Hi Windmill constructors.
I am living in Northwest Holland . Average wind 5-5.5 m/sec . Building windgenerators several years .
Have some experience with making blades ( fixed- and passive pitch and active pitchcontrol )
I see that some of you ( Menelaos ) and other friends on Fieldlines are thinking about pitchcontrolled blades .
For the time of 3 months I have running a DIY active pitch controlled windgenerator.
Must say I am very content about it .
It is controlled by an actuator wich can be switched automatic and manual.
Blade angle from zero to 90 degrees in 8 seconds.
Propeller diam. 290 cm .
Controllable max speed 330 rpm . (adjustable)
Feathering and electrical brake in case of storm.
Generator disc type ( Hugh Piggott design ) 9 coils and 2x 12 neo magnets. 24 volt.
I see some advantages : Never overspeed , No overheat stator, No dumpload , No overload of batteries , controllable voltage and amps for inverters for batteries and grid tied ones.
http://www.youtube.com/user/mi…sr2BLBQ6rc
and other uploads Midwoud1 on YouTube
Regards Frans.