Basic Wind Generator Instruction
A wind generator system can pay for itself within just a few years by supplying limited power to your home or outdoor buildings. It is also a renewable source of energy and part of the recent interest in green energy. Whether it is to save money on utilities or to help "save the planet," wind energy is a viable and positive option. As there are different models, sizes and designs for wind generators, each instruction manual will be different. However, the same basic procedures apply to most of these devices. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Wind generator kit
- Wind turbine components
- Rotor blades
- Rotor hub
- Cover
- Bolts
- Flat washers
- Nuts
- Lock washers
- Assorted Tools
- Pole
- Silicone sealant
- #2 Phillips head screwdriver
- Deep Cycle Batteries
- Charge regulator
- Guy wires
- Socket wrench
- Socket sets
- Adjustable wrench
- Drill bit set
- 10 Gauge wires (length determined by distance from generator to battery bank)
- Ground wires
Instructions
-
Assembly
-
1
Separate the parts from the kit into the generator assembly. The generator assembly will be the piece with the long bolt coming from the center of it. The tail of the assembly will sometimes come attached and sometimes not.
-
2
Slip the rotor hub over this bolt and secure the blades to the hub using the provided bolts and nuts. The bolts will go through the hub and into the generator assembly in some kits. Use the 1.5 cm nut with a lock washer to secure the blades to the generator. A socket wrench with the appropriately sized ratchet will work.
-
-
3
Place the front cover over the center of the generator where the bolts are. Set the cover stopper onto the bolts that secure the cover to the assembly. The wind turbine generator assembly is now complete. Apply silicone sealant to the edges of the cap to keep moisture from entering the inner workings of the generator. Tighten bolts with the socket wrench.
-
4
Connect one end of 10-gauge wiring to the positive terminal on the turbine. Connect one end of another piece of 10-gauge wiring to the negative terminal. Use a piece of masking tape to differentiate the two wires at the other ends. Guide those other ends through the center of the pole you will be using to mount the turbine.
-
5
Bolt the turbine to the pole and set aside.
-
6
Prepare a base for the pole to "sit" in. This can be either a concrete base with a connector pole in the direct center of the base. You may also dig a hole one inch deep for every foot the pole is tall.
-
7
Connect one end of three different guy wires to the recommended area on the pole. The guy wires will provide additional support and help stabilize the pole. Some guy wires will connect with eyehooks and some will connect with bolts.
-
8
Lift the pole with the generator into place in the hole, making sure the electrical wires are free to be connected to the regulator. Get some help from friends and rent a crane. Generators can weigh as much as 300 pounds so you will need help.
-
9
Pull the guy wires out from the pole and secure them in the ground with metal stakes.
-
10
Connect the positive wire to the positive terminal on the regulator. Connect the negative wire to the negative terminal on the regulator. The regulator will disconnect the power once the battery or battery bank is full. Connect the regulator to the battery bank with the positive cable to the positive terminal and negative to negative.
Maintenance
-
11
Check guy cable tension and tighten if needed after major storms. During the first three months after installation, check these cables weekly.
-
12
Inspect electrical connections to make sure that the connections are secure and that debris hasn't accumulated. Dry leaves and electrical connections do not mix well.
-
13
Maintain the deep cycle batteries according to the battery manual. Keep them off the ground and away from moisture and debris.
-
14
Check the blades for cracks, broken edges or unusual discoloring. If there is any damage, the generator must be shut down and the blade replaced. Do not attempt to run the generator with a missing blade. With the balance off, the whole generator could be damaged irreparably.
-
15
Check the regulator monthly and especially before an expected windstorm. If the regulator appears to be faulty, disconnect the power from the battery bank to prevent an overload. The faster the blades spin, the more power is sent to the battery bank. Having a thunderstorm with a faulty regulator in place could lead to damaging your batteries.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not attempt to stop the rotor by hand.
References
- Photo Credit wind turbine image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
