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Ed Anderson wrote:
Verrrrrryyy Interesting.
I presume at the higher engine rpm of the rotary, you will have no problem
getting the 40 amps vs the nominal 10-15 amps at VW crankshaft speeds?
And all for only 5 lbs and no belts to worry about, will be looking forward
to your results.
Ed
I I don't think I'll be hitting the 5lb mark with stock parts. The Harley rotor is a heavy piece that appears to be stamped from 0.100 mild steel. It probably weighs 5lbs without the magnets. Bob used machined aluminum parts. Much better for airplane use, but I wanna fly *SOMEDAY*.
The real payback will be when I can get around to integrating a starter into it. That will involve the machining. I'll increase the diameter for a longer torque arm, and add windings to the stator that won't be used for generating power. The windings will sit open-circuit and not produce much of anything in the way of drag; though, they could be used for interesting purposes, such as an engine brake or as an alternative power source if the regulator went tits-up.
George, this technology is definitely doable. We use alternators, because cars use alternators. Cars use alternators, because they idle a lot with all sort of electric loads like head and tail lights. Airplanes don't idle much, and need that much lighting even less. Generators have been around for 150yrs, and are still used to power the Lycosaur's magnetos. The problem for us boils down to nothing more than one of sizing. Even the control electronics have been hashed over and over ad-infinitum.
*Using starter as generator: Fly till the battery is low. Turn off all the 'sensitive' equipment. Sensitive being defined as "just about everything". My ignition design will allow me to run one ignition source off of an alternative power source. I'll be able to deliver fuel with a drip line. Pulse the starter button to hit the battery with a 60/70/80/whatever volt burst. Basically, unregulated voltage from the generator. The batteries Bill Dube was telling use about probably wouldn't mind this sort of abuse, but even if it cut the AGM battery's life in half, it would help to make the 'dark-n-stormy night' a non-event. After a few minutes, the battery will have some undetermined amount of life to provide panel lighting and a radio to tell ATC that you'll be coming in with lights out.
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http://www.ronpaultimeline.com
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