Building a Home Wind Generator. Green Energy for free!
Welcome to my Green Energy site , Feel free to check out the great content and resources I have put up just for you!
Doesn’t it excite you to think that you can harness the wind for energy? And what is more, the wind is free! So this article is going to show you that building a home wind generator doesn’t need rocket science.
Dutch Windmills? …Not any More.
Ever seen a Dutch postcard with windmills dotting the landscape? That is what most people think of when they think of wind energy But let me tell you, that nowadays, the home-made wind turbine is vastly different.
Now, those bulky windmills are no longer necessary. They are replaced by modern technology and this explanation of building a home wind generator is not too difficult for the average home owner believe it or not!
Is it difficult and expensive?
You may be thinking It will be difficult to operate and for sure it must be expensive. No and no again! You only need your usual workshop tools and a few hundred dollars for the complete unit. (This can be even less if you get your materials from a recycling center.)
In fact, there are few moving parts in modern turbines and the lighter construction cuts out the need for a high tower.( as in your Dutch windmills) to support the generator and blades. In fact, you can build a solid frame on the roof and your first step is done in building a home wind generator.
Now, what you do is, you mount the blade and gearing on your frame. Don’t panic! You can get these online. My advice on building a home wind generator would include that you do a little bit of research to check that the product is well referenced, and if possible, try to see one actually in operation before you start your project. However, you would probably do this if you were going to buy a digital camera wouldn’t you!
The reason I say try to see a unit operating first, is that this will bring up questions that you wouldn’t even think to ask. If a neighbour has one, check it out, nowadays there are many trade fairs where manufacturers are vying for the opportunity to explain their product.
What are your specific needs?
DIY turbines come in various sizes, so you must get one for your specific site and! energy needs.
Also you must check on local regulations, e.g. noise limitations, height and, most important, where the prevailing wind comes from in your area before building a home wind generator.
The installation should take only a few days unless you are thinking of building everything from scratch yourself. The blades are most important and if you get blades from wood or fibre composite they are cheaper (yippee!) and will not vibrate so much or make as much noise as metal ones. You can also,make a tail assembly so that the unit is facing the breeze. Your average common sense woodworking or engineering skills are sufficient to make the turbine efficient.
Your local electrician.
The gearing, and the DC motors can easily be bought online. They must be bolted together. The wiring plan can seem complicated but my advice in building a home wind generator would include getting your local electrician to check out your home handyman efforts.
The whole procedure, when you break it down is really simple. However, your home wind turbine is not a toy, and access to the blades should be restricted. The blades can be dangerous for both adults and children, but then again, common sense precautions in building your home wind generator are necessary. It’s the same as letting your little kids loose with the hairdryer full blast…You wouldn’t do it would you! And as any home handyman knows, any electrical installation should be well insulated.
Points to remember.
If you decide to mount the home wind generator on a tower this should not be climbed by any adventure seeking individual. Just use fencing to stop anyone from climbing the tower and maybe, put up some security lighting to caution would be adventurers. But once again, as with using anything technical…just a drop of common sense is necessary.
Remember building your home wind generator is really not such a daunting task. And think of the benefits harnessing free energy! Make building your home wind generator your next do-it yourself project.