Alternative Energy systems troubleshooting for dummies, version .001 July, 2002. Some glaring errors fixed on 06.06.03

This document is and will be a work in progress so it will change as time and inclination permit.

Copy freely, just don't take credit for my work or the work of others.

Started by TomW

Since this document is geared towards the Alternative Energy [AE] and Renewable Energy (RE) fields I will try to concentrate on the systems and components most likely to be encountered in those fields.

Diode Testing. Testing a diode is relatively straight forward with a simple ohmmeter.

Set your ohmmeter to the highest scale. Disconnect all voltage from the diode.

Place the meter leads one on each lead of the diode. It should show either open or very low resistance it doesn't matter which just now.

Reverse the meter leads and the reading should be the oposite of the first test if it is your diode is probably fine.

Be aware that high current or excess heat can cause diodes to fail under load and test fine in this manner, however.

Originally by Hugh Piggott, Scoraig Wind Electric:

The average voltage produced by a turn in the coil will depend on how much flux it can enclose.

A turn will enclose maximum flux if it has the same pitch as the magnets themselves, in other words if it runs down the centre between the two magnets, or equally runs down the centres of two magnets when the magnets move on to there..

Types of Solder

Solder is a mixture metals, primarily Lead and Tin, whose characteristics (mainly melting temperature) change with the ratio of the component metals.

(plain, rosin core, acid core)

[to be continued]

Soldering Irons

After years of novice fumbling about, I have learned to respect the need for the "right tool for the job." This applies to soldering irons just as well as any other tool. One size does not fit all and you get what you pay for. I was almost turned away from electronics as a young kid because soldering was hard . In hindsight, I now understand that a woodburning iron and acid core solder are the wrong tools for electronics work ;)

Types

Soldering Techniques

Perhaps the most important concept to understand in soldering is that the solder must flow on it's own to make a good connection. I've seen people wrongly trying to paint or smear solder on wires they were splicing... when all the conditions are right, solder will naturally flow to the areas where it's needed (and sometimes where it's not).

# temperature
# tip selection
# proper tip cleaning and wetting
# how to apply tip and solder to workpiece
# use of rosin (other than rosin core solder)
# example pics of good & and tip/solder placement

sol·der
n.

1. Any of various fusible alloys, usually tin and lead, used to join metallic parts.
2. Something that joins or cements.

v. sol·dered, sol·der·ing, sol·ders

v. tr.

1. To unite or repair (parts, for example) with solder.

Safety is very important in all aspects of fabrication. It is important to follow safe operating proceedures while constructing machines. Things like safety glasses, protective clothing, sane methods and care with corrosives and flammables.

It is also important that your machine is safe while operating. This means that it does not shed parts, create safety hazards to bystanders and produces safe voltage levels that are contained within itself and the transmission lines.

PROPERTIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND HEAT TREATMENT OF METALS GENERAL PURPOSE This page contains basic information pertaining to properties and identification of metal and heat-treating procedures used for metals. METAL CLASSIFICATION:

All metals may be classified as ferrous or nonferrous. A ferrous metal has iron as its main element. A metal is still considered ferrous even if it contains less than 50 percent iron, as long as it contains more iron than any other one metal. A metal is nonferrous if it contains less iron than any other metal.

Ferrous

The production of methane on both a large or small scale is achieved using one or the other of the following methods. 1 Batch digestion. 2 Continuos digestion.

A digester is that which in fact replicates the processes going on in the digestive tract of all warm blooded creatures even humans. The requirements are a lack of air, warmth 85_100 f agitation and a source of raw material. There is also a requirement to maintain an accurate PH level. PH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of the mixture