We make a perpetual generator of electricity. Wind farm from a car generator: instructions for assembling and installing a 12 volt generator with your own hands

Want to save on utility bills? Assemble a wind generator with your own hands from improvised means.

Principle of operation

The device consists of a rotor with blades, an electric generator, a mast for installation, inverters, a battery, a charge controller, and wires through which electricity passes. The mast can be with stretch marks and without them. Depending on the type of structure, sometimes it can be lowered to prevent or repair the device.

Wind generator - a device for converting wind energy into electrical energy

The operation of a wind generator includes 5 main stages:

1. The wind spins the rotor or blades.
2. There is a connection between the generator and the rotor.
3. The generated energy goes first to the charge controller, and then to the battery.
4. It then passes to the inverters and is converted from 12 to 220 volts (or from 24 to 380 volts).
5. Electricity is fed into the grid.

The power of the wind generator is enough for street lighting, signaling and other devices

Important information: It is advisable to install high-capacity wind farms in regions where the average wind speed for the year is not lower than 5 m/s. Otherwise, the payback period can be compared with the duration of operation.

Specifications

Before determining the need to use a wind generator, you should familiarize yourself with its technical characteristics:

• maximum power - 1500 W;
• voltage - 28 V;
• maximum current - 54 A;
• the maximum noise level in case of proper balancing is less than 57 dB;
• minimum rotation speed - 1200 rpm;
• maximum rotation speed - 4500 rpm.

The mass of the structure head should not exceed 25 kg. This value does not include the weight of the propeller and tail.

Wind farm from a car generator: advantages and disadvantages

A homemade wind generator can be constructed from:

• an electric motor dismantled from a milling machine;
• rotary part of a screwdriver or drill;
• scooter motor-wheels;
• computer cooler;
• engine from a washing machine;
• car generator.

The latter option is used most often because it has a lot of advantages, and for many it is the most affordable.

This is interesting: Wind turbines are not only economical, but also environmentally friendly designs. They do not need to use gasoline or other fuel for their operation, so they do not pollute the atmosphere with emissions of harmful substances.

Advantages of a wind farm based on a car generator:

• construction speed;
• cheapness;
• maintainability;
• quiet work;
• synchronism (stable voltage is given out);
• the ability to use standard 12 volt batteries.

As for the shortcomings, there are only three of them:

1. This type of wind generator needs a high speed of up to 2000 rpm, so it is less reliable than specialized devices.
2. Vehicle generators are warranted for approximately 4,000 hours of operation. Given this, it is easy to guess that the wind turbine will require annual repairs. However, in this case, you don’t have to spend too much, you can simply replace the device that has failed.
3. Many generators have electromagnetic excitation, which reduces efficiency (about 15% of the energy falls on the excitation coil).

Materials, devices and tools

To make a wind farm, you need:

• car generator;
• metal bucket or pipes (for the manufacture of blades);
• acid or gel battery;
• battery charging relay and charge control lamp;
• a box in which the wires will be connected;
• wire or clamps (for fixing on the generator mast);
• four bolts with nuts;
• button-switch for 12 volts;
• wires (section - 4 mm²);
• wire cutters, screwdriver, wrench, drill.

How to make a wind generator with your own hands

Creating a windmill from a car generator involves several steps:

1. The rotor is being made. For its manufacture, you can use an ordinary bucket, which is cut into 4 equal blades along, without cutting to the end. One hole is drilled on each part of the bottom. The same is done on the generator. It is important that the symmetry is exactly observed to avoid imbalance. Blades can also be cut out of PVC pipe using a pre-made template. Then they are bolted to the metal disk.
   The edges of the blades are polished, which gives the device an aesthetic appearance and reduces noise during operation.
2. The rotor is bolted to the generator.
   The bolts must be tightened strongly to ensure the reliability of the structure.
3. The wires are connected to the generator, and then the electrical circuit is assembled in the box.
   For the operation of the wind generator, wires with a cross section of 4 mm² are used.
4. The rest of the elements are attached to the mast. The rotor is attached to the mast with bolts or by welding.
5. Connected to the battery circuit.

