It is difficult not to notice how the stability of electricity supplies to suburban facilities differs from the provision of urban buildings and enterprises with electricity. Admit that you, as the owner of a private home or cottage, have more than once encountered interruptions, associated inconveniences and damage to equipment.
The listed negative situations, along with the consequences, will no longer complicate the lives of lovers of natural spaces. Moreover, with minimal labor and financial costs. To do this you just need to do wind generator electricity, which we talk about in detail in the article.
The price of electricity is constantly growing and, naturally, every owner tries to optimize the cost of paying for it. Here, all the means are good - starting from saving money, equipment with a low energy consumption index, energy-saving lamps, and ending with the use of multi-tariff electricity meters. Nevertheless, the prospect of obtaining electricity not from the state, but from nature, will always remain tempting. One of the most effective such devices remains a wind generator, which is used in the West almost on an equal basis, or even more widely, than classic thermal power plants or nuclear power plants.
Generator price and efficiency
Naturally, the most practical solution for generating electricity from wind energy would be powerful device, capable of producing required amount energy to supply consumers throughout the house. Do-it-yourself 220V wind generators can be of different power, and we will consider the principles of manufacturing each possible device from what every thrifty owner may have at hand.
But first, it’s worth at least advance paynemt wind generator and its profitability. For example, an 800 kW household appliance made in Russia will cost one and a half thousand US dollars per kilowatt. Expensive. Chinese products that are not distinguished by reliability and accuracy of ratings will cost $900 per 1 kW. Also expensive. Please note that this is only the generator itself, without any peripheral equipment. This is actually an unaffordable price for a private owner, so we will try to use everything we have at hand and make our own autonomous system.
How to determine the power of a windmill
Calculating the power of a wind generator is a complex and time-consuming process that is applicable to a specific source generator. The simplest option is to use a dynamo from a tractor or car. Such a device actually does not require modifications and can be used in the energy supply system “as is”. Of course, we can talk for a long time about devices using neodymium magnets, but, for example, in the village of Arkhipovka, Oryol region, they never existed and never will, and there are tons of decommissioned tractors.
Vertical or rotary wind generators?
Bladed vertical generators are one of the most popular in the world, but to build them it is necessary to accurately calculate the blade, its shape and dimensions. As the experience of creating such devices by enthusiasts shows, the most efficient blade generators are those with an adjustable blade rotation angle. The average dimensions of each of the six blades are 650x120 mm, and the most effective angle of rotation relative to its axis is about 12 degrees, although experiments can be carried out in each particular case.
A rotary windmill for home is made with horizontal arrangement the generator axis on which the rotor is mounted. It can be performed according to several schemes, which are presented below. The simplest option is to make a rotor from a cylindrical container. It could be like plastic barrel, a gas cylinder is, after all, a saucepan. The container should be divided into four segments, each of which is attached to the hub. The hub is installed on metal carcass, an approximate drawing of which is shown in the figure.
Parts and consumables, electrical diagram
A low-power windmill for home can be assembled with a modest set of used devices and parts:
car battery, the fresher and the larger the capacity, the better,
inverter 300-700 W,
car or tractor charging relay (depending on the generator voltage),
control device (voltmeter),
To connect the device to the network electrical network wires with a cross-section of at least 4 mm² are used. Ready installation it is connected according to the circuit shown in the photo through fuses 8, which is opened by switch 9 for maintenance and repair. The value of resistor 1 is selected experimentally, and ammeter 5 can be installed at the output of converter 5 if desired. Also, for ease of use of the design, a variable resistor 4 can be used to regulate the voltage. More detailed diagram inverter is presented below.
In this way, a wind generator can be assembled to provide minimal electricity requirements. Use and produce energy wisely, good luck to everyone!
Do-it-yourself 220V wind generators
Do-it-yourself 220V wind generators The price of electricity is constantly rising and, naturally, every owner tries to optimize the cost of paying for it. All means are good here - starting from
A wind generator or, in common parlance, a windmill is a simple device that provides its owner with considerable savings due to the production free electricity. Such an installation is the dream of any owner of a site cut off from centralized networks or a summer resident dissatisfied with the newly received receipt for electricity consumption.
Having understood the design of a wind generator, the principle of its operation, and having studied the drawings, you can make and install a wind turbine yourself, providing your home with unlimited alternative energy.
Brief contents of the article:
Is it legal to use wind?
Creating your own, albeit compact, power plant is a serious thing, so it is logical that the question involuntarily arises: is their use legal? Yes, if the power of the wind-started installation does not exceed 1 kW, which is quite enough to ensure electric shock average country house.
The fact is that it is with this power indicator that the device is considered household and does not require mandatory registration, certification, approval, registration and, moreover, is not subject to any tax.
However, before you make a wind generator for your home, it is better to protect yourself and take into account a few points:
- Are there any special restrictions on the use of alternative energy sources in your region of residence?
- What is the local permissible mast height?
- Will the noise from the gearbox and blades exceed the established standards?
- Should there be protection against generated airborne interference?
- Will the mast interfere with bird migration or cause other environmental problems?
