DIY Wind Generator – How To Get Started
Before you jump straight in you’d be better off familiarizing yourself with the various components which are required and just how those components need to be assembled. Below are some tips and helpful hints to guide you through.
Of course, for the most part the wind generators or wind turbines which one sees along the roadside look neat and to some extent, even futuristic. The truth however, is they certainly never started out as such.
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Components of a residential wind generator:
1. Rotor (blades)
2. Generator
3. Shaft
4. Tower
5. Electrical wiring
In addition to the components mentioned above you may require other components as well depending on the type of wind generator you want to build. If for example you intend to remain on the grid you could essentially build your generator using only the items already mentioned. However, if on the other hand you want to be independent from the grid you may have to consider buying the following:
1. Deep Cycle Battery ( storage for excess power)
2. Controller ( prevents battery overload)
3. Inverter ( changes current from DC to AC)
So, let’s take a quick look at each individual component:
Rotor Blades
The blades are made from regular PVC or ABS pipe which is of course extremely durable as well as being very cost effective. Because of the size requirements, blades should ideally be made from pipe which is between 8 and 12 inches in diameter. Of course, once the blades have been correctly cut they are then mounted on a hub much the same as those used on aircraft.
Generator
Once completed the rotor head is attached to the generator which in turn is secured within housing. Of course, a tail assembly is also attached in order to provide balance. Ideally, one should focus on getting a motor with low RPM but one which has a high output current. Providing you pay attention to the specs you may well find that eBay is the best place to look.
Shaft & Tower
In order for the wind generator to catch wind from any direction it has to have the ability to rotate and for this reason a shaft is attached at the top of the tower. Depending on the shape of the tower you’re using it may be necessary to make a few small adjustments before the shaft can be fitted.
The actual height of the tower will depend your own requirements and what sort of system you’re building. However, all towers do stand relatively high which makes it necessary to secure them sufficiently, usually by means of a concrete base.
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Other Components
If your system is to incorporate a battery backup then after completion of the tower your system needs to be wired in to a controller. The controller is then in turn connected up to the deep cycle battery. In systems which don’t incorporate a battery, the generator is wired into an inverter which essentially changes the electricity produced from DC to AC, thus making it suitable for use inside the home.