Wires are connected to the resulting structure, which lead to devices that consume energy (alarm, street lighting, etc.). If necessary, a voltage converter can be installed as an additional element.

Video: Windmill from a car generator

Installation rules

It is recommended to install a windmill at a relatively long distance from the house and other structures (from 20 meters or more). It is advisable to choose an open space for this. In addition, consider the density of the soil: the length of the wedges intended for stretching the mast, as well as the material for their manufacture, depends on it. If the soil is soft, you need to select a more massive and longer wedge than in the case of hard soil. They must be used at least three. The ideal option, which will provide the greatest reliability, is the arrangement of four wedges.

Stretching methods are selected taking into account the length of the mast and the condition of the soil. For tall structures that are installed on soft ground, more stringent requirements are imposed on the wedges.

The lower part of the mast is bolted to a metal stand and concreted

The mast is lowered into the soil to a depth of 0.5 meters or less, the guy wires are concreted, since the soil is loose after rain. This feature can cause them to weaken and create a threat of the fall of the entire structure.

If the mast does not lower, then it is necessary to provide a device for lifting to the main elements of the wind generator, which will allow it to be serviced. The climbing device should be fixed on the mast, because it must provide reliability and convenience during repair work. It must be understood that the wind speed can be high, and therefore it is recommended to build a platform with a welded ladder.

Important information: It is forbidden to approach the blades until they come to a complete stop.

As for the height of the mast, it must be 10 meters higher than the highest obstacle, which is within a radius of 100 meters.

During the operation of the wind turbine, it is better to follow these recommendations:

• periodically inspect the bolt connections in the places where the mast is attached to the generator and the foundation;
• lubricate the bearings of the rotator and generator;
• control the wheel balance;
• check the condition of the insulation of electrical equipment once every six months or more often.

Thanks to the wind turbine, you can save on electricity bills. It is easy to use and maintain, does not make much noise, but is not protected from hurricanes.

Wind energy resources in the Russian segment occupies an ambiguous position. The use of such devices is considered from two sides. On the one hand, a homemade windmill is an excellent solution for saving electricity mechanically. This is facilitated by endless plains, where there is a constant wind speed and sufficient potential energy is accumulated, which is later converted into kinetic energy with the help of a windmill. However, in some regions of the vast country, the winds are characterized by weak potential due to uneven and slow impact. In the northern regions, a third side is distinguished, where violent and unpredictable winds rage. Each owner of the house can keep his own windmill on the farm. Buying such a device is an expensive pleasure, so it is better to create a wind generator with your own hands. Let's decide: what specific type of windmill is more suitable and for what purposes is it chosen?

You can also make a wind generator with your own hands from empty bottles

Regardless of whether you choose a vertical wind generator, a rotary wind turbine or another type, the schematic design of the product has the following similar components:

• Current generator (available option is used).
• Blades (made of rigid material, incapable of corrosion and deformation during operation)
• Tower type lift required to raise the unit to the desired level.
• Additional batteries with an electronic control system are optionally installed.

It is easier and cheaper to assemble wind turbines with your own hands with a rotor or an axial structure with magnets. To choose the right one, we will study the device of each.

Wind turbine 1 - rotary type design

A homemade wind generator with a rotary turbine is made of two, less often four, blades. It has a simple design, which is why it is made independently from improvised materials. Such a wind generator for the house will not provide the necessary amount of electricity for a two-story country cottage. The power of the wind generator is enough to supply electricity to a small one. A windmill for a private house is used to supply lighting to outbuildings adjacent to the household, house lights, lamps, a breeze heater, a hair dryer, a refrigerator, and others.

Preparation of parts and consumables

Depending on how much power the wind generator is calculated with their own hands, they select the appropriate generator for the windmill. We will consider do-it-yourself windmills with a power of up to 5 kW. Making a wind generator with your own hands with a rotor is easy. To do this, we will prepare the following materials:

1. Automotive 12 volt. To create the device, an acid or helium battery from a car is used.
2. Voltage regulator for converting alternating currents: 12 –> 220 volts.
   Homemade voltage regulator for converting alternating currents: 12 –> 220 volts
3. Overall capacity. Suitable options: stainless steel pot or aluminum bucket.
4. Charger. We use the relay removed from the car.
5. 12 volt switch.
6. Charge lamp with controller.
7. Bolts М16×70 mm with nuts and washers.
8. A simple voltmeter of any configuration from an unused measuring device.
9. Three-core electric cable with a cross section of at least 2.5 mm 2.
10. with rubberized lining. Will be needed when attaching the generator to the matcha carrier.

