How to build a wind turbine
Many DIY types are finding out how to build a wind turbine and using the power of the wind to generate enough electricity to power a domestic home. If there is enough wind in your area, one wind turbine should be sufficient. Many environmentally conscious families are building their own and finding out how much fun it is, not to mention the money they will save over the lifetime of the wind turbine. There are many DIY kits available with step-by-step instructions and the parts can easily be sourced from the hardware store.
Here is a list of the typical things you will need to make or source to build your own wind turbine.
1. Propellor style blades
2. A rotor mount that swivels and keeps your rotor turned into the wind
3. A tower to get it up into the wind (the higher the better. 20m is good)
4. A generator
5. Storage batteries and an electronic control system
Click here for detailed instructions on how to build a wind turbine
You will also need a standard family workshop or garage, equipped with fairly basic workshop supplies: A power drill and a variety of bits, a jigsaw with a metal blade, a wrench, screwdrivers, a vise or clamp. Wire strippers are good, a tape measure, marker pen and an extra pari of hands would be useful. It’s the type of project a high school student could complete, you don’t need much more expertise than that, so long as you have detailed, step-by-step instructions.
It is possible to build your own generator. If that seems a bit advanced, you can use a permanent magnet DC motor as a generator if you don’t want to make one. You can also use old computer tape drive motors (such as Ametek) if you can find them. Ebay.com is a good place to start. We picked up the motor we used for $10 plus shipping.
Learning how to build your own wind turbine is a very rewarding project. Most of the tools and materials you will need, can be sourced from your local hardware shop or back shed. You could also search your local junk yard for most of the materials you will need.
First you will need to make the blades. Sanding them will increase their efficiency and make them quieter. You’ll also need to make a tail. The exact dimensions of the tail aren’t all that important. You’ll need to attach the blades and tail to a swivel hub, mount it up on a tower and wire it to the generator.
Want to learn how to build a wind turbine?
It really is quite simple, fun and rewarding. Click here for detailed, step-by-step instructions that will show you how to build a wind turbine for less than US$200.
