Your generator should be connected to a deep-cycle battery bank and charge controller in between the generator and inverter to protect the inverter and battery from power spikes.You need to generate at least 12 volts over a consistent period of time. If you decide to buy a DC generator, look for one rated for high voltage and current and low rotation speed (several hundred instead of several thousand revolutions per minute).A pre-made generator will be the easiest option for beginners, but tutorials can be found to make your own by searching the internet for "making a wind turbine generator." A generator relies on motion, in this case the movement of your blades, and magnetic force to generate electricity.You could use an AC motor as a generator, although there may not be sufficient residual magnetism to produce a strong enough electric field.Most generators are direct current (DC), which means that to use one to provide household current you'll need to connect the generator to a power inverter to produce the alternating current (AC) that household appliances use. Your wind turbine needs to be connected to a generator to produce electricity. X Research source X Research source X Research sourceĬhoose a generator. If you plan on going this route, choose a sturdy shovel, and you may want to replace wooden handles with something more durable, like a metal haft. Blades can also be made from household products, like modified shovels.Adding more blades increases torque but can make the turbine rotate more slowly. Using an even number of blades, such as 2 or 4, makes a wind turbine more likely to vibrate as it spins. Whether you build or buy the blades, you'll likely want to have 3 blades on your wind turbine.Instructions can be found online through a general Internet search for "DIY wind turbine blades." If you choose to build the blades, you can make them out of wood or cross-sections of PVC pipe.These blades should be sized and pitched correctly for the turbine to work efficiently.
Old farm windmills were basically small sails attached to a rotating shaft, but wind turbines resemble giant propellers and have large teardrop-shaped blades. The kind of blades you use and configuration of your blades may affect the design of your turbine. Choose between pre-made or DIY wind turbine blades.