How To Start With Residential Wind Power
If you are looking to reduce your power bill or get off the grid completely, residential wind power is currently the simplest and cheapest way to do it.
A problem with wind power right now is that it is fairly expensive (though not as expensive as solar). If you were to go out and buy a wind turbine, you’ll find that they might cost you $2000 to $6000 dollars.
If you have the right plans you can build your own, in fact. And it’s not complicated, and it’s not expensive. you can do it for around $150-$300 depending on the amount of power you want to produce.
What will you need?
You’ll need a work area, good blueprints, basic tools and four to seven days.[youtube:c62xOPaS0YA;[link:Windmill power generators];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c62xOPaS0YA&feature=related]
The components you’ll build:
Four main parts in a generator are the blades and hub, the body with a DC motor, the tail and the tower. The blades will be the toughest part to build of the whole machine. They are still fairly easy with a good guide to move you along.
The motor converts the rotation of the blades to electricity. It is the most expensive part. Your manual will tell you how to install it best and what size you’ll need and all the other technical details about this part.
For the body it is best to use double walled stainless steel like that from a chimney pipe or wood stove. It is very cheap and easy to get and will last a long time.
The tail is very simple but usually essential to make sure your turbine is pointed in the right direction. Make it sturdy so it can withstand storm winds.
You can buy the tower or build your own out of piping. The best thing to use is old TV towers, which many people don’t use anymore and may actually pay you to take them down.
These are some of the basics of building a wind turbine (and believe me, it doesn’t get much more complicated). All you need now is a manual to get you started saving money and the environment.
Most Recent Comments