How to Make Your Own DIY Wind Turbine from Trash

Introduction

Looking for a way to generate renewable energy and reduce waste at the same time? Building your own wind turbine from recycled materials is an excellent DIY project for any eco-conscious tinkerer. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind to generate electricity. With a few basic materials and some mechanical know-how, you can construct a small-scale wind turbine that will help power your home.

In this guide, I will walk you through the full process of creating a DIY wind turbine from start to finish using common household items and recycled parts. I will cover considerations for design, materials needed, construction, installation, and maintenance. With a bit of effort, you can build an efficient, cost-effective wind turbine to be proud of!

Design Considerations

Before beginning your wind turbine build, take some time to think through a few key design factors:

Blade Design

The blades are the most important part of your wind turbine. Their shape and size will determine how efficiently they can capture kinetic energy from the wind. Some options for DIY wind turbine blades include:

• PVC pipes - Lightweight, easy to cut to size.

• Scrap wood - Can be cut into blade shapes and sanded smooth.

• Corrugated plastic - Must be carefully shaped but makes sturdy blades.

Aim for 2-3 blades, at least 12 inches long each. Curve the blades for optimal wind capture.

Generator

You'll need a generator to convert the rotational energy of the turbine into electrical energy. Consider repurposing:

• An old bicycle generator - Remove from the bike tire and mount on your turbine.

• A car alternator - More powerful option, must ensure proper wiring.

• A small DC motor - Functions as a generator when spin direction is reversed.

Tower Height

The higher your wind turbine tower, the stronger the wind currents it will reach. Opt for the tallest tower height that is safely feasible:

• Roof mounting - Attaches directly to roof structure. Height limited by house.

• Free standing tower - Requires guy wires for support. Can achieve 20+ ft height.

• Pole mounting - Turbine fixed directly to tall wooden pole or metal pipe. Height up to 30 ft.

Materials Needed

Gather together recycled and scrap items to construct your wind turbine. Here are some key materials to source:

• Blades - PVC pipes, wood, plastic sheeting, sheet metal, aluminum cans

• Generator - Bicycle generator, car alternator, DC motor

• Base and tower - Wood boards, metal pipes or poles, concrete, rebar

• Bolts, screws, nails - For connecting turbine pieces

• Electrical wire - For generator connections

• Brackets and plates - To mount blades and generator

Don't be limited by materials on this list. Be creative in repurposing all kinds of scrap items from around your home!

Blade Construction

The most challenging part of the build is constructing efficient wind capturing blades. Follow these steps:

Choose Your Material

Select your preferred repurposed material for the blades based on considerations in the design section. PVC, wood, and sheet metal are good options.

Template and Cut

Design a template for your blades based on desired length and curve shape. Trace this template onto your material and use a saw to cut out 2-3 blades.

Shape the Blades

Refine the shape of the blades by sanding or filing to achieve an aerodynamic curved profile. Round off sharp edges and corners.

Balance the Blades

Weigh each blade and make small adjustments as needed so all blades are equal weight. This will allow even spinning.

Generator Mounting

Once your blades are constructed, it's time to add the generator:

Prepare the Generator

Remove your chosen generator from its previous application. Remove any housings and expose the spinning armature.

Create the Mounting

Fabricate a mounting for the generator using plates, brackets, and bolts so it can be securely fixed to the turbine base.

Align the Shaft

Orient the generator so that its armature shaft lines up exactly with the center point where the blades will be mounted.

Attach the Blades

Finally, use screws, bolts, or welds to firmly attach each wind blade onto the generator's armature shaft.

Tower and Base Assembly

Now you need a tower to raise your wind turbine high in the air:

Tower Materials

Construct a tower from wooden boards, metal pipes or poles, rebar, and concrete for heavy base footings. Or repurpose an existing structure.

Raise the Tower

Securely erect the tower using guy wires for support if needed. Aim for max feasible height - 20 ft, 30 ft, or more.

Attach the Turbine

When tower is fully assembled, use sturdy brackets to mount your turbine assembly onto the top of the tower.

Secure All Joints

Check that all tower connections and mounting joints are completely solid and secured. Safety first!

Installation and Wiring

You're so close! Just a few final installation steps:

Site Selection

Choose a site for your turbine tower that has consistent wind flow, no obstructions, and soil suitable for anchoring the base.

Wire the Generator

Connect your generator to your house wiring system. May require an electrician to wire properly into breaker panel.

Ground the System

Ground your turbine assembly and tower according to local electrical codes to protect from lightning strikes.

Test Spinning!

Once assembly is fully grounded and wired, give your turbine a spin! It should start generating clean, renewable electricity.

Maintenance

With proper maintenance, your DIY wind turbine should provide years of continuous energy production:

• Inspect bolts/screws monthly and tighten any that are loose
• Check blade condition for cracks or damage
• Verify guy wires and anchors are secure
• Remove any debris blocking blade movement
• Check electrical connections/cabling for fraying or corrosion
• Test spinning operation and generator power output annually
• Lubricate generator bearing annually

Conclusion

Constructing your own wind turbine from recycled materials is an immensely fulfilling project. With some persistence and ingenuity, you can build an efficient renewable energy generator. Just follow the steps outlined for design, materials, construction, installation and maintenance. In no time, you'll be harnessing free wind power to light up your home!