Wind turbine controler
- Thread starter Hansen
- Start date
BeanieBots
Moderator
I'll second Dippy's comments.
PICAXE can read analogue inputs so that takes care of amps & volts.
It can count pulses (or measure the period between) so that takes care of RPM.
It can write to data storage so that takes care of data over time.
It can do sums, so that takes care of control.
How and with what extra hardware is another question.
PICAXE can read analogue inputs so that takes care of amps & volts.
It can count pulses (or measure the period between) so that takes care of RPM.
It can write to data storage so that takes care of data over time.
It can do sums, so that takes care of control.
How and with what extra hardware is another question.
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: You’re talking about a data logger for three variables. A fairly easy project for an experienced Picaxer, but certainly not a good place to start if you’re a beginner and intend to start from scratch. Take a look at the 18X datalogger kit here: http://www.techsupplies.co.uk/epages/Store.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Store.TechSupplies/Products/AXE110P
Long answer: You’re talking about a data logger for three variables. A fairly easy project for an experienced Picaxer, but certainly not a good place to start if you’re a beginner and intend to start from scratch. Take a look at the 18X datalogger kit here: http://www.techsupplies.co.uk/epages/Store.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Store.TechSupplies/Products/AXE110P
My skill level in electronics = OK I'm radio amateur, work with electronics over 20 years
I have made some code in time to (pascal, cobol)
Electronics experience: That's good. 
Beaniebots has given you a summary of the PICAXE's ability.
Boriz has pointed you towards looking at Data Loggers for storing/retrieving large amounts of data - probably (that's "prolly" for Boriz) more than you need but it's good to read.
If you check out some of the current sensing devices (e.g. Hall effect style like Maxim or shunt+diff-amp like TI and others) then that will be easy. Example: Search on Current Sensor in Farnell for a few ideas.
You'll already know about 'voltage/potential dividers' for any volts over the PICAXE +V supply.
If you want to store lots of Data values then read up on EEPROMs.
You'll know the specification of your Turbine.
You should now be able to design a schematic.
Should be quite easy.
Interesting project so good luck.
Beaniebots has given you a summary of the PICAXE's ability.
Boriz has pointed you towards looking at Data Loggers for storing/retrieving large amounts of data - probably (that's "prolly" for Boriz) more than you need but it's good to read.
If you check out some of the current sensing devices (e.g. Hall effect style like Maxim or shunt+diff-amp like TI and others) then that will be easy. Example: Search on Current Sensor in Farnell for a few ideas.
You'll already know about 'voltage/potential dividers' for any volts over the PICAXE +V supply.
If you want to store lots of Data values then read up on EEPROMs.
You'll know the specification of your Turbine.
You should now be able to design a schematic.
Should be quite easy.
Interesting project so good luck.
For some wind generator info and some PICAXE projects, check this site http://www.thebackshed.com/Windmill/Contents.asp
John
John
Good link. Found this on that site: http://www.thebackshed.com/Windmill/PicLog.asp
Another design here : http://www.thebackshed.com/windmill/forum1/forum_posts.asp?TID=2749&PN=1
OpenLog maybe?
If you want to log lots of information over a long time and are looking for something you want to just pop in the computer and read the data off of, you could also look at SparkFuns OpenLog. That way you could just pull a memory card off of your windmill and pop it into your computer.
I'm also going to suggest using 433/315Mhz RF systems so that you could see numbers from inside without having to go to the windmill every time you want to see how/what its doing. SparkFun sells great 315Mhz TXs and RXs, I suggest getting those.
If you want to log lots of information over a long time and are looking for something you want to just pop in the computer and read the data off of, you could also look at SparkFuns OpenLog. That way you could just pull a memory card off of your windmill and pop it into your computer.
I'm also going to suggest using 433/315Mhz RF systems so that you could see numbers from inside without having to go to the windmill every time you want to see how/what its doing. SparkFun sells great 315Mhz TXs and RXs, I suggest getting those.