If you think through all the nuances in advance, then neither the tax, nor environmental services, nor neighbors will be able to make claims and prevent the receipt of free electricity.
How does a windmill work?
In the photo, ready-made homemade wind generators are shown elongated metal structures on three or four supports, with blades moving from the wind. As a result, the kinetic energy received by the wind flow is converted into mechanical energy, which in turn starts the rotor and becomes electric current.
This process is the result of the well-established operation of several mandatory components of a wind power plant (WPP):
- A propeller with two or more blades,
- turbine rotor,
- Gearbox,
- Controller,
- Electric generator axle and generator,
- Inverter,
- Battery.
It is also necessary to provide a brake block, nacelle, mast, weather vane, low and high speed shaft. The device also determines the operating principle of the wind generator: the rotating rotor produces three-phase alternating current, passing through the controller system and charging the DC battery.
The final amps are converted by the inverter and sent through the connected wiring to output points: outlets, lighting, household appliances and electrical appliances.
How to do it yourself?
The most reliable and simplest design is considered to be a rotary wind turbine, which is an installation with a vertical axis of rotation. Ready homemade generator This type is capable of fully ensuring the energy consumption of the dacha, including equipping living quarters, outbuildings and street lighting (though not too bright).
To make a wind generator, you will need design parts, consumables and tools. The first step is to find suitable windmill components, many of which can be found among old stocks:
- Generator from a car with a power of about 12 V,
- Rechargeable battery 12 V,
- Push-button semi-hermetic switch,
- Inventor,
- A car relay used to charge the battery.
You will also need consumables:
- Fasteners (bolts, nuts, insulating tape),
- Steel or aluminum container,
- Wiring with a cross-section of 4 square meters. mm (two meters) and 2.5 sq. mm (one meter),
- Mast, tripod and other elements to enhance stability,
- Strong rope.
It is advisable to find, study and print drawings of wind generators with your own hands. You will also need tools, including an angle grinder, a meter, pliers, a drill, sharp knife, electric drill, screwdrivers (phillips, minus, indicator) and wrenches.
Having prepared everything you need, you can start assembling, following the step-by-step instructions that tell you how to make a wind generator with your own hands:
- Cut blades of the same size from a metal container, leaving an untouched strip of metal of several centimeters at the base.
- Symmetrically make holes with a drill for the existing bolts in the bottom of the container base and the generator pulley.
- Bend the blades.
- Secure the blade to the pulley.
- Install and secure the generator on the mast with clamps or rope, stepping back about ten centimeters from the top.
- Set up the wiring (to connect the battery, a meter-long wire with a cross-section of 4 sq. mm is enough, for loading with lighting and electrical appliances - 2.5 sq. mm).
- Mark the connection diagram, color and letter markings for future repairs.
- Install the converter with quarter-gauge wire.
- If necessary, decorate the structure with a weather vane and paint it.
- Secure the wires by wrapping the installation mast.
Do-it-yourself 220 Volt wind generators are an opportunity to provide a dacha or Vacation home free electricity V as soon as possible. Even a beginner can set up such an installation, and most of the parts for the structure have been lying idle in the garage for a long time.
Online home handyman assistant
How to use the wind for your own purposes and how a wind generator works with your own hands. How a modern windmill works and how to make one yourself. Photos of the best and simplest models.
The operating principle of a domestic wind power plant is simple: the air flow rotates the rotor blades mounted on the generator shaft and creates alternating current in its windings.
The inexhaustible energy that air masses carry with them has always attracted people's attention. Our great-grandfathers learned to harness the wind to the sails and wheels of windmills, after which it rushed aimlessly across the vast expanses of the Earth for two centuries.
Today useful work has been found for him again. A wind generator for a private home goes from being a technical novelty to a real factor in our everyday life.
Let's take a closer look at wind power plants, evaluate the conditions for their profitable use and consider existing varieties. Home craftsmen will receive food for thought on the topic in our article. self-assembly windmill and devices necessary for its efficient work.
What is a wind generator?
The operating principle of a domestic wind power plant is simple: the air flow rotates the rotor blades mounted on the generator shaft and creates alternating current in its windings. The generated electricity is stored in batteries and used by household appliances as needed. Of course, this is a simplified diagram of how a home windmill works. In practical terms, it is complemented by devices that convert electricity.
Immediately behind the generator in the energy chain there is a controller. It converts three-phase alternating current into direct current and directs it to charge the batteries. Majority household appliances cannot operate on constant power, so another device is placed behind the batteries - inverter
It does the reverse operation: turns D.C. in household alternating voltage 220 Volts.
It is clear that these transformations do not take place without leaving a trace and take away quite a decent portion of the original energy (15-20%).
If windmill works in tandem with a solar battery or another electricity generator (petrol, diesel), then the circuit is supplemented automatic switch(AVR). When the main current source is turned off, it activates the backup one.
To obtain maximum power, the wind generator must be located along the wind flow. IN simple systems The weather vane principle is implemented.
To do this, a vertical blade is attached to the opposite end of the generator, turning it towards the wind.
More powerful installations have a rotating electric motor controlled by a direction sensor.
