Projects/Wind Turbine
Why build a turbine?
It's an interesting project, several people have expressed an interest, and its could result in a source of green energy. Alternatively it could overspeed, and tear itself apart in spectacular style, either way it'll be interesting.
What sort?
Horizontal turbines (like a windmill) require some way of being turned into the wind, vertical turbines (think of the spinning ad signs you see outside shops) don't suffer from this limitation, but that also means you can't turn them *out* of the wind, meaning some sort of speed governor is essential (a centrifugal governor would be very retro).
Links
- Wikipedia page on wind turbines
- We should try to avoid this, this and this.
- We should be able to achieve something like this relatively easily.
- Instructables has an article that would provide a very cheap intro, as well as a more powerful option.
- Add stuff here
Design Notes
We've now produces two turbines, though neither has yet had a good test yet due to a total lack of wind (maybe we're responsible for all the nice weather we've been having).
Wind Turbine 1
Savonius rotor with aerofoil blades made from wooden battens and tarpaulin.
Wind Turbine 2
Savonius rotor with semicircular blades made from a 40l bucket.
Simple and quick to build, though limited by the size of bucket available.
- Carefully mark the bucket for cutting, then saw in two.
- Arrange the two halves as required, and determine the size of the top and bottom plates.
- Cut 2 plates from plywood, clamp together, and drill the centre hole.
- Place the two halves of the bucket top down onto the bottom plate, mark and drill holes for the bolts through the rim, then attach with nuts, bolts, and washers.
- Carefully align the top plate, drill holes through the top plate and bucket, assemble with nuts, bolts and washers (large repair washers will fit here, and help spread the load).
- Cap the hole in the top plate with some scrap wood, then fit the axle from the bottom.