs that can be used to test rotors
    of this size. I also have the basic design for a rotor which can be
    manufactured from 1" steel tube and a single sheet of plastic.
    Seems to work well but we have not yet figured out a accurate test
    rig.

  • Doug 5/8/2007 12:34:36 AM

    March/April 1974 The Savonius Super Rotor ! I would like to buy
    the plans for this. Do you still sell them and if so what is the
    current cost?
    Mother Responds: I am sorry, we do not have the plans for the
    Savonius. However, the illustrations for it are in the Image
    Gallery at the top right of the article, under "Related."

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