DIY Off-Grid Wind Power

Survey the location the turbine will be located. Asses the best possible area that has a clear wind flow pattern and is free of buildings blocking the turbine. Consider the level of power you want to generate and determine whether or not one turbine will do the job or if several towers are necessary.

Sketch out the system and make a list of parts. The fans can be fabricated by an experienced person with good mechanical skills, however it is best to purchase them used at an auction or from a supply house. Ready-made kits are available for purchase to provide the proper parts for the action needed for a good free-flowing turbine that will be able to rotate on the tower and access the wind at all times.

Purchase a DC to generate power. A junk yard for used parts or supply house for a motor specifically designed to operate this system can be purchased. A high voltage but low RPM motor is essential. The turbine must produce enough speed to turn the engine to produce power, and a heavier motor that requires a high-speed rotation may result in producing very little power. A 30-volt 325 RPM motor is a good choice for the average moderately sized wind turbine.

Construct the turbine and motor assembly. A wood platform large enough to hold the DC motor and the fan attached is adequate. Mount a tail or rudder vertically to the opposite end of the board, then connect the electronics to the assembly. Measurements are not overly critical, however the size of the board should balance out the assembly evenly. A larger length will be cumbersome, but a too-short board will limit the movement. Add weight to the tail to balance the weight of the motor, using lead or any other metal ballast you have on hand.

Connect the power cord to the assembly. The power cord can be a recycled heavy duty extension cord or the cord that comes with the kit.

Mount the turbine assembly to the tower. The tower should be a construction that is designed to turn freely into the wind. A hollow pipe of sturdy construction is generally the type of tower used. PVC pipe is not recommended due to the stress levels placed on the material. Tower height does not have to be excessively high, clearance for safety reasons is the main priority, then height adequate to access the wind.

Attach the tower in place to a heavy base. A platform of concrete blocks with wood anchored to them is a good design as it is weighty enough to hold the tower in place. Burying the tower is not an option as the electronics need to be attached and the power cord will run through the tower pipe.

Connect the electronics system and inverter to the turbine and add a battery power collecting system. The batteries will store the power until use. If you have a high-output system and want to collect power to store or sell back to the power company, a system that is approved and passes electrical inspection is necessary.