How to Make Your Own Wind Turbine From Scrap

Making your own wind turbine from scrap materials can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With some simple materials and basic tools, you can harness the power of the wind to generate electricity for your homestead or workshop. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own wind turbine from scrap:

Gather the Necessary Materials

The basic components you will need are blades, a generator or alternator, a mounting pole, and wiring. Many of these can be salvaged from scrap parts:

Blades: You can make blades out of scrap wood, PVC pipes, sheet metal, or even heavy cardboard. The blades should be lightweight but sturdy. Make 2-3 blades that are 3-6 feet long each.
Generator: Use a permanent magnet DC motor or alternator from an old car, washing machine, printer, etc. The higher the wattage, the more power it can generate.
Pole: A long metal pole, PVC pipe, or wooden beam 6-15 feet tall will work for mounting the turbine. Embed it securely in the ground.
Wiring: Use scrap copper wiring to connect the generator to your battery bank and inverter.
Bolts, nuts, and washers to assemble the parts.
Metal sheet or sturdy fabric for attaching the blades to the alternator shaft.

Build the Rotor Hub

The rotor hub holds the blades and connects them to the shaft of the generator.

Cut the ends of the blades at 45 degree angles using a miter saw to reduce drag.
Cut a circular piece of plywood for the hub, about 1 ft in diameter. Drill a hole in the center to fit the alternator shaft.
Attach the blades to the hub using bolts, washers, and nuts spaced evenly around the circle. The blades should be angled slightly (pitch) to catch the wind.
Attach the hub securely to the alternator shaft using a set screw or welding.

Mount the Turbine

The alternator needs to be raised up on a pole so the blades can catch the wind.

Secure the metal pole or PVC pipe deeply in the ground with concrete. Make sure it is tall enough to rise above roof level.
Attach the alternator to the top of the pole with a bracket. Allow it to pivot so it can turn into the wind.
Add a tail vane made of wood or sheet metal to keep the turbine facing into the wind.

Connect the Wiring

Electrical wiring is needed to deliver the generated power.

Run wires from the alternator through the pole and underground to your shed or workshop.
Connect the positive and negative wires from the alternator to your battery bank. Add a charge controller or rectifier between them.
From the battery bank, wire to an inverter and then to your electrical panel and appliances.
Add a fuse or circuit breaker to protect from power surges.

Test It Out

Once assembled, your homemade wind turbine should be ready to start producing power.

Check that the blades spin freely. Give them a push to get them started.
Connect your multimeter to test the output voltage and current.
Monitor battery charge levels to see if they are increasing as expected.
Make any adjustments to optimize power output, like angle of the blades or direction of the turbine.

With scrap materials and some DIY spirit, you can build your own renewable wind generator. Just be sure to site it in a consistently windy location for maximum power production. Stay safe and have fun harnessing the wind!