Wind power, start with a ceiling fan?

[Derek]

I'm still wanting to make my first power from wind shortly.  Is there a way to hook up a ceiling fan "as is" and get power from it?

[Capt Slog]

It depends upon your ceiling fan.

What you are looking for is a motor that has permanent magnets in it; a lot of AC motors 'around the house' have coils which energise to form the magnets and these won't do.

Basically, if you put a volt meter across the wires which would normally power it, spin the motor, and it shows a voltage, then it's likely that you're on your way to generating something.

Slog (fellow newbie)

[turboredcart]

I never liked ceiling fans...but my new place has them. Supposedly to keep the place cool. I was wondering- if say living on a busy street- cars driving past my house- 30 mph- no front yard- if some sort of spinning wheel could generate maaaaybe a small light. so as cars pass the swoosh- moves- hence making energy- even a small amount.