To make electric generators for 220 with your own hands, you need a standard set of installation tools: a grinder with discs, a marker, a screwdriver, a drill with drills, metal scissors, a set of spanners, gas keys No. 1,2,3, wire cutters, tape measure.

Progress of design work

To create a windmill design, the rotor is initially prepared. The next step is to modify the alternator pulley. A metal container is used as a rotor: a pan or a bucket. Using a tape measure and a marker, measure out four equal parts. Then we make holes at the ends of the lined lines, so that the division into component parts is easier. We cut the container with scissors for metal. In the absence of such, we perform the same actions with a grinder. From the obtained parts we cut out the blades of the future rotor, but not completely cutting through the workpiece.

It is not allowed to cut containers or products with thin tin walls, as the material overheats and deforms.

Rotor blades must match each other in size

In order for a windmill from a car generator to work correctly, the rotor blades must match each other in size. As an option, create a generator from a starter with your own hands. Therefore, measurements require careful checks.

Now we are preparing a generator for a windmill with our own hands. First of all, we determine the direction of rotation of the pulley. To do this, reciprocating movements of the hand twist it to the left - to the right. By default, it rotates clockwise, but there are exceptions to the rule. At the next stage, we connect the rotor part with the generator. Using a drill, we make even holes in the bottom of the tank and the generator pulley.

The holes must be symmetrical. Otherwise, there is a risk of imbalance in the movement of the rotor.

The edges of the blades are slightly bent to increase the speed of rotation from the wind. The larger the bending angle, the more efficiently the rotary unit perceives air flows. The rotor blades are made not only from the tank. You can make blades for a wind generator with your own hands in the form of separate parts that are connected to a metal blank in the shape of a circle. In such models, it is easier to carry out repair work to restore individual impellers.

To connect the generator, we take a container with manufactured blades and securely fasten it to the generator pulley with bots of M16 × 70 mm or a smaller diameter. Now the assembled structure is fully installed on the mast. We fix in accessible places with metal clamps. We mount electrical wiring and assemble a closed circuit. Each pin is connected to the corresponding connector. If necessary, pre-record the marking and color of each wire separately. We attach the wire to the mast with wire.

After the complete assembly of the mechanical structure, it remains only to connect the inverter (voltage converter), battery and load (instrument and lighting). To connect the battery and the inverter, we use an electric cable with a cross section of 3 mm 2 and a length of 1 meter, and for other peripheral loads, a cable with a cross section of 2 mm 2 is suitable. The assembled windmill is ready for use.

Do-it-yourself low-power wind generator based on a drill

Advantages and disadvantages of such a model

With the correct assembly of all the constituent elements, do-it-yourself wind turbines from a car generator will serve for a long time without a single problem. The design, powered by a 75-amp battery with a 1000 W converter installed, will give out the amount of electricity for the stable operation of street lighting or video surveillance devices. The advantages also include: a relatively low price for components for a windmill, maintainability, the absence of additional conditions for correct operation and low noise design. For example, low-noise 5 kW vertical wind turbines are quieter than modern refrigerators.

The disadvantages are obvious: poor electrical performance, low durability, exposure to sudden changes in wind speed, which leads to frequent blade breakage.

Wind turbine 2 - axial structure with magnets

Do-it-yourself wind turbines for 220v with neodymium magnets are called axial windmills. The device of such structures is based on non-iron stators with attached magnets. Due to the fact that the cost of the latter has fallen several times, it has become easier to make a magnet generator with your own hands. The model of this windmill will allow you to get more electrical energy than do-it-yourself rotary electric generators.

What needs to be prepared?

