Do-it-yourself vertical wind generator: how to assemble a windmill with a vertical axis of rotation

Renewable, ecological, green

Perhaps it is not worth reminding that everything new is a well-forgotten old. People have learned to use the strength of the river flow and the speed of the wind to obtain mechanical energy for a very long time. The sun heats water for us and moves cars, feeds spaceships. Wheels, installed in the beds of streams and small rivers, supplied water to the fields as early as the Middle Ages. One windmill could provide flour for several surrounding villages.

At the moment, we are interested in a simple question: how to provide your home with cheap light and heat, how to make a windmill with your own hands? 5 kW power or a little less, the main thing is that you can supply your home with current for the operation of electrical appliances.

It is interesting that in the world there is a classification of buildings according to the level of resource efficiency:

• conventional, built before 1980-1995;
• with low and ultra-low energy consumption - up to 45-90 kWh per 1 kV / m;
• passive and non-volatile, receiving current from renewable sources (for example, by installing a rotary wind generator (5 kW) with your own hands or a system of solar panels, you can solve this problem);
• energy-active buildings that generate more electricity than they need receive money by distributing it through the network to other consumers.

It turns out that our own, home mini-stations installed on rooftops and in yards can eventually compete with large electricity suppliers. And the governments of different countries in every possible way encourage the creation and active use of alternative energy sources.

How to make a 220V wind generator with your own hands?

To provide a private house with a constant flow of electricity at an average wind speed of 4 m / s, it is enough:

• 0.15-0.2 kW, which go to basic needs;
• 1-5 kW for electrical equipment;
• 20 kW for the whole house with heating.

homemade model

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the wind does not always blow, therefore, with your own hands, a windmill for the house should be provided with a battery with a charge controller, as well as an inverter to which the devices are connected.

For any model of a homemade windmill, the main elements will be required:

• rotor - the part that rotates from the wind;
• blades, usually they are mounted from wood or light metal;
• a generator that will convert wind power into electricity;
• a tail that helps determine the direction of air flow (for a horizontal version);
• horizontal rail to hold the generator, tail and turbine;
• match;
• connecting wire and shield.

You can use this diagram to build

In the complete set of the shield there will be a battery, a controller and an inverter. Consider two options for how to build a wind generator with your own hands.

Installing the generator on the frame

The bicycle motor, when used for its intended purpose, operates under significant loads. The parameters of the calculated strength of the motor satisfy the conditions for using the product as a homemade windmill generator. The generator shaft is attached through a threaded connection to a do-it-yourself frame made of aluminum alloy 10 mm thick. The bed is bolted to the frame.

The dimensions of the bed, the placement of the holes are determined by the dimensions of the selected generator. For the manufacture of the frame, a channel section with a section thickness of 6-10 mm is selected. The structural dimensions of the frame depend on the dimensions of the turning unit.

Basic structural elements

Despite the wide variety of wind turbines and methods of their manufacture, they all consist of the same structural elements.

wind wheel

Blades are considered one of the most important elements of a wind turbine. Their design affects the operation of other components of the generator. Various materials are used to make blades.

Before manufacturing, you need to calculate the length of the blade. If a pipe is taken for manufacturing, then its diameter must be at least 20 cm, with a planned blade length of 1 meter. Next, the pipe is cut into 4 parts using a jigsaw. One part is used to make a template, according to which the rest of the blades are cut. After that, they are assembled on a common disk, and the whole structure is fixed on the generator shaft. The assembled wind wheel must be balanced.Balancing must be carried out in a room protected from the wind. If the operation is carried out correctly, the wheel will not spontaneously rotate. In the case of spontaneous rotation of the blades, they are undermined until the entire structure is in balance. At the very end, the accuracy of rotation of the blades is checked. They should rotate in the same plane, without any distortions. The permissible error is 2 mm.

Mast

The next structural element of the wind turbine is the mast. Most often, it is made from an old water pipe, the diameter of which should not be 15 cm, but the length should be up to 7 meters. If there are any structures or buildings within a radius of 30 meters from the planned installation site, in this case the height of the mast is increased.

In order for the entire installation to work as efficiently as possible, the bladed wheel rises above the surrounding obstacles by at least 1 meter. After installation, the base of the mast and the pegs for fixing guy wires are poured with concrete. As extensions it is recommended to use a galvanized cable with a diameter of 6 mm.

