By converting wind power into electricity, wind-generated electricity can be used for all your electrical needs or to supplement solar panels or power purchased from a utility company.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 20 different DIY wind turbine designs that are perfect for off-grid living.
From mini turbines for home use to large generators that can eliminate the need to buy electricity from a utility company, these designs are easy and inexpensive to build.
Homemade Wind Generator
If you’re looking for a larger wind turbine design that can generate enough energy to power your home, the DIY wind turbine by thekevdog is a great option.
While the up-front cost of $150 is higher than other designs, it can generate 50-250 watts of power on a regular basis, depending on wind speed.
Building Your Own Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
This DIY wind turbine is a smaller and more affordable version of the design used in larger, high-powered turbines built by professionals.
By harnessing the power of the wind with this vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) design, you can generate your own electricity and potentially live off-grid or reduce your monthly utility bill.
The benefits of building your own VAWT include lower costs, greater control over the design and materials used, and the satisfaction of creating a sustainable energy source for your home.
Large DIY Wind Generator
If you want to generate a considerable amount of power, building a wind turbine by velacreations is a great option.
This large wind turbine design is perfect for wind farm settings where a community is being provided power from wind turbines.
To maximize electricity generation, this design should be placed on a tall tower. The higher the turbine is placed, the more electricity it can generate.
With this design, it is possible to generate an excess amount of electricity that your local utility company may be interested in purchasing from you.
Vertical DIY Wind Turbine
This vertical turbine generates 50 watts of power, making it a great alternative to solar generators. The vertical shape of the turbine allows it to catch the wind and harness its power.
The turbine’s light weight blades are made from PVC pipe that has been cut in half, and the motor is recycled from an old treadmill.
Build Your Own 400 Watt Wind Turbine
This DIY wind turbine can withstand wind speeds of 40+ miles per hour and generate electricity with as little as 15 mile per hour winds.
With a total cost of less than $200, this project offers an excellent return on investment.
By putting in a little elbow grease and using scrap metal, you can create your own source of renewable energy.
Recycle Bicycle Into DIY Wind Turbine
With the help of this detailed design, you can create a wind turbine like the one featured on Makezine using old bicycle parts and discarded aluminum.
This DIY project is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to generate energy without wasting natural resources.
By following the instructions, you can build a wind turbine for under $30.
The 17 Foot Domestic DIY Wind Turbine
To build your own 17-foot domestic wind turbine, you will need a trailer spindle and hub, as well as 16-inch diameter steel rotors cut from half-inch steel.
Additionally, you will need to weld six stator brackets with a 20-inch diameter and drill six holes, with the center hole drilled for the spindle.
Attach the magnet and coil to the stator brackets using super glue. Afterward, attach the entire piece to the base and tower.
Place the turbine in the windiest location to ensure maximum efficiency.
The cost of building this wind turbine is very economical since you can use materials that are typically available at home.
DIY Wind Turbine with a Car Alternator
This design is simple and practical, and can be built inexpensively in less than two days.
The blades for the wind generator are made from repurposed car parts, specifically the fan clutch.
By recycling all of the parts from an old car, you can save it from the scrap pile and turn it into something useful.
This DIY wind turbine is an environmentally friendly way to generate power for your home or small business.
DIY Wind Turbine
To create your own wind turbine, start by obtaining a 12’’ steel disk and cutting a template for the mounting of magnets using hydro cuts.
Then, mount twelve grade n50 magnets on edge and create a form to add resin with hardener.
Next, wind nine individual coils and solder them in a three-phase wye configuration. For a 12v output, use 35 turns of 2 parallel strands of 14 gauge enameled magnet wire.
Make Micro DIY Wind Turbine
To make a miniature DIY wind turbine, you will need the following materials: five one-inch diameter PVC 90 degree fittings, three one-inch diameter PVC tee fittings, one one-inch diameter PVC coupler, six one-inch diameter PVC six-inch long pipes, one one-inch diameter PVC 24-inch long pipe, one inch diameter PVC two-inch long pipe, two alligator clips, poster board for blades, twenty-inch box fan or other wind source, duct tape, hot glue or glue gun, wire cutters, drill, DC motor with wires, 12 hole crimping hub, 25 dowels, multimeter, 5mm LED bulb, and sound and light board.
To build the rotor and nacelle, insert a two-inch piece of PVC pipe into the 90 degree fitting and use duct tape to secure it.
