How to Build a Simple Wind Turbine

Plans to build a simple wind turbine are widely available. Parts and tools are easy to come by and can be affordable. Some background work is necessary, such as determining wind availability. Some fairly simple and reliable research will guide the novice wind turbine builder toward the type of turbine, plans and parts. There are two basic types of simple wind turbines---Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT)---each of which have proponents and critics. That said, VAWTs carry some substantial evidence for their effective use. (The building process and other information in this article is from Other Power User's Manual in the Resources section.)

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Workshop equipped with standard tools Plans with parts for VAWT 12-, 24- or 48-volt battery Blade finish Tower with pipe or tubing Couplers and guy wire connectors Winch Permits Wiring to connect tower to power Rectifier assembly Shut-down switch Controller and dump load (optional/recommended) Metering (optional/recommended)

Building a Simple Wind Turbine

1. DIY VAWT

   Prepare a renewable energy (RE) system first. The battery to which you connect the turbine must be operational and ready during the VAWT-building process. The battery is powered by the wind turbine. The wind turbine's stator determines the voltage of battery you use. The volts, 12, 24 or 48, must match the stator.

2. VAWT

   Read studies about VAWTs. Conflicting opinions exist about the effectiveness of VAWTs vs. HAWTs. According to Mother Earth News, the National Aeronautical Establishment has found that "[the VAWT's] aerodynamic efficiency compares with the current horizontal axis machines." VAWTs are simpler to build and are more affordable.

3. How WInd Energy Works

   Purchase plans for your do-it-yourself VAWT. Plans include the primary parts, leaving you to provide the remainder of necessary elements. Everything you need is either included or listed in the plans. Additional parts include a self-starting mechanism and spoilers for speed-of-rotation variables. Before beginning to build, identify all parts, referring to your manual. Primary VAWT parts are blades, alternator, tail boom and blade hubs.

4. VAWT Plan View

   Assemble the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine. Begin by installing the rectifier assembly into your ready RE system. Install the optional, but recommended, shut-down switch. It also is recommended to install controller, breaker and dump load. Run wire from the tower base to the RE supply.

5. VAWT Front View

   Run a test tower raise. Stabilize the tower with guy wires, adjusted as necessary. Set turbine to tower top. Attach tail vane to tail boom and blades to rotor, and to alternator. Blades must be balanced per instructions.

6. VAWT View

   Make the final raise of tower and turbine. (See tips about tower hazards.) Your DIY turbine will now supply renewable wind energy. Use the contact and support information that comes with the plans if you need further assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a tower-raising class or consult a professional before raising your own tower.

• Follow all safety recommendations. The significant hazards around wind turbines include electrical, mechanical and tower dangers.

Resources

• Wind Turbine Builder's Manual
• Small Wind Turbine Basics
• A Low-Cost Wind Turbine