Windmill Kits

Wind Power:  Clean, Cheap Alternative

Windmill kits can be a great way to take advantage of the wind.  But, most people associate windmills with farmers crushing grain.  However, as non-renewable energy becomes increasingly expensive, windmills are being used more and more frequently as a way of generating electricity. 

Many people associate electricity-generating windmills with big fields of enormous, expensive machines, but the truth is that you can build yourself a small, five-foot tall windmill for about $200.  Below are a few tips to get you through the process. 

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Necessary Tools

Drill
Saw
Sander

Necessary Materials

Generator; Sails; PVC piping; Hub; Battery and control system; 2X4 boards; A mount; Nuts and bolts; Sheet aluminum; Straps; Sandbags; Cement

Directions

If you do not consider yourself handy enough to handle all of this by yourself, it is a good idea to do some searching and find a kit or a guide to help you out.  Windmill kits typically consist of both plans and needed materials.  However, if you want to save some money and you feel capable, then follow the instructions below instead. 

While it is certainly possible to build your own generator, most people decide to purchase a pre-made one, as this is much easier and less time-consuming. 

You will ultimately need a magnetic DC motor.  Typically, a motor that generates 30 volts at 325 RPM is what you are looking for, as this will be efficient at low speeds. 

Blades are a component that people more often decide to construct themselves, as doing so is much easier than building a motor from scratch.  Common blade materials include PVC, aluminum, and wood. 

The website, Earth4Energy.com, has helpful instructions on constructing blades if you are unsure where to begin.  Once you have finished your blades, make sure all edges are sanded smooth to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency. 

Your hub will basically be a simple disk about five inches wide with two holes drilled in it for attaching the blades with the nuts and bolts you gathered earlier.  It is important that this connection is very secure, as it will ideally be in constant motion. 

Your windmill is now ready to be mounted.  Use the straps to attach the motor to an end of one of your boards you have gathered.  Make sure the motor is covered with PVC pipe to protect it from the rain.  Finally, you will attach a piece of the aluminum sheet to the other end of the board.  This will be your windmill's tail. 

Finally, you are ready to bury your tower (aluminum or PVC pipe) and secure it in place with concrete and sandbags.  At last you can mount the windmill on the tower. 

Most alternative energy stores carry wind power control systems.  You will need one of these in order to make use of the electrical energy you are producing. 

Additionally, you will need to run electrical cables from the power controller to your windmill's motor.  Now you can stand back and marvel at what you have created, reaping the benefits of cheap energy.  If you need more help, think about buying complete windmill kits.