Generator

For a wind turbine, you can use any car generator, preferably with a higher power. They all have an identical design and require alteration. A similar alteration of a car generator for a windmill involves rewinding the stator conductor, as well as manufacturing a rotor using neodymium magnets. To fix them securely, it is required to drill holes in the rotor poles. Installation of magnets is carried out with alternation of poles.The rotor itself is wrapped in paper, and all the voids that form between the magnets are filled with epoxy.

In the process of sticking magnets, their polarity must be observed. Therefore, the rotor is connected to a power source. The included rotor creates a magnetic field and each magnet is glued into place by the side that is attracted.

To connect the rotor, you can use any power supply with a voltage of 12 volts and a current of 1 to 3 amperes. The connection is made in such a way that the removable ring located closer to the fangs is the minus, and the positive side is located closer to the end of the rotor. Magnets installed in the gaps of the rotor or fangs cause the generator to self-excite, and this is considered their main function.

At the very beginning of the rotation of the rotor, the magnets begin to excite the current in the generator, which also enters the coil, leading to an increase in the magnetic fields of the fangs. As a result, the generator produces a current with an even greater value. It turns out a kind of current circulation when the generator is excited and further powered by its own rotor, on which electromagnetic poles are installed. The assembled generator must be tested and measurements of the obtained output data must be made. If the unit produces approximately 30 volts at 300 rpm, then this is considered a normal result.

Wind generator - a source of electricity

Utility tariffs are raised at least once a year. And if you look closely, then in some years the price of the same electricity rises twice - the numbers in payment documents grow like mushrooms after rain. Naturally, all this hits the pocket of the consumer, whose income does not show such a steady growth.And real incomes, as statistics show, show a downward trend.

More recently, it was possible to fight against the growth of electricity tariffs in one simple, but illegal way - with the help of a neodymium magnet. This product was applied to the body of the flowmeter, as a result of which it stopped. But we strongly do not recommend using this technique - it is unsafe, illegal, and the fine upon capture will be such that it will not seem small.

The scheme was just great, but subsequently it stopped working for the following reasons:

The frequent control rounds began to massively identify unscrupulous owners.

• Control rounds have become more frequent - representatives of regulatory authorities go from house to house;
• Special stickers began to be pasted on the counters - under the influence of a magnetic field they darken, exposing the intruder;
• The counters have become immune to the magnetic field - electronic accounting units are installed here.

Therefore, people began to pay attention to alternative sources of electricity, such as wind turbines. Another way to expose the violator who steals electricity is to conduct an examination of the level of magnetization of the meter, which easily reveals the facts of theft.

Another way to expose the violator who steals electricity is to conduct an examination of the level of magnetization of the meter, which easily reveals the facts of theft.

Windmills for the home are becoming commonplace in areas where winds often blow. The wind power generator uses the energy of wind air currents to generate electricity. To do this, they are equipped with blades that drive the rotors of the generators.The resulting electricity is converted into direct current, after which it is transmitted to consumers or stored in batteries.

Wind turbines for a private house, both homemade and factory assembled, can be the main or auxiliary sources of electricity. Here's a typical example of an auxiliary source running - it heats water in a boiler or feeds low-voltage home lights, while the rest of the home appliances are powered by the main power supply. It is also possible to work as the main source of electricity in houses that are not connected to electrical networks. Here they feed:

• Chandeliers and lamps;
• Large household appliances;
• Heating appliances and more.

Accordingly, in order to heat your home, you need to make or purchase a 10 kW wind farm - this should be enough for all needs.

The wind farm can power both traditional electrical appliances and low-voltage ones - they operate on 12 or 24 volts. A 220 V wind generator is carried out according to a scheme using inverter converters with the accumulation of electricity in batteries. Wind generators for 12, 24 or 36 V are simpler - simpler battery charge controllers with stabilizers are used here.

generating device

An electric motor for a bicycle with parameters of 24 V 250 W is used as a generator. A similar product costing from 5 to 15 thousand rubles. can be easily ordered via the Internet.

Table 2. Technical specifications of 250W bike motor

The coupling is connected to the motor body with bolts through the holes for fastening the spokes. It is quite possible to choose a generator at a more adequate price, as an example, an electric motor with permanent magnet excitation from a tape drive of an electronic computer. Device parameters 300 W, 36 V, 1600 rpm.

