When it comes to making a choice to reduce the demand for energy sources that pollute the environment, the wind that blows for free offers one solution.
Most people are familiar with the picture postcards of windmills that
used to dot the landscape in Holland,
but modern DIY wind turbine construction is a vastly different proposition.
Bulky structures are a thing of the past and the windmill is replaced
with state of the art technology that generates electricity efficiently for the
home and small cities. Don’t misinterpret these developments as putting the
construction required beyond the skill level of the average home owner.
They are neither difficult to operate nor expensive. Anyone considering
a DIY wind turbine will need only the usual tools in the workshop and a few
hundred dollars for the complete unit. Even less if materials are available
from a recycling center.
What most people don’t realize is that there are few moving parts in the
modern turbine and lighter weight construction means no need for a high tower
to support the generator and its blades. Build a secure frame on the roof, and
a site for a DIY wind turbine is available.
The next requirement is to mount the blade and gearing on the frame. Kit
sets for these are readily sourced online. Choose the ones that are well
referenced, and try to see one operating nearby before commencing building.
This last piece of advice is most important but often neglected. Seeing
a unit operating will answer questions that most people don’t even think to
ask.
DIY wind turbines come in all makes and sizes, so getting one for a specific site, and the amount of energy required will be time well spent. Investigation into local building codes, noise limitations, and things such as height and where the prevailing wind will come from are almost more important than knowing how to put the unit together.
DIY wind turbines come in all makes and sizes, so getting one for a specific site, and the amount of energy required will be time well spent. Investigation into local building codes, noise limitations, and things such as height and where the prevailing wind will come from are almost more important than knowing how to put the unit together.
The installation may take only a few days, unless you are thinking of
building everything from scratch. Blades are the driving force and those from
wood or fiber composites are cheaper and less prone to vibration and noise than
metal ones. A tail assembly to keep the unit facing the breeze can be made with
simple woodworking or engineering skills to make a DIY wind turbine fully
efficient.
Gearing and the DC motors can be purchased online and bolted together. A
wiring plan may confuse those unfamiliar with electricity, but it is worth
involving an electrician at the final stages to give an ok to the home
handyman’s work.
Most of this seems to be simple and it is. A DIY wind turbine is not a
toy though, and access to it should be restricted. The blades can be fatal for
children and adults alike, and any electrical installation should be well
insulated. If the unit is mounted on a tower this should not be able to be
climbed by the adventurous. Use fencing to deter potential climbers and
security lighting to scare away those thinking the structure is an advanced
playground.