Next, thread the wires around the DC motor into the mouth of the PVC coupler and then through the 90 degree PVC fitting. Attach the crimping hub to the motor by pressuring it into the driveshaft, and then build the base.
After building the base, attach the tower to it, insert the wire down the 24-inch PVC pipe, and attach the nacelle on top.
Mini DIY Wind Turbine For Home (Video Tutorial)
To make the body of the turbine, you will need to use wood. Start by nailing a square block of wood in one corner and making a slit in the other corner.
Drill a hole in the square block for the axle to be inserted. Attach the propeller with the axle and secure it with a washer.
Next, attach two hose clamps around the DC motor and attach it to the wooden piece. Use a 9-inch pipe to give the turbine a clean and finished look.
Finally, attach the tail to the slit, a bit higher up.
Small DIY Wind Generator
This project is a great way to teach kids about renewable energy and electricity generation.
Plus, they can decorate the wind generator however they like to make it their own.
How To Make A Homemade Wind Turbine
With the help of a generator, blades, a tower, base, batteries, and wiring system, you can produce a good amount of electricity. Here are the steps to make your own wind turbine:
- Select a location where the wind is present the most.
- Gather the necessary materials, including PVC pipes and other items.
- Build the turbine blades and mount them onto the generator.
- Construct the tower and base for the turbine.
- Connect the wiring system to transfer the electricity generated from the wind to the batteries.
- Test the wind turbine to ensure it is producing electricity.
Washing Machine Motor
This design is not only functional, but also attractive, making it a great option for neighborhoods with building codes and restrictions on structures.
Additionally, it can be constructed inexpensively using recycled parts.
By following the free pictorial instructions provided by Instructables, you can easily create your own off-grid power source.
This homemade wind turbine is an eco-friendly option that can help you save money on your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint.
Build Your Own Wind Generator in Your Backyard for $150
To make a turbine like the one created by thekevdog, you will need a variety of items such as a steel sheet, steel nipple, floor flange, square tubing, circular saw blade, arbor, hose clamps, PVC pipes and fittings, metal screws, and a diode. You will also need tools like a drill, measuring tape, sandpaper, pipe wrench, protractor, and crescent wrench.
Once assembled, the wind generator will generate electricity through the rotation of the blades powered by wind.
With a little effort and know-how, you can create a sustainable energy source for your home for just $150.
Recycled DIY Wind Turbines
Looking for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way to generate power? Look no further than recycled DIY wind turbines.
These designs, inspired by engineeringforchange, use only salvaged materials to create functional wind turbines.
A New Jersey high school challenged its students to build a wind turbine that could generate 500W of power using only recycled materials, and these designs passed with flying colors.
A Homemade Wind Turbine
To build your own wind turbine, the first step is to find a suitable location in your yard that is elevated and receives a lot of wind.
After marking the spot, you can begin designing and determining the amount of energy your residential wind turbine should produce.
The most crucial step is to acquire a generator that produces 90 volts DC at 32 to 40 RPM.
To make the blades, PVC pipes with a diameter of 2 feet can be used and attached to the hub of a circular piece of wood or the base tin of a coffee container.
Next, connect the motor wiring to the blades so that they can function when the wind blows.
Wasp DIY Wind Turbine
This micro wind turbine is inspired by the design and function of a wasp, making it lightweight and easy to take with you on the go.
The compact size is perfect for use in a recreational vehicle or boat, and can even be used at remote campsites.
Despite its small size, this DIY windmill generator is capable of producing enough power to keep you off-grid and self-sufficient.
Homemade Wind Turbine From Recycled Ceiling Fan
Transforming an old ceiling fan into a portable wind turbine is an innovative way to generate free energy.
By following simple instructions provided by Hackaday, you can build your own homemade wind turbine.
The turbine is mounted on PVC pipe, making it a two-piece generator that can be easily transported to any location.
The higher the turbine is mounted, the more energy it can produce. This is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Tesla DIY Wind Turbine
If you’re looking for a way to save on your electricity bill, consider building a Tesla DIY wind turbine.
With a combination of recycled and new parts, you can achieve speeds of up to 15,000-20,000 rpm and top speeds of around 30,000 rpm.
By following the instructions in this video tutorial by Instructables, you can build a turbine that completely eliminates your need to purchase power from the utility company.
Summary
You can generate off-grid power by building your own wind turbine. DIY wind turbine designs are cost-effective and easy to construct.
You can choose from vertical or horizontal axis wind turbines depending on your energy needs and location.
The materials required for the construction are readily available and affordable.
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