Main types of wind generators and their features
There are two types of wind generators:
- With a horizontal rotor.
- With vertical rotor.
The first type is the most common. It is characterized by high efficiency (40-50%), but has an increased level of noise and vibration. In addition, its installation requires a large free space (100 meters) or a high mast (from 6 meters).
Generators with a vertical rotor are less energetically efficient (the efficiency is almost 3 times lower than that of horizontal ones).
Their advantages include simple installation and reliable design. Low noise makes it possible to install vertical generators on the roofs of houses and even at ground level. These installations are not afraid of icing and hurricanes.
They are launched from a weak wind (from 1.0-2.0 m/s) while a horizontal windmill needs an air flow of medium strength (3.5 m/s and above). Vertical wind generators are very diverse in the shape of the impeller (rotor).
Due to the low rotor speed (up to 200 rpm), the mechanical life of such installations significantly exceeds those of horizontal wind generators.
How to calculate and select a wind generator?
The wind is not natural gas, pumped through pipes and not electricity, uninterruptedly supplied through wires to our house. He is capricious and fickle. Today a hurricane tears off roofs and breaks trees, and tomorrow it gives way to complete calm.
Therefore, before purchasing or making your own windmill, you need to assess the potential of air energy in your area.
To do this, the average annual wind force must be determined. This value can be found on the Internet by request. Having received such a table, we find the area of our residence and look at the intensity of its color, comparing it with the rating scale. If the average annual wind speed is less than 4.0 meters per second, then there is no point in installing a wind turbine. He won't give required quantity
energy.
If If the wind strength is sufficient to install a wind power plant, then you can proceed to the next step: selecting the generator power. we're talking about
about autonomous energy supply at home, then the average statistical electricity consumption of 1 family is taken into account. It ranges from 100 to 300 kWh per month. In regions with low annual wind potential (5-8 m/sec), a wind turbine with a power of 2-3 kW can generate this amount of electricity. It should be taken into account that the average wind speed is higher
, so energy production during this period will be greater than in summer.
DIY windmill. Fun or real savings? Let’s say right away that making a wind generator with your own hands that is complete and effective is not easy. Correct calculation of the wind wheel, transmission mechanism
, selection of a generator suitable for power and speed is a separate topic. We will give only brief recommendations on the main stages of this process.
Generator
Car generators and electric motors from direct drive washing machines are not suitable for this purpose. They are capable of generating energy from the wind wheel, but it will be insignificant. To operate efficiently, self-generators need very high speeds, which a windmill cannot develop. Motors for washing machines have another problem. They're standing there ferrite magnets , and for a wind generator we need more productive ones - neodymium. Process them self-installation
and winding current-carrying windings requires patience and high precision.
The power of a device assembled by yourself, as a rule, does not exceed 100-200 watts. IN Lately
Motor-wheels for bicycles and scooters are popular among DIYers.
From a wind energy standpoint, these are powerful neodymium generators that are optimally suited for working with vertical wind wheels and charging batteries. From such a generator you can extract up to 1 kW of wind energy.
The easiest to manufacture are sail and rotor propellers. The first consists of lightweight curved tubes mounted on a central plate. Blades made of durable fabric are pulled over each tube. The large windage of the propeller requires hinged fastening of the blades so that during a hurricane they fold and do not become deformed.
The rotary wind wheel design is used for vertical generators. It is easy to manufacture and reliable in operation.
Wind generators for home: types, DIY production
The operating principle of a household wind power plant is simple: the air flow rotates the rotor blades mounted on the generator shaft and creates an alternating current in its windings.
Payment for electricity today takes up a significant share of the cost of maintaining a home. IN apartment buildings, the only way savings - transition to energy-saving technologies, and optimization of costs under multi-tariff schemes (night mode is paid at reduced prices). And if you have a personal plot, you can not only save on consumption, but also organize an independent energy supply for your private home.
This is a normal practice that originated in Europe and North America, and over the last couple of decades it has been actively implemented in Russia. However, equipment for autonomous power supply is quite expensive; the payback to “zero” does not occur earlier than after 10 years. In some states, it is possible to return energy to public networks by fixed tariffs, this reduces the payback time. IN Russian Federation To obtain a “cashback” you need to go through a number of bureaucratic procedures, so most users of “free” energy prefer to build a wind generator with their own hands and use it only for personal needs.
Legal side of the issue
Homemade wind generator for the home is not subject to prohibitions; its production and use does not entail administrative or criminal penalties. If the power of a wind generator does not exceed 5 kW, it is classified as a household appliance and does not require any approval from the local energy company. Moreover, you are not required to pay any taxes if you do not make a profit when selling electricity. In addition, a homemade generating windmill, even with such productivity, requires complex engineering solutions: it’s easy to make it. Therefore, the power of a homemade product rarely exceeds 2 kW. Actually, this power is usually enough to power a private home (of course, if you do not have a boiler and a powerful air conditioner).
In this case, we are talking about federal legislation. Therefore, before making a decision to make a windmill with your own hands, it would be a good idea to check the presence (absence) of regional and municipal regulations that may impose some restrictions and prohibitions. For example, if your house is located in a specially protected natural area, the use of wind energy (and this natural resource) may require additional approvals.
