2015-05-25 (M) Wind Generator Test Base COMPLETED

Instead of changing microcontrollers the decision was made to use serial commands but reformat them so they can be copied from Arduino's serial terminal and pasted into a spreadsheet. A serial terminal with the ability to export a .csv file may be researched in the future. If a reading is taken every 15 seconds there would be 5,760 readings in a day which could exceed the amount of data able to be stored in a terminal window. This can be tested quickly by running very fast samples to capture 6,000 readings in minutes. Shorter sample periods may also be feasible.

Testing program on left and regular program on right

Measuring the revolutions was more difficult than expected. The first program used a while loop to halt the whole program until readings were seen on each station. Changes were made and the whole function was eliminated in favor of a function which operated transparently. With no wind turbines attached the program was tested by manually spinning posts to generate voltage and a tachometer frequency. Output was recorded in Arduino's serial terminal and graphed in a spreadsheet program.

Graphed output of manual spinning

No more revisions will be made until necessary. This phase of the wind turbine project will be considered COMPLETED. Testing for the turbines will be done in Wind Generator Turbine Design Tests. Construction of turbines will also be done there.

Files for Wind Generator Test Base:
The OpenSCAD file below is not necessary unless you want to change something
 To do:
  • Connect electrical to stations 
  • Buy Arduino or Teensy
  • Test each station 
  • Debug program
  • Go to next phase and test turbine designs

The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.

First time here?

Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2



This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.

All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.

All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.

Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim claim property or assets based on their post.

This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.

2015-05-25 (M)

Comments