How to Build Your Own Small Scale Wind Turbine from Scrap Materials

Building your own small scale wind turbine from scrap materials can be a fun and rewarding project. With some basic skills and recycled parts, you can generate electricity to power small devices or charge batteries. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build a scrap material wind turbine:

Gather the Necessary Materials

The main components you'll need include:

• Blades - These can be made from scrap wood, PVC pipes, sheet metal etc. You'll need 3 blades for the turbine. Make sure they are identical in size and shape.
• Motor - You can salvage a motor from an old fan, blender etc. It should be able to generate electricity when spun.
• Tail - This provides stability and helps orient the turbine into the wind. Use a piece of scrap wood or metal sheet.
• Alternator - Salvage from an old car. It converts rotational energy into electricity.
• Frame - The main body supporting the blades and motor. Use metal rods, tubes, wood etc.

You'll also need bolts, nuts, screws, wires and a charge controller.

Design and Size the Blades

• The blades capture the kinetic energy of the wind and transfer it to rotational motion.
• Longer and narrower blades are more efficient.
• Use a table saw or jigsaw to cut uniform blades. Make them 24-36 inches long.
• Angle the blades 10-20 degrees for better lift.
• Lightweight materials like wood or PVC work best.

Attach the Blades to the Motor

• Align and bolt the 3 blades 120 degrees apart on the motor shaft. This ensures balanced spinning.
• The motor should be 1500-3000 RPM type for generating max electricity.
• Use a coupling attachment if the shaft diameters don't match.

Mount the Alternator and Tail

• Attach the alternator to the frame so it is spun by the motor pulley.
• Use a V-belt to connect the motor and alternator pulleys.
• Hinge the tail to the frame for steering the turbine into the wind.

Build the Frame and Base

• Use a metal pipe, wood beams etc for constructing the frame.
• Make it tall enough to catch good wind above roof level.
• The base elevates and anchors the turbine. Use a sturdy metal or wooden structure.

Connect the Charge Controller

• The charge controller regulates power from the alternator to the battery.
• Connect 3 wires - from alternator, battery and ground.
• Set voltage limits to avoid overcharging batteries.

Conclusion

Constructing a small wind turbine from scrap materials takes some time and effort, but pays off in free renewable energy. With some basic mechanical skills and recycled parts, you can build an efficient turbine to generate electricity off the grid. Just make sure the structure is sturdy and rotates smoothly. Position it in areas with optimum wind flow. And take safety precautions when working with electrical components.