Homemade generators for a windmill

From ancient times until today, humanity is trying to find alternative sources of energy. But, despite the progress in all industries without exception, and the regular introduction of innovative methods of obtaining power into production, the most reliable and widespread are still natural resources - water, wind, etc. And if with the installation of a hydroelectric power station the ordinary consumer may have problems , Then to equip such a mechanism as a windmill for a private house, almost every owner is able to do. It is about this device, its technical characteristics, types and features of the installation will be discussed later.

What is a wind generator?

Such a mechanism is a product whose main purpose is to convert wind energy into electrical voltage. Similar devices, which among consumers are called windmills, were used at the dawn of our era, only their form, of course, was different. Today such a device has been significantly improved.

The main resource for such a mechanism is the wind. Proceeding from the observations based on its speed and density, the experts find out exactly what the height should be for placing this device, how many blades it should have, etc. The generators for the windmill Are produced at specialized enterprises, but many owners prefer to make such a mechanism on their own using improvised means. But before talking about the specifics of this process, it is necessary to find out how such a mechanism functions.

The principle of the homemade windmill

Very similar to the system of this generator is the familiar turbine of an airplane. The main difference is that at the windmill the rotation of the blades is not due to the operation of a powerful engine. The basis of the functioning is the free energy of the wind, which is absorbed and subsequently converted into the electricity necessary for the owners.

As a rule, the shape of the blades is chosen such that any, even the slightest blow was noticeable, and the mechanism immediately reacted to it. Despite the fact that the rotational speed often seems low, small gears spin much faster than large ones, which is not always noticeable at first glance. Working in this way, the mechanism perfectly copes with the acceleration of the blades and the energy is produced in the required volume.

The main advantages of wind generators

The undeniable advantages of such products include the following:

- environmental Safety. A wind turbine for a private house does not affect the state of the atmosphere at all and does not emit any harmful exhausts and gases into the air, since no fuel is required for its operation;

- as it becomes clear, this mechanism is very profitable from the economic point of view, since you will not have to spend money on fuel. All costs will be associated only with the installation of the structural parts of the windmill, and in particular its generator.

However, such a functional device still has some negative characteristics, which can not be ignored.

Disadvantages of windmills

The main disadvantage of the product is the inability to control the speed of its operation, which explains the constant difference in the amount of energy produced. To put it more simply, in the absence of wind, there is an unavoidable need to use a different source that is already operating on any fuel.

In addition, from the point of view of ergonomics such installations are not very convenient, since they take up a lot of space. In addition, for maximum effect, they are best placed on a hill, and not on a flat terrain.

Mounting a vertical windmill, it is extremely important to reconcile its installation with neighbors, since there are cases when this mechanism is a serious obstacle for television antennas, and the noise level is sometimes too high.

Next, consider the two main types of windmills - horizontal and vertical. Each of them has its own peculiarities, connected both with the installation and with the operation.

The device of a horizontal wind generator

The difference between the two above-mentioned types of these mechanisms lies in the location of the axis. The horizontal variant is more common for providing electricity to small buildings of a particular type and consists of the following structural components:

1. Rotary shaft.
2. Transmission.
3. Directly generator.
4. Brake system.

Before making a windmill, it should be clearly understood that the blades of such a product should be made of a durable metal, capable of withstanding the effects of bad weather. Thanks to the transmission, the entire mechanism functions reliably. To prevent unforeseen situations, it is possible to mount an additional motor capable of generating electrical energy.

Operation of a vertical wind turbine

This system is equipped with a rotor shaft, located not horizontally, but straight. The main advantage of this design is that the free energy received from the air is produced regardless of any specific wind force. In addition, it is not necessary to mount such a mechanism in an open area, unlike a horizontal sample, it can be installed inside the building.

Generators are functioning for a windmill equipped vertically, very simply. The incoming energy is converted into electricity by rotating blades, which, in turn, work due to the rotor shaft. At the same time, the received voltage can always not simply be directed to a living room, but also brought to a specific equipment or device.

Materials for wind turbine assembly

The completion of such a self-made device does not include any details that are difficult to obtain, as a rule, all elements are freely available on the market or on the premises. So, the mechanism is mounted with the help of the following materials:

• Car generator for a 12 V wind turbine;
• Usual battery of the same power;
• Utensils made of aluminum or stainless steel, for example, a bucket or a large saucepan;
• The relay of the car;
• Switch in the form of a button;
• A special device for measuring voltage - voltmeter;
• Wires of the required length;
• Technical tools - drill, screwdriver, pliers;
• Fasteners in the form of nuts, bolts and washers.

Having all the above materials available, you can begin to collect a horizontal or vertical windmill.

Manufacturing process

If the blades of the device are made from a bucket, then it should be divided into 4 parts, observing the proportions of future parts, and then, before reaching the end, cut the elements with special scissors designed for metal.

On the bottom and on the pulley, it is necessary to mark out and drill the holes for fixing the bolts. It is important that the resulting openings are located symmetrically to each other, otherwise, rotating, the windmill can heel.

After this, the blades should be slightly bent. Generators for a windmill can turn in different directions, so here it is necessary to take into account in which direction it moves in order to displace metal parts in this direction. The bend angle directly affects the speed of rotation.

Mounting the bucket with the prepared blades to the pulley is done by means of bolts.

Then the generator is connected to the system. Correctly having combined all wires, it is possible to achieve trouble-free work of the equipment and to provide with electricity not only inhabited premises, but also additional communications like security signaling, video observation, etc.

There are other versions of the assembly, where completely different parts are used, one of which is a magnet for the generator of the windmill. But the product made from a car battery is the easiest to install and operate.

How to protect the wind generator from a hurricane?

There are cases when the use of such a device is extremely undesirable. In particular, this applies to situations where the speed of gusts exceeds the rate of 8-9 m / s. In this case, the homemade product needs some protection.

During a bad weather generators for a windmill are best covered with a side shovel. Such a mechanism has earned wide popularity among consumers in large part due to the simplicity of its device. Mounted this shovel from a standard shaped pipe, having a section of 20x40x2.5 mm and a regular steel sheet, the thickness of which should not exceed 1-2 mm.

A spring that holds a similar element can be any material made of carbon steel and treated with zinc.

By installing such a protective device, you can be calm for the integrity of the generator, since even the strongest wind can not cause him any mechanical damage. This concerns the entire product design.

Proper care for a homemade windmill

In order for the equipment created at home to function normally, the following recommendations for its operation should be followed:

1. A few weeks after the first start, the wind generator must be lowered and the reliability of all fasteners checked.
2. All the structural parts of the generator must be lubricated with oil at least twice a year.
3. Noticing that the blades rotate crookedly or constantly tremble, the windmill should be immediately lowered and immediately eliminate all malfunctions.
4. Brushes of the current receiver should be checked at least once a year. This will avoid possible troubles associated with the closure of the network.
5. Painting the structural parts of the whole mechanism can be done once in about 2-3 years.

Thus, we can say with confidence that it is much easier and cheaper to exploit exactly homemade windmills. Generators, prices for which are rather big, it is best to manufacture manually, rather than acquire expensive factory equipment. It is important only to observe all the conventions of the assembly, and then the resulting device will work long and reliably.