Problems with the law can arise if you have troublesome neighbors. Windmills for home are classified as individual buildings, so they are also subject to some restrictions:
Types of generators
Before deciding how to make a wind generator with your own hands, let’s consider the design features:
According to the location of the generator, the device can be horizontal or vertical
According to the generated voltage rating
Typical examples of homemade wind generators
The design of the wind generator is the same, regardless of the chosen scheme.
- A propeller that can be installed either directly on the generator shaft or using a belt (chain, gear) drive.
- The generator itself. This can be a ready-made device (for example, from a car), or a regular electric motor, which generates electric current when rotated.
- Inverter, voltage regulator, stabilizer - depending on the selected voltage.
- Buffer element - rechargeable batteries that ensure continuity of generation, regardless of the presence of wind.
- Installation structure: mast, roof mounting bracket.
Propeller
Can be made from any material: even from plastic bottles. True, flexible blades significantly limit power.
It is enough to cut cavities in them to take in the wind.
A good option is a household windmill made from a cooler. You get a finished design with professionally made blades and a balanced electric motor.
A similar design is made from a cooler for computer power supplies. True, the power of such a generator is scanty - unless you light an LED lamp or charge a mobile phone.
However, the system is quite functional.
Good blades are made from aluminum sheets. The material is available, it is easy to mold, and the propeller is quite light.
If you are creating a rotary propeller for a vertical generator, you can use tin cans, cut lengthwise. For powerful systems, half steel barrels are used (up to a volume of 200 liters).
Of course, you will have to approach the issue of reliability with special care. Powerful frame, shaft on bearings.
, selection of a generator suitable for power and speed is a separate topic. We will give only brief recommendations on the main stages of this process.
As mentioned above, you can use a ready-made automobile or electric motor from industrial electrical installations ( household appliances). As an example: a wind generator made from a screwdriver. The entire structure is used: engine, gearbox, cartridge for attaching the blades.
A compact generator is obtained from a printer stepper motor. Again, the power is only enough to power LED lamp or smartphone charger. In nature - an irreplaceable thing.
If you are comfortable with a soldering iron and have a good understanding of radio engineering, you can assemble the generator yourself. Popular scheme: wind generator using neodymium magnets. Advantages of the design - you can independently calculate the power for the wind load in your area. Why neodymium magnets? Compact with high power.
You can remake the rotor of an existing generator.
Or create own design, with the manufacture of windings.
The efficiency of such a windmill is an order of magnitude higher than when using a circuit with an electric motor. Another undeniable advantage is compactness. The neodymium generator is flat and can be placed directly in the center coupling of the propeller.
Mast
The manufacture of this element does not require knowledge of electronics, but the viability of the entire wind generator depends on its strength.
For example, a mast 10–15 meters high requires properly calculated guy wires and counterweights. Otherwise, a strong gust of wind may topple the structure.
If the generator power does not exceed 1 kW, the weight of the structure is not so large, and issues of mast strength fade into the background.
Bottom line
Homemade wind generator - not like that complex design, as it might seem at first glance. Taking into account the high cost of factory-made products, you can save a lot by making a homemade wind farm and quite available materials. Taking into account the small costs of creating a windmill, it will pay for itself fairly quickly.
Video on the topic
Until recently, wind generators were considered a rarity, but today this area is rapidly developing, and many have gained experience in creating wind turbines to generate electricity. Such devices can be used in the most different areas– for water supply, electrification of private houses, operation of agricultural units (for example, crushers) or heating water for home heating.
U industrial models a lot of advantages, except for the cost. Therefore, today we will find out how to make a wind generator with our own hands and what materials/tools will be needed for this.
Design features and mechanics of a wind generator
The principle of operation of a wind generator is to convert kinetic energy into electricity. The device consists of a number of system elements, each of which has its own function. Let's try to figure this out.
Note! Wind generators can be rotary (vertical) or classic (horizontal). The latter have a higher efficiency, which is why they are made more often than others.
It is worth noting that vertical windmills must be turned towards the wind, because they are simply unable to function with a side flow. Horizontal generators have other advantages. Let's get to know them.
- Turbines of rotary devices will “catch” the wind regardless of which direction it blows from. Which is extremely convenient in case of unstable/variable wind in the region.
- It is much easier to build a horizontal windmill than a horizontal one.
- The structure can be located directly on the ground, but provided that there is enough wind there.
As for the disadvantages, a horizontal wind generator has only one - a rather low efficiency.
Calculating the power of the future wind generator
First, you should find out what power a wind generator should have with your own hands, what are the functions and loads that it will face. Usually, alternative sources electricity are used as auxiliary, that is, intended to assist the main power supply. Therefore, if the system power is even 500 watts or more, this is already quite good.
Note! To heat a private house, which is of medium size, you will need about two to three kilowatts.
At the same time, the final power of a wind generator depends on other factors, including:
- wind speed;
- number of blades.
