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How to Build a Wind Turbine

How to Build a Wind Turbine thumbnail
VAWT Coffee Can Turbine

You can build a small wind turbine at an affordable initial investment. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) or Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) are two types of wind turbines. VAWTs easily adapt to changing and turbulent wind patterns. They are easier to assemble than HAWTs. With parts supplied in kits, VAWTs can be constructed from easily obtainable materials. (The building process and other information in this article is from Other Power User's Manual in Resources) Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Plans with parts for VAWT 12-, 24- or 48-volt battery Blade finish Couplers and guy wire connectors Winch Locally defined Permits Wiring Rectifier assembly Shut down switch Optional/recommended Controller and dump load Optional/recommended Metering
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Instructions

  1. Building a Wind Turbine

    • 1
      Wind Turbine Generator

      Prepare renewable energy (RE) system before building the turbine and tower. You need a battery to which you will connect the turbine. The wind turbine will power the battery, making it a renewable energy power source, The wind turbine's stator determines the voltage of battery (12, 24 or 48).

    • 2
      Commercial WInd Turbine Schematic

      Choose a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). Although debate continues about HAWT vs. VAWT, the National Aeronautical Establishment' study shows that: "[VAWT] aerodynamic efficiency compares with the current horizontal axis machines." For simplicity of design and lower initial investment, VAWTs offer hope for affordable and DIY wind energy. (cited from Mother Earth News, see Resources)

    • 3
      Savonius Rotor

      Purchase plans that include tower and turbine parts. Be sure to set out all parts, including parts not included in kit. Use manual as reference check. Parts included in kit are blades, alternator, tail boom and blade hubs.

    • 4
      Darrieus Wind Generator Plan

      Begin VAWT assembly by installing the rectifier assembly into the battery-based RE system. Wire shutdown switch and controller, breaker, and dump load into the RE system. Connect wire from tower to RE supply.

    • 5
      Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)

      Test raise the tower. Run guy wires to stabilize tower. Attach turbine to tower top. Connect tail vane to tail boom and blades to rotor and attach to alternator. Blades must be balanced.

    • 6
      Completed Wind Turbine Model

      Raise tower and turbine. Your wind turbine is ready to supply power to your home. Use any contact and support information that comes with the plans.

Tips & Warnings

  • Take a tower raising class or consult a professional before raising your own tower. These steps are outlines of a more complex endeavor

  • Follow all safety recommendations. There is significant danger around wind turbines. Associated dangers are electrical, mechanical and tower dangers.

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Resources

  • Photo Credit http://www.windstuffnow.com/main/vawt.htm, http://www.windpower.org/res/generat.gif, http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/commercial-wind-turbine-schematic.jpg, http://www.hobbithole.net/Portals/1/savonius_rotor_with_measures_better.JPG, http://www.onetoremember.co.uk/images/pt_16276.gif, http://www.energy-daily.com/images/delta-series-vertical-axis-wind-turbine-vawt-bg.jpg, http://www.re-energy.ca/t-i_windbuild-1.shtml,

Comments

  • Flybyknight Apr 13, 2009
    Great article. I'd like to see one that you built.
  • apalmer Apr 12, 2009
    Great article, I am passing this on to my handy-dandy better half so he'll know how to make a home-size wind turbine. Thanks! 5*
  • Susan Golis Apr 12, 2009
    Excellent article, I was talking to my brother about this today. I will share your article with him. Very useful tips, thank you!
  • A.M. Trent Apr 11, 2009
    Thanks for the information on how to build a wind turbine. This will come in especially handy since Bluefield was dumb enough to shun the idea of a wind turbine in the mountains due to "tourism". However, what's the point in pretty mountains and trees if people are too afraid of being robbed by poor hillbillies who can't afford electricity due to the energy monopoly. I wonder if this costs less than the figures that were given on CNN for installing a home-size wind turbine. I'm all for tips on how to save money, so thank you :).
  • Lilfix Apr 11, 2009
    Thanks for sharing this article on how to build a wind turbine...RRCR5*

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