Looking to build my first wind turbine

[AbyssUnderground]

Hello All,

I've posted a few times on this board but not much. I check and read new topics every day.

After months of trying to get into solar power I thought it might be time to try wind power instead. We dont always get strong winds here but they are fairly constant, even if light.

Im not looking to build much, just something in the region of 25w or so, nothing fancy. Im going to be using it to keep a 12v 17.2Ah lead acid battery charged. Ive got a 5A charge controller for use with my solar panels (2x 1.5w panels) so it should be OK for the wind turbine as its around 2A at 12v at full 25w load?

As Im completely new to this Ill probably need lots of info on how to actually build one. The ones Ive seen on otherpower.com are too big for a beginner like me to try.

Ive not got a large budjet, only around £50 ($100).

I can get hold of a small car alternator pretty easily but from what Ive read they are practically useless.

If anyone has any ideas on a beginner project or has information they feel can help, please post it here!

Thanks in advance,

Andy.

[ghurd]

The $100 limit makes it hard for a big machine. (I don't have a 'funny L' key)

Start collecting good junk.

Have you seen these?

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/7/4/34446/17324

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2006/2/9/235911/6355

The same idea can be scaled up. Found a motor that looks the same, but is twice the size. Came with a 22~24" aluminum fan blade.

G-

[ghurd]

And don't try the solar controller with a windmill. It'll die.

G-

[kurt]

or kill your wind mill when it diconects the mill from the batts in a storm.

[AbyssUnderground]

Ah good point about that. I never thought.

Its rare we get storms/very high winds round here but still possible.

Remember that im looking for this to be as simple and as easy to make as possible as Ive had 0 hands on experience at doing it, and Ill have virtually no help (Im 17 BTW).

I can get hold of basic tools but nothing spectacular.

I had a look at the two topics ghurd posted but there was so much writing I actually got bored reading it. Most of it was complete rubbish to me, such as "(Lowes 1-7/8 X 7/8 X 3/8 cut in half);" I mean, that means nothing to me as a beginner and it doesnt explain what it is.

You may think Im being awkward but Im not. Im just trying to get simple straight advice.

I thought of using a cars radiator fan blades as my prop. Would that work well enough to drive a small generator (home made or not)?

[zubbly]

hi AbyssUnderground!

Baldor permanent magnet dc motors will make great little mills. they are of industrial quality.

as an example, here is one on ebay that would likely do your needs     Item number: 7614989117

add a prop any away ya go!

its just a suggestion.

zubbly

[AbyssUnderground]

The only problem is its in the US and im in the UK. The shipping would cost and arm and a leg, and possibly both of my legs.

Also, its 180v and im looking to charge a 12v battery with as little in the way of circuitry as possible.

[ghurd]

ebay motor would take 1 diode.

Lowes is a store, that magnets are broke in half.

Snip some wires, solder some wires, add some magnets.

[gotwind]

Andy,Take a look at my site - lots of info here for the beginner, I still am one.

http://www.gotwind.org/index.htm

Ben