To find out the appropriate ratio for fixtures horizontal type, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the table below. The numbers in it at the intersection are the required power (indicated in watts).
Table. Calculation required power for horizontal wind generators.
| 1m | 3 | 8 | 15 | 27 | 42 | 63 | 90 | 122 | 143 |
| 2m | 13 | 31 | 63 | 107 | 168 | 250 | 357 | 490 | 650 |
| 3m | 30 | 71 | 137 | 236 | 376 | 564 | 804 | 1102 | 1467 |
| 4m | 53 | 128 | 245 | 423 | 672 | 1000 | 1423 | 1960 | 2600 |
| 5m | 83 | 166 | 383 | 662 | 1050 | 1570 | 2233 | 3063 | 4076 |
| 6m | 120 | 283 | 551 | 953 | 1513 | 2258 | 3215 | 4410 | 5866 |
| 7m | 162 | 384 | 750 | 1300 | 2060 | 3070 | 4310 | 6000 | 8000 |
| 8m | 212 | 502 | 980 | 1693 | 2689 | 4014 | 5715 | 7840 | 10435 |
| 9m | 268 | 653 | 1240 | 2140 | 3403 | 5080 | 7230 | 9923 | 13207 |
For example, if in your region the wind speed is predominantly from 5 to 8 meters per second, and the required wind generator power is 1.5-2 kilowatts, then the diameter of the structure should be approximately 6 meters or more.
What should the blades be like?
The shape of the blades can be:
- sailing;
- winged
As for sail-type blades, they are flat and therefore less efficient. They do not take into account aerodynamics, but spin exclusively under the pressure of the wind flow. As a result, no more than 10 percent of all energy is converted into electrical energy. But for wing blades, the area of the internal and external surfaces is different. It is also worth noting that such blades should be located at an angle of 7-10 degrees relative to the wind.
Now a few words about the material from which the blades should be. For vintage windmills Tonic frames made of wood were used, consisting of poles and lintels. Special “wings” made of fabric cloth. If the fabric wore out, it was simply replaced with a new one. Although there is Alternative option– take dense materials (for example, tarpaulin) for these purposes.
Although you can make blades with your own hands from more modern materials.
- If the propeller is small, then cut polyvinyl chloride pipes can serve as blades for it.
- You can also use light metals (for example, duralumin).
- If you plan to use “sails,” they can be cut from plywood.
- Finally, for a large unit, the blades can be made from boards (even if they are heavy, it doesn’t matter, they just need to balance each other).
Note! If gusty winds prevail in the region, it is better to give preference to heavy blades - this will ensure more stable operation of the entire system.
As for the diameter of the pipes, it should correspond to 1/5 of their total length. Each of these pipes is cut lengthwise into four pieces, and at the base it is necessary to cut a rectangle measuring 5x5 (the fastenings will be located here), and after that, make an oblique cut, thanks to which each blade will taper from the base. For processing torn edge emery is used.
Making a vertical wind generator at home
Now let’s find out how to actually make a wind generator with your own hands. The procedure consists of several stages; let’s get acquainted with the features of each of them.
Stage one. We prepare tools and materials
There are no requirements regarding the size of the turbine - the larger it is, the better for the system itself. And in the example given in this article, the diameter of the turbine is 60 centimeters.
To do vertical turbine yourself, prepare in advance:
- a pipe with a diameter of 60 centimeters made of stainless steel;
- screws, nuts and other fasteners;
- a pair of plastic disks with a diameter of 60 centimeters (it is important that the plastic is durable);
- a hub from a car for the base;
- corners with which the blades will be attached (six pieces for each element; that is, 36 copies in total).
In addition, take care of the following tools in advance:
- keys;
- jigsaw;
- mask;
- protective gloves;
- Bulgarian;
- screwdriver;
- electric drill.
Magnets or small metal plates can be used to balance the blades. If the imbalance is minor, you can simply drill holes in the appropriate places.
Stage two. Draws up a drawing
You definitely can’t do without a drawing here. You can use the one below or create your own.
Stage three. Making a vertical windmill
Step 1. First take metal pipe and cut it lengthwise so that you end up with six blades of the same size.
Step 2. Cut a pair of identical circles with a diameter of 60 centimeters from plastic. They will serve as supports for the lower and upper parts of the turbine.
Step 3. You can cut a small hole in the upper support (about 30 centimeters in diameter), which will make the structure somewhat lighter.
Step 4. Mark along the holes on the car hub similar holes in the lower plastic support required for fastenings. Use a drill to make holes.
Step 5. Mark the location of the blades in accordance with the template (you should get a pair of triangles that seem to form a star). Mark the mounting locations for the corners. Everything should be the same on both supports.
Step 6. Trim the blades. You can cut them several at a time using a grinder.
Step 7 Mark the mounting locations on the blades and corners. Make all these holes.
Step 8 Connect the blades to the bases using angles, bolts and nuts.
Note! The power of the device largely depends on the length of the blades, but if the latter are large, it will be much more difficult to balance them. Moreover, the structure can become loose under the influence of strong winds.