What is a wind generator, device and principle of operation

The main element of the mechanical design of the axial generator is the wheel hub of a car, together with brake discs, which will become the future rotor. If the part has been used before for its intended purpose, then it should be prepared. To do this, we disassemble the hub into its component parts and clean the inner and outer walls of the element from rust with a metal brush. Each bearing is thoroughly lubricated. Now we assemble the hub in reverse order.

Distribution and fixation of magnets

To fix neodymium magnets on the brake discs of the rotor, we prepare 20 rectangular units with dimensions of 25 × 8 mm.

In magnets with a round structure, the magnetic field is located in the center, while in rectangular ones along the length.

An even number of magnets form poles. We arrange them, alternating through one over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe disks. In order to find out where the magnet has plus and minus, one of them is taken, and the rest are leaned against it, first with one and then with the other side. If they are magnetized, then we put a plus on this side with a marker and vice versa. With an increase in the number of poles, we are guided by the following rules:

1. For single-phase generators, the sum of the poles equals the number of magnets.
2. For three-phase, the proportion ratio is 4/3 for units of magnets and poles, as well as 2/3 for poles to coils, respectively.

Magnets mounted perpendicular to disc circumference

To accurately distribute the magnets around the circumference of the brake disc, use a template drawn on a piece of paper. We glue the magnets with strong glue, and then fix them with epoxy.

Three-phase and single-phase generators

A single-phase stator is comparatively worse than three-phase counterparts. Due to the inconsistency in the current output, high amplitude fluctuations occur in the mains, so single-phase devices produce vibration. In three-phase generators, the current load is compensated from one phase to another. Due to this, the power in such a network is always constant. Vibration effects negatively affect the design as a whole, therefore, the life of single-phase generators is much less than that of three-phase ones. Another advantage of the three-phase model is the absence of noise during operation.

Coil winding process

Before proceeding to wind the wire around the generator coils, we make the moment when the battery starts charging at 12 volts should occur at a nominal value of 110 rpm. Using these data, we calculate the required number of turns in a single coil: 12 * 110 / N, where N is the number of coils. For winding, we use exclusively wires with a large cross section. This will decrease the units of resistance and increase the current.

Mast and screw

The height of the mast should be about 6-12 meters. Formwork is poured under the base of the mast, and then concreted. We attach a screw to the upper part, which can be made from PVC pipes with a diameter of 160 mm and a length of at least 2 meters. From it we cut out six two-meter plates. We fix the resulting feint at the top of the mast. We strengthen the mast itself with the help of cables nailed on one side, and on the other - to the body of the structure.

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Features of the operation of windmills

Any of the two presented models of windmills is suitable for use as an alternative source of electricity. In the manufacture of such a device, any 220v generator can be used. For example, a do-it-yourself wind generator designed from has a long service life. A wind turbine from a screwdriver is one of the simplest options for a windmill. Owners of country houses will appreciate such an invention. Each type of wind turbine has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The degree of effectiveness of a single design may vary for different regions of our country. Such a source of electricity will not interfere, especially if such equipment is used on flat terrain with high wind intensity.

Local power networks are not always able to fully provide electricity to houses, especially when it comes to country cottages and mansions. Interruptions in a constant power supply or its complete absence makes it necessary to look for electricity. One of these is the use - a device capable of converting and storing electricity, using for this the most unusual resources (energy, tides). Its principle of operation is quite simple, which makes it possible to make an electric generator with your own hands. A homemade model may not be able to compete with a factory assembled counterpart, but this is a great way to save more than 10,000 rubles. If we consider a home-made electric generator as a temporary alternative source of power supply, then it is quite possible to get by with a homemade one.

How to make an electric generator, what is required for this, as well as what nuances will have to be taken into account, we will learn further.

The desire to have an electric generator in its use is overshadowed by one nuisance - this is high unit cost. Like it or not, but the most low-power models have a rather exorbitant cost - from 15,000 rubles and more. It is this fact that suggests the idea of ​​creating a generator with his own hands. However, himself the process can be difficult, if:

• no skill in working with tools and diagrams;
• no experience in creating such devices;
• The necessary parts and spare parts are not available.

