Per my previous question about using old DC spindle motors as DC
generators for a PIC circuit I came up with a few more questions based on
the fact that these motors originally ran off of 12 volts.

Theoretically, these motors could generate more than 5 volts if spun fast
enough. How would I efficiently limit the PIC supply to 5 volts?  A low
dropout regulator?

How do I store excess juice generated during faster wind gusts for when
the wind isn't blowing so hard.  We tend to have very gusty conditions
around here.  The wind can be blowing 25mph one minute and 2 or 3mph the
next.

Could someone help me out with a basic circuit drawing?  I am envisioning
something along the lines of:

  +----|>|-----+-----VREG-----+
  |              |        |       |
Motor           Cap       |      PIC
  |              |        |       |
  +------------+-------+------+

The motor generates DC of whatever voltage when spun, the capacitor
stores it, the diode prevents the capacitor from spinning the motor,
voltage regulator supplies 5v to the PIC.

As always, apologies for the ASCII art and limited electronics knowledge.
Adam


Adam Bryant (age 0x23)
adamdb@juno.com
Parker, CO, USA
Robotics, RC Airplanes, anything using a PIC

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