Generators with the necessary characteristics can be made by hand from an automotive device of a similar purpose. The stator is not subject to changes, the rotor is equipped with neodymium magnets. Reviews of the masters about such alterations of the generator are positive.

Examples of homemade generators

Each wind power plant is assembled from three main elements:

• The generator for the windmill is removed from the old car, appliances. In the absence of machine parts, a wind generator is made by hand from an asynchronous motor.
• Mast, the size of which depends on the power of the APU.
• Propeller mounted directly on the generator or held by a belt feed.

To make an efficient wind generator with your own hands, you will need auxiliary parts:

• Rechargeable battery that performs the function of the receiver - energy storage.
• Controller and inverter for converting different types of current.
• Automatic power supply switch for continuous power supply.

Propeller

The propeller is designed to produce thrust. This is a propeller consisting of blades and a sleeve that connects them to the engine shaft.

For the manufacture of a workable propeller, 3 conditions are taken into account:

• motor power;
• impeller diameter;
• rotation frequency.

Diameter blades for windmill calculated taking into account the required power according to tabular indicators or in an online calculator.

Generator

Affordable wind turbines from cars have become widespread. But they are inferior to compact asynchronous motors made by hand on neodymium magnets. This design is assembled from scratch with the manufacture of windings or the rotor is remade.

The machine electric motor needs to be finalized.

Electric motors from industrial installations, fans, equipment are excellent. For a low-power wind generator from a screwdriver, you will need a few additional parts, the main conditions for its operation are the diameter of the blades should be 1.5-3 meters.

As a kind of miniature alternative, a portable electrical installation can easily be made from a printer stepper motor. Such a device will be a salvation for recharging your phone away from home.

Mast

The choice of type depends on the financial and technical capabilities of the owner. A home-made power plant is installed on one of the types of masts:

• stretching;
• welded;
• conical;
• hydraulic.

Stretch marks from a steel cable are attached to pipes of small diameter at the same or different levels. Corners, channels, buried or concreted are suitable for stakes. Heavy and high supports require a solid foundation with cast anchors. With a low generator power of up to 1 kW and a light design, the issue of strength is not significant.

Horizontal windmills cannot be mounted on the roof of the house due to the spread of noise and vibration.

Lopatniki

The energy efficiency of a homemade wind turbine is affected by the number, shape, weight and material of the wings.It is cheaper to make blades for a wind turbine with your own hands from available funds. The source is usually plastic, metal, wood.

The simplest ones are made from plastic bottles, a household cooler, but they are not durable. For an inexpensive option, PVC pipes cut according to the schemes are suitable.

Aluminum plates will last longer. To give a streamlined shape and correct bending, it is desirable to process a metal part on a rolling mill.

Masters may be interested fiberglass blades. This will require fiberglass, epoxy glue and a wooden matrix for modeling. This design is suitable for making a sailing wind generator or a sailboat with your own hands.

Work progress

Mast

Before installing the entire structure, we fill in a three-point foundation of the appropriate volume, taking into account the nuances of climate and soil. We install a mast with a wind turbine after the concrete reaches maximum strength (a week). A less reliable option is to bury the mast in the ground for half a meter and use extensions.

Rotor

After that, you need to make a rotor and remake the pulley (friction wheel with a rim or groove around the circumference, which transmits movement to the drive belt or rope) of the generator. The rotor diameter is chosen based on the average annual wind speed. At speeds up to 6-7m/s, the efficiency of the 5m rotor is greater than that of the 4m rotor.

blades

We divide the barrel into 4 equal parts using a tape measure and a marker, then cut out the future blades with scissors for metal or a grinder. Next, we attach it to the generator with bolts to the pulley and the bottom. The places for the bolts must be measured very accurately, so that later you do not suffer with the rotation adjustment.On the barrel we bend the blades, but within reasonable limits, in order to avoid sharp gusts of wind.

Compound

We connect the wires to the generator and assemble the circuit in a dose. We fasten the generator to the mast, and the wires to the mast and the generator. Then we connect the generator to the circuit and connect the battery to the circuit (the length of the wires is not more than a meter). We connect the load using wires (section up to 2.5 kV). Optionally, you can install a 12-220 V inverter for 700-1000 W. The speed of rotation of the wind generator is set by the bending of the blades.