Stage four. We make a generator
The generator in this case must be self-exciting, and always on permanent magnets. If you take a regular generator from a car, then the voltage winding here operates from the battery, in other words, in the absence of voltage there will be no excitation. Consequently, if you use a simple generator in tandem with a battery, and the wind is relatively weak for a long time, the battery will soon simply discharge, and later, when the wind returns, the wind generator will not start again with your own hands.
It is also possible to make a system using neodymium magnets. This kind of device will produce from 1.5 kilowatts (if the wind is weak) to 3.5 kilowatts (if the wind is strong). Step-by-step instructions for creating such a generator are as follows.
Step 1. Make a couple of metal pancakes, each about 50 centimeters long.
Step 2. Using superglue, glue neodymium magnets measuring 2.5x5.0.12 centimeters (twelve pieces for each) to the pancakes around the entire perimeter.
Step 3. Place the pancakes opposite each other, remembering the polarity.
Step 4. Place a home-made stator between them (make 9 coils from wire with a cross-section of 0.3 centimeters, each with 70 turns). Connect the coils with an asterisk (as shown in the image), and then fill them with polymer resin. In this case, it is important that the coils are wound in one direction; you can mark the end/beginning of the winding using a colored isolette - this will be more convenient.
Step 5. The stator should be about 2 centimeters thick. The winding should come out through bolts and nuts. The distance between the rotor and stator should be 2 millimeters.
The magnets will be attracted quite strongly, and for a smooth connection it is necessary to make holes in them and cut threads for the studs. Immediately align the rotors, then use the keys to lower the upper one onto the lower one. Then you can remove the temporary pins.
Note! The generator described above can be used not only for vertical, but also for horizontal windmills.
Stage five. We assemble the entire structure
First, install a special bracket on the mast, through which the stator will be attached (which, in turn, can have either three or six blades). Fix the hub above the bracket using the same nuts. Screw onto the four studs that are located at the hub, ready generator. After this, connect the stator to the bracket, which is fixedly fixed on the mast. Attach the turbine to the second rotor plate. Connect the stator wires to the voltage regulator using terminals.
Stage six. We install a unit that can turn wind into electricity
To install the entire wind generator with your own hands, you need to follow the steps below in the form of step-by-step instructions.
Step 1. Concrete a reliable and durable foundation in the ground.
Step 2. After pouring the concrete solution there, add the studs necessary to attach the massive hinge (all this can be easily done with your own hands).
Step 3. When the concrete has completely hardened, place the hinge on the studs and secure with nuts.
Step 4. Install the mast into the moving part of the hinge.
Step 5. Attach 3 or 4 guys to the top of the mast (you can use a flange or welding). You will also need a steel cable.
Step 6. Raise the mast on a hinge using one of the prepared cables (you can pull it using a car).
Step 7 The verticality of the entire mast is strictly fixed by guy wires.
Where can such a wind generator be installed?
The efficiency of its operation largely depends on how correctly you choose the place to install the wind generator. The location should be such that the system blades get as much large quantity wind. The site should be open and elevated (for example, the roof of a house, but as far away from trees and other buildings as possible). Typically, the reason for this lies not only in interference, but also in the device making some noise during operation, which may not be liked by neighbors or the owners themselves.
For a more detailed understanding of the problem, we recommend that you watch the thematic video below.
Video - How to make a wind generator using a household fan
Rotary (horizontal) wind generator
Such a device will cope with the provision of electricity small house or several outbuildings. The maximum power of the wind generator will not exceed 1.5 kilowatts.
For work, prepare:
- 12 watt car generator;
- relay, battery indicator light;
- the battery itself is 12 watts;
- current converter;
- a large pan or bucket made of duralumin or stainless steel;
- a pair of clamps for attaching the generator to the mast;
- switch;
- wire, 0.4 and 0.25 centimeters;
- bolts, nuts, washers;
- voltmeter.
The tools you will need are the same as in the previous case. First, take a pan (or bucket) and, using a marker and tape measure, divide it into four equal parts. Cut out the blades, but do not cut all the way (as shown in the picture).
Make holes for the bolts in the bottom, then bend the blades, but not too much. Take into account the fact how the generator will rotate (clockwise or counterclockwise).
Next, attach the pan with the prepared blades to the pulley and secure it with bolts. Install the generator on the mast, fixed in advance (to do this, use the supplied clamps), then connect all the cables and assemble the circuit. Rewrite the entire circuit, fix the wires on the support.
To connect the battery, use a 4mm cable with a maximum length of 1 meter. To connect the load, use a cable with a smaller cross-section. Also install an inverter. Below is approximate diagram connections.
As you can see, it is quite possible to build a wind generator with your own hands. The design can be of two types, but if you have the skills and proper zeal, you can handle the work even alone. That's all, good luck!
Often, owners of private houses have an idea to implement backup power supply systems. The simplest and affordable way- this, naturally, is either a generator, but many people turn their attention to a more complex ways converting the so-called free energy (radiation, energy of flowing water or wind) into.
Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. If everything is clear with the use of water flow (mini-hydroelectric power station) - this is only available in the immediate vicinity of a fairly fast-flowing river, then sunlight or wind can be used almost everywhere. Both of these methods will also have a common disadvantage - if a water turbine can operate around the clock, then a solar battery or wind generator is only effective for a while, which makes it necessary to include batteries in the structure of the home electrical network.
Since conditions in Russia (short daylight hours most years, frequent precipitation) make the use of solar panels ineffective at their current cost and efficiency, the most profitable is the design of a wind generator. Let's consider its operating principle and possible options designs.
Since no homemade device is alike, this one article - not step-by-step instruction , but a description of the basic principles of wind generator design.General operating principle
The main working parts of a wind generator are the blades, which are rotated by the wind. Depending on the location of the rotation axis, wind generators are divided into horizontal and vertical:
- Horizontal wind generators most widespread. Their blades have a design similar to an airplane propeller: to a first approximation, they are plates inclined relative to the plane of rotation, which convert part of the load from wind pressure into rotation. Important feature horizontal wind generator is the need to ensure rotation of the blade assembly in accordance with the direction of the wind, since maximum efficiency is ensured when the wind direction is perpendicular to the plane of rotation.
- Blades vertical wind generator have a convex-concave shape. Since the streamlining of the convex side is greater than the concave side, such a wind generator always rotates in one direction, regardless of the direction of the wind, which makes the turning mechanism unnecessary, unlike horizontal wind turbines. At the same time, due to the fact that at any given time useful work performs only part of the blades, and the rest only counteract rotation, The efficiency of a vertical wind turbine is significantly lower than that of a horizontal one: if for a three-blade horizontal wind generator this figure reaches 45%, then for a vertical one it will not exceed 25%.
Since the average wind speed in Russia is low, even a large windmill will rotate quite slowly most of the time. To ensure sufficient power supply, it must be connected to the generator through a step-up gearbox, belt or gear. IN horizontal windmill The blade-gearbox-generator assembly is mounted on a rotating head, which allows them to follow the direction of the wind. It is important to take into account that the rotating head must have a limiter that prevents it from making a full rotation, since otherwise the wiring from the generator will be broken (the option of using contact washers that allow the head to rotate freely is more complicated). To ensure rotation, the wind generator is supplemented with a working vane directed along the axis of rotation.
The most common material for blades is PVC pipes large diameter, cut lengthwise. Along the edges they are riveted with metal plates welded to the hub of the blade assembly. Drawings of this kind of blades are most widely distributed on the Internet.
The video tells about a wind generator made by yourself
Calculation of a bladed wind generator
Since we have already found out that a horizontal wind generator is much more efficient, we will consider the calculation of its design.
Wind energy can be determined by the formula
P=0.6*S*V³, where S is the area of the circle described by the ends of the propeller blades (sweeping area), expressed in square meters, and V is the estimated wind speed in meters per second. You also need to take into account the efficiency of the windmill itself, which for a three-blade horizontal circuit will average 40%, as well as the efficiency of the generator set, which at the peak of the current-speed characteristic is 80% for a generator excited by permanent magnets and 60% for a generator with an excitation winding. On average, another 20% of the power will be consumed by the step-up gearbox (multiplier). Thus, the final calculation of the radius of a windmill (that is, the length of its blade) for a given power of a permanent magnet generator looks like this:
R=√(P/(0.483*V³))
Example: Let us take the required power of the wind power plant to be 500 W, and average speed wind - 2 m/s. Then, according to our formula, we will have to use blades at least 11 meters long. As you can see, even such a small power will require the creation of a wind generator of colossal dimensions. For structures that are more or less rational in terms of making your own, with a blade length of no more than one and a half meters, the wind generator will be able to produce only 80-90 watts of power even in strong winds.
Not enough power? In fact, everything is somewhat different, since in fact the load of the wind generator is powered by batteries, while the windmill only charges them to the best of its capabilities. Consequently, the power of a wind turbine determines the frequency with which it can supply energy.
In modern realities, every homeowner is well aware of the constant increase in cost utilities– this also applies to electrical energy. Therefore, to create comfortable conditions living in suburban housing construction, both in summer and winter, you will have to either pay for energy supply services, or find an alternative way out of the current situation, fortunately natural springs energies are free.
How to make a wind generator with your own hands - step by step guide
The territory of our state is mostly plains. Despite the fact that in cities the access to wind is blocked by high-rise buildings, strong air currents rage outside the city. Therefore, making a wind generator yourself is the only way correct solution to provide a country house with electricity. But first you need to figure out which model is suitable for self-production.
Rotary
A rotary windmill is a simple converting device that is easy to make with your own hands. Naturally, such a product will not be able to provide electricity to a country mansion, but for country house will do just fine. It will allow you to illuminate not only residential buildings, but also outbuildings and even paths in the garden. To independently assemble a unit with a power of up to 1500 watts, you need to prepare consumables and components from the following list:
Naturally, you need to have a minimum set of tools: scissors for cutting metal, a grinder, a measuring tape, a pencil, a set of wrenches and screwdrivers, a drill with drills and pliers.
Step by Step Actions
Assembly begins with the manufacture of the rotor and alteration of the pulley, for which a certain sequence of work is followed.
