How to Make Your Own Wind Turbine On The Cheap

Building your own wind turbine can be a fun and rewarding project. With some basic materials and tools, you can harness the power of the wind to generate electricity for your home. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build an affordable DIY wind turbine.

Select a Location

The first step is finding a good location to install your wind turbine. For optimal wind exposure, you'll want an elevated, open area with consistent breezes. Consider the following:

• Rooftops - A roof can provide height to catch more wind. Make sure the roof can support the turbine weight.

• Hilltops - Hills, ridges and cliffs provide excellent wind exposure.

• Open fields - Large open areas such as fields or pastures can work if consistently windy.

• Shorelines - Coastal areas and large inland lakes utilize offshore winds.

• Tower mounting - Erecting a tower provides more height options for windswept areas.

Ideally, the annual average wind speed should be at least 10 mph at the turbine location. You can use a home anemometer to get accurate wind speed data before committing to a site.

Choose a Turbine Design

There are two main types of wind turbines to consider:

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs)

• The rotor shaft is parallel to the ground.
• The most common design with blades that face into the wind.
• Well-suited for high wind speeds in open areas.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs)

• The rotor shaft is perpendicular to the ground.
• Scales well for residential installations.
• Operates effectively in turbulent winds.

For a DIY project, a vertical axis turbine is often easier to build and maintain. The Savonius or Darrieus models work well for self-built VAWT systems.

Calculate Power Requirements

Determine the wind turbine power output you'll need based on your electricity usage and needs. A typical 2-3 kW VAWT can provide power for:

• Basic home appliances and lighting
• Water pumping and irrigation
• Battery charging
• Small workshop tools

For grid-connected systems, calculate your existing electricity usage over a full year. Identify peak demand periods to size your system accordingly.

Purchase Materials and Components

The main items needed for a DIY wind turbine include:

• Rotor blades - Plywood, plastic or metal works for VAWTs. Diameter impacts power.

• Generator - Permanent magnet alternators are common for small wind turbines.

• Mounting pole - Galvanized steel, wood or PVC. Height is key for better winds.

• Batteries - Deep cycle lead batteries to store power.

• Inverter - Converts turbine power from DC to AC for home use.

• Controllers - Regulate turbine speed, voltage and load shedding.

• Wiring - Insulated copper wiring for low voltage loss.

• Hardware - Nuts, bolts, pulleys, belts and bearings.

Shop around to find quality components at reasonable prices for your DIY turbine.

Follow the Build Instructions

Once you have all the materials, it's time to start construction. Follow the detailed plans for the specific wind generator design you've chosen. Key steps usually include:

• Assembling the rotor, blades and shaft
• Mounting the turbine on the tower pole
• Installing the alternator, inverter and other electrical components
• Connecting and testing the system

Take time to carefully assemble all pieces as directed. Don't be afraid to ask an experienced builder for guidance.

Choose a Battery Bank

Determine your battery bank storage capacity. This should be sized to store excess power generation for use during low-wind periods. For grid-connected systems, batteries help reduce peak demand charges. Consider your power needs, usage patterns and budget. Use several comparable deep cycle batteries wired to reach the voltage and current ratings required.

Erect the Wind Turbine

The final step is mounting your DIY wind turbine on the tower in the selected location. The standard tower height is 30-50 ft for residential installations. You can either build your own tower or purchase one and have it professionally installed. Ensure the tower base is anchored well on a concrete pad able to withstand turbulence.

With a well-built wind generator and tower located in the optimal spot, you can start harnessing free wind power for your home electricity needs. Monitor and maintain your turbine regularly so it continues running cleanly and efficiently.