FTC Energy's Self-Running Linear Generator

[Xaverius]

According to the guy I have spoken with, the second unit (round case) is not available at all. Only the square case unit is available.
The 'available' part is questionable as he could not tell me the lead time for the unit.

My initial thought was, probably, exactly like yours. Get a unit, connect it to a small motor (or a rotoverter, or a pulse-driven motor, etc.) and, presto, you have an OU setup. My understanding is that they could not do it, neither could Converteam's guys.

In fact, Converteam is way more conservative. They do not claim 'zero cogging' but just 'reduced cogging'.
Another point to consider here is this. Zero-cogging generator is not the same as lenzless generator. You will still have to supply more rotational power when increasing the load. Zero-cogging is just a way of reducing free-running losses.

However, if you really need a 'zero-cogging' generator than I would recommend to look for 'axial-flux generators'. They are definitely reduced-cogging generators if not 'zero-cogging'. Best of all, they are available in industrial quantities from a number of manufactures primarily for wind applications. I have seen a number of axial-flux 'zero-cogging' generators around 3 kW mark for about $900.

Yeah, I'm familiar with the axial-flux "zero-cogging" wind generators.  That seems like a good resource.  I'm not real sure why this company and Converteam could not create an OU setup.  Do you know the reason?

[Xaverius]

I almost forgot about this thread.  I just looked at the vid they have with a motor running their gen. and powering 750 watts in lights.  No solid proof there.  Now if they would put watt meters on the input to the motor and the output to the lights I might start to get a little excited.  But they didn't and why wouldn't they do this.  $20 x 2 = $40 for watt meters so why wouldn't they want to show this with meters if it was really OU?  Because it probably is not.... IMO - just Florida salesman - home of more scams than I can recall.  I hate to be negative when I don't have proof but please don't anyone go spend money on one of these unless you go there in person and thoroughly check it out.  There is nothing to convince me so far this is anything other than bloated claims hoping to sell to a few unsuspecting people.  The other obvious thing they would be doing if it was really that much OU is to power the motor from the generator once started and then power a couple hundred watts in bulbs too - all self running which would be easy to do if it was really that much OU as they claim.

I totally agree, that's why I suggested I might make a purchase if there was a money back guarantee.  And like you said a wattmeter at the input and output would be ideal.  All we have to go on is the word of the narrator that the motor is rated at about 300 watts and the lights are rated at 750 watts.  There might be some merit to the lightbulb claim, they may seem bright enough to be rated at 750 watts, but they could be supplied from the wall outlet.  If this generator is as good as the narrator claims then why is he promoting it for wind and hydro as the prime mover when a closed loop motor could be used?  Something doesn't add up here!

[avalon]

  Yeah, I'm familiar with the axial-flux "zero-cogging" wind generators.  That seems like a good resource.  I'm not real sure why this company and Converteam could not create an OU setup.  Do you know the reason?

Simply because there is no OU there at all. The videos are misleading. The author does his utmost not to mention OU but offers to 'draw your own conclusions'. That way they cannot be accused of false representation.

As usual the Occam's razor works here. What is it more likely: 1/ someone who clever enough to create an OU generator has no interest in creating a complete OU setup, or 2/ hints at OU are just a trick to sell a hugely overpriced generator.

FTC's design is conventional. While offering a reduced cogging it has no elements of OU.


P.S. Unlike FTC Converteam does not mention OU at all or even hints at it. Their goal is high efficiency.

[Xaverius]

Simply because there is no OU there at all. The videos are misleading. The author does his utmost not to mention OU but offers to 'draw your own conclusions'. That way they cannot be accused of false representation.

As usual the Occam's razor works here. What is it more likely: 1/ someone who clever enough to create an OU generator has no interest in creating a complete OU setup, or 2/ hints at OU are just a trick to sell a hugely overpriced generator.

FTC's design is conventional. While offering a reduced cogging it has no elements of OU.


P.S. Unlike FTC Converteam does not mention OU at all or even hints at it. Their goal is high efficiency.

I think I'm starting to catch on now.  This could be a case of caveot emptor and "puffing."  In otherwords, a merchant can exagerate the claims of a product (puffing), but it is up to the consumer's discretion for the buyer to beware (caveot emptor).  So this manufacturer implies that this device has OU capabilities without actually expressing it in order to attract potential customers.  Which means that the output is obviously faked, probably wired up to a wall outlet.  I agree with your assessment, you can buy a zero-cog alternator rated at 3 kilowatts for around a $1000, a much better bargain.  Thanx for the insight.

[sampojo]

He claims they can make an OU device, but it seems to be only about 150% device.   So you would be doing a lot of cranking to get the wattage/ wear & tear he claims.  You can get easier & faster drawdown on the electric bill by using the NG engine?  Still sounds fishy.  But 1-2 cents per kwh vs 15-18 from the power co.  hmmm.