To connect battery conductors with a cross-section of 4 mm and a length of no more than 100 cm are used. Consumers are connected with conductors with a cross-section of 2 mm. It is important to include a DC-DC converter in the open circuit variable value 220V according to the terminal contact diagram.
Pros and cons of the design
If all the manipulations are done correctly, then the device will last quite a long time. When using a sufficiently powerful battery and a suitable inverter up to 1.5 kW, you can provide power to street and indoor lighting, a refrigerator and a TV. Making such a windmill is very simple and cost-effective. This product is easy to repair and unpretentious to use. It is very reliable in terms of operation and does not make noise, annoying the inhabitants of the house. However, the rotary windmill has low efficiency and its operation depends on the presence of wind.
Axial design with a non-iron stator based on neodymium permanent magnets, appeared on the territory of our state not so long ago due to the unavailability of component parts. But today, powerful magnets are not uncommon, and the cost of them has dropped significantly compared to a few years ago.
The basis of such a generator is a hub with brake discs from a passenger car. If this is not a new part, then it is advisable to overhaul it and change lubricants and bearings.
Placement and installation of neodymium magnets
Work begins with gluing magnets onto the rotor disk. For this purpose, 20 magnets are used. and dimensions 2.5 by 0.8 cm. To change the number of poles, you must adhere to the following rules:
- a single-phase generator implies the number of magnets corresponding to the number of poles;
- in the case of a three-phase device, a ratio of 2/3 of poles and coils is maintained, respectively;
- The placement of magnets should occur with alternating poles; to simplify their distribution, it is better to use a ready-made template made of cardboard.
If possible, it is advisable to use rectangular magnets, since in round analogues the magnetic fields are concentrated in the center and not over the entire surface. It is important to ensure that magnets facing each other have opposite poles. In order to determine the poles, magnets are brought close to each other, and the attracting sides are positive, therefore the repulsive sides are negative.
To attach the magnets, a special adhesive composition is used, after which, to increase strength, reinforcement is performed using epoxy resin. For this purpose, magnetic elements are filled with it. To prevent the resin from spreading, sides are made using ordinary plasticine.
Three-phase and single-phase type unit
Single-phase stators are inferior in their parameters to their three-phase counterparts, since vibration increases with increasing load. This is due to the difference in current amplitude resulting from the variability of its output over a certain period of time. In turn, in the three-phase analogue there is no such problem. This made it possible to increase the output of a three-phase generator by almost 50% compared to a single-phase model. Plus, due to the absence of additional vibration, no extraneous noise is created during operation of the device.
Winding coils
Every electrician knows that before starting to wind a coil, it is important to perform preliminary calculations. A homemade 220V wind generator is a device that operates at low speeds. It is necessary to ensure that battery charging starts at 100 rpm.
Based on these parameters, winding all the coils will require no more than 1200 turns. To determine the turns for one coil, you need to simply divide the total indicators by the number of individual elements.
To increase the power of a low-speed windmill, the number of poles is increased. In this case, the frequency of the current in the coils will increase. The winding of the coils should be thick copper wires. This will reduce the resistance and, therefore, increase the current. It is important to consider that with a sharp increase in voltage, the current can be completely spent on the resistance of the windings. To simplify winding, you can use a special machine.
In accordance with the number and thickness of magnets attached to the disks, the performance characteristics of the device change. To find out what power indicators will ultimately be obtained, it is enough to wind one element and rotate it in the unit. To determine power characteristics, voltage is measured at certain speeds.
Often the coil is made round, but it is advisable to extend it slightly. In this case, there will be more copper in each sector, and the arrangement of turns becomes denser. The diameter of the inner hole of the coil should be equal to the dimensions of the magnet. When manufacturing the stator, it is important to take into account that its thickness must be equal to the parameters of the magnets.
Usually plywood is used as a blank for the stator, but it is quite possible to make markings on a paper sheet by drawing sectors for the coils, and use regular plasticine for borders. To give strength to the product, fiberglass is used, located at the bottom of the mold on top of the coils. It is important that the epoxy resin does not stick to the mold. To do this, it is covered with wax on top. The coils are fixedly fixed to each other, and the ends of the phases are brought out. After that, all the wires are connected according to a star or triangle pattern. To test the finished device, it is rotated manually.
Usually the final height of the mast is 6 meters, but if possible it is better to double it. Because of this, a concrete base is used to secure it. The fastening must be such that the pipe can be easily lifted and lowered using a winch. A screw is fixed at the upper end of the pipe.
To make a screw you need PVC pipe, the cross-section of which should be 16 cm. A two-meter long screw with six blades is cut out of the pipe. The optimal shape of the blades is determined experimentally, which allows increasing torque at minimum speed. To retract the propeller from strong gusts of wind, a folding tail is used. The generated electricity is stored in batteries.
Video: homemade wind generator
After considering the available options for wind generators, each homeowner will be able to decide on a device suitable for their purposes. Each of them has its own positive sides, so negative qualities. You can especially feel the effectiveness of a wind turbine outside the city, where there is constant movement of air masses.