alt.energy.renewable

On Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:09:07 -0700, BobG wrote:
> On Aug 29, 2:28 pm, "Paul Hovnanian ." wrote:
>> The propellor design is somewhat critical if you want any sort of
>> efficiency. Just any old fan won't do.
> ======================================
> The model plane guys have variable pitch props now. Instead of
> fretting about the thing blowing apart from centrifigual force in a
> big wind, just feather the prop. A $5 microcontroller and a gearhead
> motor could modulate the blade pitch to control the torque and speed
> under varying wind profiles. Work smarter not harder. Technology.

Do it mechanically. Build a centrifugal governor into the nose cap
(or whatever it's called), and have its output feather the blades as
needed.

Cheers!
Rich