Homemade Micro Turbines

Generating your own green power is not as difficult as it sounds.

Alternative energy systems are gaining popularity due to the increasing costs of energy as well as a growing concern for the environment. There are several ways you can build your own mini turbines to harness the power of wind and water.

Micro-Hydro Turbines

While a homemade turbine doesn't generate near as much power as the hydro-electric turbines inside dams, they have a much smaller impact on your local ecosystem. Building a small hydro turbine can cost between $1,000 and $20,000 (as of 2011), depending on where it is being built and the size of the device.

Micro-Wind Turbines

For your homemade micro wind turbine to function, construct it in an area with winds of at least 12 miles per hour. Some systems can be as cheap as a few hundred dollars, while more complex structures can cost much more.

Micro-Savonius Wind Turbines

While homemade savonius (vertical-axis) wind turbines don't generate a great deal of power, they are cheap and easy to build. A single, savonius wind turbine can cost less than $100.

References

• Grab the Basics: Homemade Micro Hydro Turbines
• Alternative Energy: Micro Hydro Power -- Pros and Cons
• New Home Wind Power: Homemade Wind Power
• Anglefire: Micro wind power with a Savonius rotor