In 4-5 hours, the entire device will be assembled. Such a wind generator is enough to fully power a country house or cottage.

Increasing energy production

Please note that increasing the mast height to 18-26m increases the average annual wind speed by 15-30%. Energy production increases by 1.3-1.5 times. This technique is used when the wind speed is below 4m/s. The high mast eliminates the influence of trees and buildings.

The rotor diameter is chosen according to the average annual wind speed. In fact, up to 6-7 m/s, the output of the 3 m rotor is higher than that of the 2 m rotor. At standard average annual speeds, the output levels off.

Such a wind generator is enough to fully power a country house or cottage.

Advantages and principle of operation of windmills

A modern vertical generator is one of the options for alternative energy for the home. The unit is able to convert gusts of wind into an energy resource. For correct operation, it does not need additional devices that determine the direction of the wind.

A rotary wind generator is very easy to make with your own hands.Of course, he will not be able to fully take over the provision of a private large-sized cottage with energy, but he will cope with the lighting of outbuildings, garden paths and the local area perfectly

The vertical type device operates at low altitude. For its maintenance, various devices are not needed to ensure the safe carrying out of high-altitude repair and maintenance work.

A minimum of moving parts makes the wind turbine more reliable and operationally stable. The optimal profile of the blades and the original shape of the rotor provide the unit with a high level of efficiency, regardless of which direction the wind is blowing at any given moment.

Small household models consist of three or more light blades, instantly catch the weakest gust and begin to rotate as soon as the wind strength exceeds 1.5 m / s. Due to this ability, their efficiency often exceeds the efficiency of large installations that need stronger wind.

The generator works absolutely silently, does not interfere with the owners and neighbors, does not create harmful emissions into the atmosphere and reliably serves for many years, accurately supplying energy to residential premises.

The vertical wind-type generator works on the principle of magnetic levitation. During the rotation of the turbines, impulse and lift forces are generated, as well as the actual braking force. The first two make the blades of the unit spin. This action activates the rotor and it creates a magnetic field that generates electricity.

A windmill with a vertical axis of rotation is not inferior in efficiency to its horizontal counterparts.In addition, it does not make any claims to the territorial location and fully works in almost any place convenient for homeowners.

The device functions completely independently and does not require the intervention of the owners in the process.

Advantages of a homemade generator

A homemade generator outperforms a purchased one at a more affordable cost. Of course, the financial side is important, but a do-it-yourself device is a device with only the necessary and stated requirements.

It is worth considering that the chosen design directly affects the efficiency. So in asynchronous generators, efficiency losses do not exceed 5%. The laconic design of its body with protection of the motor from moisture, dirt reduces the need for frequent maintenance. An asynchronous generator is more resistant to power surges due to the rectifier at the output, which prevents damage to connected equipment.

A home-made generator works regardless of the distance of the power line, providing electricity in any conditions. It converts energy using an available type of fuel.

Such a device effectively feeds welding machines, incandescent lamps, computer and mobile equipment with sensitivity to voltage drops. It has good performance and motor resources.

The device is a good alternative to conventional power sources, helps out in case of an emergency power outage, saves money. Mobile, small-sized, with a simple design, easy to repair - you can replace failed parts and assemblies on your own.

Among other things, homemade has a small size, so it can be easily installed even in small rooms.

You can place a home-made generator in a small room, due to the compact design, the device does not require much space for its installation

Depending on the type of fuel used, the generator only requires precautions during use. During the operation of a home-made generator, it is necessary to observe safety precautions: monitor the electrical cables, prevent them from twisting, do not touch bare wires with your hands, etc.

During the operation of a home-made generator, it is necessary to observe safety precautions: monitor the electrical cables, prevent them from twisting, do not touch bare wires with your hands, etc.

Finally

With the right selection of elements for a homemade wind generator, you can make a good model that provides the whole house with uninterrupted voltage.

If you are not confident in your abilities or do not have enough tools, you can buy a household windmill, which will pay off by saving on electricity. Such equipment is becoming increasingly popular in today's economy, it is perfect for private homes.

Homemade wind turbines are usually not noisy and reliable, however, the performance is much lower than that of purchased ones. Choose and mount equipment to your liking.

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