If all this and a great desire are present, then you can try to build a generator, guided by the assembly instructions and the attached diagram.

It's no secret that a purchased power generator will have a more extended list of features and functions, while a home-made product is capable of failing and failing at the most inopportune moments. Therefore, to buy or do it yourself is a purely individual matter that requires a responsible approach.

How an electric generator works

The principle of operation of the electric generator is based on the physical phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. A conductor passing through an artificially created electromagnetic field creates an impulse that is converted into direct current.

The generator has an engine that is capable of generating electricity by burning a certain type of fuel in its compartments:, or. In turn, the fuel, entering the combustion chamber, during the combustion process produces a gas that rotates the crankshaft. The latter transmits an impulse to the driven shaft, which is already capable of providing a certain amount of energy at the output.

Making a windmill yourself seems like an overwhelming task that takes a lot of time and effort. But following the step-by-step instructions, you can easily and quickly achieve the desired result for little money.

Having set out to acquire a wind generator, many want to make it on their own. As research on the Internet has shown, most people do this, but such a decision took them a lot of time and effort (at least the very first assembly). The most commonly used assembly scheme on DC magnets. This path is much easier than creating the generator itself. For this reason, it is recommended to be patient and start looking for an engine that would be perfect in terms of parameters to make a wind generator with your own hands.

Generator selection

As it turned out, most use an old motor from computers as a generator. Such a motor is a rarity and has been used since the days when computers used large tape reel drives. Among all the possible options, the best can be considered a DC motor from the manufacturer Ametek for 30 volts. This is the most suitable option to make a wind generator, since even a slight rotation of its shaft can freely generate 12 V. This motor is quite hard to find, but there are plenty of similar ones on ebay and Amazon marketplaces. Additionally, in the description, knowledgeable people indicate the possibility of their use as a generator for a windmill.

Engine selection must be done taking into account the following parameters:

• D.C;
• low revs;
• high voltage;
• high current.

The thing is that an engine designed for 7200 revolutions and a voltage of 24 V is unlikely to be able to give the required values ​​​​at low revolutions. But if you take a 30-volt motor with a nominal value of 325 rpm, then it is quite realistic to expect a voltage of 12 volts from it even at low speeds characteristic of a windmill.

The approximate cost of the same Ametek is about $26. You can find a slightly cheaper engine, but this is not so important. With the usual light push, it lights up a 12 volt lamp without any problems, which is what we needed. So, we found the engine-generator. We proceed to the next step - the calculation of the blades.

blades

As a quality, you can easily use an ordinary PVC plumbing pipe 60 cm long and 15 cm in diameter. Cut it into 4 parts. These will be blanks for the blades. Then cut out a 5x5 square at the base to create the fastener later. To keep the exact shape and not cut off the excess, it is recommended to initially drill a small hole in the right place. Next, simply cut off the excess plastic along the workpiece diagonally. Everything, the first blade is ready.

Use the cutout as a template to create the other three blades. It will also play the role of a spare part if something goes wrong. We chose the engine for our wind generator and made the blades. Now we need to make them one single.

Assembling a generator with blades

To combine the blades with the generator, you can use an ordinary pulley as a base and an aluminum disk with a diameter of 13 cm. By fastening them together using a bolted connection, you will get an excellent light and practical base, which will be an intermediate link that transmits wind power from the blades, rotating the wind generator. The blades themselves are also fastened with bolts. You can buy a hood at the plumbing store to hide all the metal parts and give the windmill more streamlined. Practice has shown that all these parameters allow even a light breeze to create rotations and at the same time the wind generator produces the 12 V required for it.

Turbine installation

To install the turbine with your own hands, you can use an ordinary wooden stand made of a bar 84 cm long. It is also advisable to use a piece of plastic pipe with a diameter of 10 cm to protect the engine from all kinds of precipitation. As a tail for a 12 volt windmill, it is recommended to use an aluminum plate 21x35 cm in size and 20-30 mm thick. It is ideal as a counterweight and as an element for turning the installation into the wind. All dimensions are not critical and can be slightly modified to fit the design features.

