Build It Yourself Slow Speed Generator

Build it yourself slow speed generator ENERGY Miscellaneous 12-3-34 If you've got a good source of water or wind power on your farm, you'll want to take a look at this new "slow speed generator" designed and built by New Zealand inventor Alfred Forbes. Forbes first built the new-style generator for use on his self-sufficient homestead where he produced nearly everything he and his wife Julia needed, including electricity. The trouble with conventional electric generators is that they don't work well at slower speeds, they have extremely close tolerances so they must be kept in like-new condition, and they're generally not built for full-time use. Forbes built the first-of-its-kind genera-tor using all hand tools. The resulting machine is simple to maintain, long lasting, and can generate 1 kw of power at just 500 to 600 rpm's powered by a windmill, stream, small engine, or even a bicycle. "It's much more efficient than a conventional generator. Less horsepower is needed to produce the same electrical out-put," says Forbes. "Conventional small and medium generators have precision made rotors that spin between stator units with a clearance of only a few thousandths of an inch. If the bearings are the slightest bit off center, it won't work. This basic design hasn't changed since the turn of the century. My new home-built generator was made possible by the development in the past 20 years of powerful strontium ferrite ceramic magnets which can jump large air gaps." The only maintenance required is an occasional shot of grease to the unit's two bearings. There are no brushes to wear out and no sparking to cause radio or TV interference. Forbes has published a detailed book explaining in detail how to build your own slow speed generator and he's willing to work by mail with anyone who wants to tackle the project. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Alfred Forbes, P.O. Box 3919, Auckland, New Zealand.

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