To build a wind turbine, several blades must be attached to a rotating motor and mounted at a height that allows the device to spin in the wind. This type of project may be completed by a do it yourself handyman with an intermediate skill level. The finished product, when connected to a battery storage system and a controller, may be used to convert wind energy into electricity. Individuals who prefer not to construct this type of device personally, but are interested in wind power, may wish to visit green energy websites online that provide kits and contact information for local contractors who can install small turbines.
The parts required to build a wind turbine include a generator, spinning blades, a tail paddle piece, and a mounting pole. The generator may be constructed from any type of small rotating motor. This piece of machinery converts the rotations of the blades into usable electricity. The motor should be able to create at least 12 volts of energy from a relatively low rotation per minute (RPM) speed. Motors which require several thousand RPMs to function are not appropriate for this type of project because it is unlikely that any wind force can move the blades at such speeds.
The spinning blades that generate the electricity should be made from a hard, durable material. ABS piping, which is a hardened type of plastic resin, is a common material used to build a wind turbine. The piping can be cut down to a length between 19 and 24 inches (48 and 61 centimeters) and then cut lengthwise into four quartered sections. These sections can be shaped with a belt sander so that they angle down the long edge of the pipe until they come to a blunt point at one end.
Once the blades have been shaped, they can be attached to the generator. This may be done using any type of bolting mechanism that will support the weight of the blades while allowing them to spin freely in the wind and interact with the motor. The generator and blades can be mounted onto any type of flat support, such as a long plank of wood. The opposite end from where the motor is mounted should feature a flat paddle-like piece which will turn the entire mount into the wind and allow the blades to spin at their maximum speed.
To build a wind turbine which will generate a small amount of electricity, the blade and motor mechanism must be placed at a height which will receive uninterrupted wind. This may be accomplished by building a tower or flag pole type of structure to which the motor may be attached. The final assembly must be able to turn freely with the current of the wind. The turbine must also be connected to a battery supply and a controller, which will act as storage for the electricity generated by the unit. This requires some minor electrical wiring to complete.
