What it is and how it works:
The Mendocino motor is a solar powered, self-commutated, magnetically levitated
electric motor.
The motor base consists of five sets of magnets. Four of the magnets
are levitation magnets which provide levitation force against the shaft magnets.
The fifth magnet is a field magnet which provides the magnetic field for the
rotor. The back plate uses a piece of mirrored glass as a bearing plate.
The rotor consists of a shaft with a point on one end, magnets
and rotor block. On the rotor block, there are four solar cells; one cell
on each of the four sides and two sets of windings.
How it works. The rotor is levitated by the repelling force between
the shaft magnets and the levitation magnets on the base. The levitation magnet
also provides a forward thrust to keep the shaft point against the bearing
plate. When the light strikes one of the solar cells, it generates an
electric current thus energizing one of the rotor windings. This produce an
electromagnetic field which interacts with the field magnets in the base,
causing the rotor to turn. As the rotor rotates, the next solar cell comes
in position, This cell now energizes the second winding. The process repeats
again. The motor will run indefinitely as long as sufficient light is provided!
Buy
a set of plans, plans and a parts kit, or a completely assembled
functioning motor - it's your choice! Within the US, complete motors and motor kits are sent via insured Priority
Mail, and plans (only) are sent via USPS Ground Advantage. S&H depends on
where you live and the size of your order, and Tom will provide you with a quote after you contact him.
Send any questions or orders directly to Tom:
Tom Vales
PO Box 141
Stow, Massachusetts (MA) 01775
e-mail: CanalRay@aol.com
And, be sure to tell him that I sent you!
