Ceiling fan PMA/title>

How to convert a Ceiling fan into a P.M.A.

How to build a Bi-Phase Multi Range Permanent Magnet alternator


1) What is a BPMR PMA?

               This PMA has 2 AC phases 90 degrees apart, as   opposed to the conventional 3 phase configuration. This allows flexibility in how the phases are utilized, If wired in Series (after the rectifier) they produce higher voltage at lower RPM's then if the Phases are wired in parallel. This feature can be taken advantage of to better fit the operating range of this "generator" to a variety of speed ranges.

2) Why would I want to do that?

            For example, in a micro wind {or hydro) power application often the wind blows but not fast enough to actually get above the min voltage that you need to charge your batteries, during these times you are creating no usable electricity. With a BPMR PMA you can switch the coils into series (either manually or automatically ) and capture a charging current during low wind. When the Wind increases switching the coils to parallel increases productive Amps. This should allow you to overall be making usable energy more of the time.

3) What do I need to make one?

     Amazingly little a) a ceiling fan motor b) Some powerful Neodymium   magnets c) epoxy d) some switches e)wire.f) Bondo
ceiling fans are a great base for a PMA , they have 2 sets of coils , one with 9 coils and one with 18 coils in exactly the configuration described above, what luck!. The frames are very hardy and serviceable, and there is enough room to fit the magnets.

Step 1
Go to U-tube and watch all my videos on my BPMR at the doctorgig Channel THEN watch the related 10 videos or so , especially those of mudymudywaters
This should give you a good background into how to disassemble the ceiling fan and some other peoples great work on turning the fans into generators.

Step 2
Take it all apart.
After removing the old metal ring figure out how much room you have for your magnets usually about 3/8 of an inch , I used 16 magnets that were 3/8 by 1/2 inch . Next time I will try 20 3/8 by3/4inch... your needed dimensions may be different, so figure out how much space you have. Order the Neodymium magnets on E-bay, you can get them very inexpensively if you shop around, the exact number does not seem to be (to) crucial

Step 3
Epoxy the magnets around the inside of the back half of the case try to, get them at least approx equidistant from each other and oriented North South North South etc
around the inner lip. These high powered magnets are not toys and ARE dangerous, work very carefully and do not let them get away from you , the shatter fairly easily into small shards . not for kids ....

Step 4
Mix and apply Bondo all around the magnets carefully this stuff is great and really sticks to just about anything keep the faces of the magnets clean and keep the bondo bellow these faces. you might want to embed your 4 mounting bolts through the holes at this point

Step 5
Identify the 4 wires you are looking for .. Do you know how? if not go back to step 1 and do it again!
Re route them (or extend them and re route them) out of the other side of the coil assembly.

Step 6
paint EVERYTHING , pretty much except the magnet faces and corresponding coils. Lube your bearings

Step 7
Make a multi layer cardboard ring to help with the assembly, this fits around the coil assembly to help you lower it past the magnets that are trying to grab and slam it into the sides (Not GOOD!) on the way down. They still try but with this ring you can carefully lower the coils into place. Tap the top of the shaft to seat the bearing , and then remove the paper ring.

Step 8
At this point the back should spin freely, make sure everything is square and straight, you can now mount it on something (maybe the original ceiling fan bracket
or similar) then hook each phase up to an A/C volt meter and give it a whirl!!!

Step 9
Assemble other half of you clam shell and you are done!