It is also recommended to polish all the elements and round off the corners for a more attractive look and better aerodynamic performance. Then cover all wooden parts with several coats of paint. You can choose any color, because nothing depends on it.

For greater convenience, on the edge where the generator itself will be located, you can screw a few planks so that it sits tightly in its place. Fasten the motor with clamps. The wind generator is ready. Now you need to install it on the mast.

Mast elements

The end result when creating a windmill with your own hands depends entirely on the ability to turn depending on the direction of the wind and the main height.

An ordinary iron pipe with a diameter of 2.5 centimeters easily slides inside an electrical pipeline with a cross section of 3 centimeters. On the bar, install an iron flange with a seat for a 2.5 cm pipe. Its center should be about 19 cm from the edge. Next, simply screw a piece of pipe into the flange. You also need to drill a hole in the bar for the wires that will pass through it.

The base can be done in the following sequence:

1. A circle with a diameter of 60 cm is cut out of plywood;
2. Two metal plumbing elbows with a diameter of 2.5 cm are attached to it using flanges;
3. A tee with a diameter of 3.5 cm is installed in the middle, onto which the main pipe is wound;
4. A few holes must be drilled in a wooden disk to secure it to the ground.

The pipe, which will serve as a mast, can be used both collapsible and solid. Its length must be at least 3 meters, and a diameter of 3.5 cm. To fix the pipe, you can use ordinary ropes with clamps.

We have created a mast and now we can safely install our 12-volt wind generator in working position. In this case, do not forget about connecting wires to it and pulling them through the pipe. A hole needs to be made at the base in order to bring them out and connect them to the controller, which we will now consider.

Controller Diagram

The controller allows you to regulate the charge in the batteries and at the same time does not give them excess energy. If the batteries are full, then this device redirects the current directly to the consumer. A 12 volt controller can be easily found at any electronics store. But it can be done with your own hands, which will positively affect the price.

The figure shows the assembly diagram of the controller. It has been slightly modified due to the fact that a large number of standard parts are very hard to find. Any radio amateur can put it together.

Having installed the windmill and connected the controller, we see that our design works and even the multimeter shows an almost exact value of 12 volts in light wind. The assembly of the wind generator is done by hand.

Expenses

Probably the most important part is the costs. After conducting a little market research, we can conclude that the purchase of all elements, including the inverter and batteries, our hand-assembled windmill will cost no more than $ 250. Factory wind turbines have almost the same characteristics as the one that you assemble with your own hands. That's just you have to pay more than $ 1000 for them.

Mankind has always sought to create alternative ways to produce electricity. The result of these aspirations were solar and smoke generators, as well as other devices that allow you to get electricity in a non-standard way. This material will provide an overview of the video on the manufacture of such a generator, which will allow you to get electricity.

We will need:
- several molds for ice;
- Apple vinegar;
- copper wires;
- nails;
- cutters.

First you need to cut the copper wires into 5 cm pieces. This can be done with bare hands, but we recommend using wire cutters to make the job easier.

Next, the resulting pieces must be carefully twisted and screwed onto the top of the nail. Such nails with wire need to be made according to the number of mold cells, so we advise you to be patient. The author, for example, has 32 cells and uses 16 nails.

Next, pour apple cider vinegar into ice cube trays. You need to fill in about half, but it’s not scary if you pour a little more, because you can drain the excess vinegar with a tube.

Next, we take nails with copper wire and place them in molds so that in one mold there is one nail and wire each, with the exception of the two extreme cells. For greater clarity, we present the final result in the figure below.

The author's test using a multimeter showed that such a generator produces 2.5 volts. You can increase the voltage of a homemade generator by adding vinegar to free cells and adding nails. Adding vinegar to 4 cells increased the power by 1 volt. To connect the LED, you need 4.5 - 5 volts, so you have to pour vinegar into 16 cells.

Let's move on to connecting the LED. It is enough to dip the contacts of the LED light bulb into the extreme cells with vinegar to make it light up.

The author's test using all 32 cells showed that such a generator can produce 12 volts. By increasing the concentration of vinegar, you can increase the voltage.