In uncertain economic times, searching for ways to save money is on most of our minds. If cutting your home energy bill is on your list of things to do, adding wind power can be a viable option if you live in a high wind zone. However, buying inexpensive wind power kits and DIY wind turbine parts instead of more expensive ones may not reduce your home energy bill as much as you’d like.
The main parts of a wind turbine are the generator, blades, mounting, tower and control panel. That doesn’t sound too difficult to put together, but the most expensive wind turbines are designed with computers for a reason…to maximize energy production.
Here are the wind turbine parts you should focus on if you want to maximize both your investment and energy production:
The Generator: Along with the wind blades, the generator is one of the most important components of a wind turbine. It generates electricity by reversing the direction of a DC motor shaft attached to the wind blades. If funds are tight, you can use a car alternator, old electric lawn motor, or the DC motor in your power tools. However, the energy produced may not be as much as you’d like.
If you want to take it up a notch, invest in a good generator such as those produced by Ametek and focus on the RPM, voltage, amps and size of the motor. Ideally, you want to focus on a motor with a low RPM rating under 400 RPMs, which produces over 12 volts.
With a low RPM rated generator, more electricity is produced with lower wind speeds. So unless you live in an area with high winds, or planning to generate your energy production from multiple hurricanes, an RPM rated generator under 400 RPM is usually your best option.
If dirt cheap is still on your mind, you can attach the wind blades to a larger hub and use a belt to drive the DC motor, basically like shifting gears on a bike. This will allow the motor to generate electricity at lower wind speeds. However, this will require more torque from the wind blades which will result in lower RPMs. Use a meter and test which configuration works best.
Wind Blade: Is another important component of the wind turbine and just as important as the generator. The RPMs of the wind blades are the result of two opposing forces: the blade’s ability to capture wind which is offset by the wind resistance of the blades. Homemade wind blades can have poor balancing if not properly constructed, which will result in lower RPMs produced, and more stress to the generator shaft bearings.
The most expensive wind turbines use the three blade configuration due to low wind resistance, good balance, and efficient wind capture to maximize RPMs.
If you choose to use a high RPM rated generator with larger hub, using a five blade configuration will increase your wind blade torque, but the additional wind resistance to the blades will lower your RPMs. Again, test and see which maximizes your home energy production.
Although making your own wind blades may be a fun project to accomplish and give you an inexpensive wind turbine, manufactured blades made out of carbon fiber which are computer designed can be purchased for a relatively low cost and produce more electricity.
Going cheap on wind turbine parts has its advantages in the short term, but taking it up a notch on your investment can provide you with greater wind power production and more money in your pocketbook in the long term.
About The Author: Keith Garrett is a home solar power and wind turbine enthusiast. His website at www.solarwind4homes.com offers knowledge and tips to the homeowner on transitioning to renewable energy in the 21st century.
