DIY Wind Energy: The Green Electricity Turbine
Using a motor from an old exercise treadmill and some PVC pipe, learn how to construct your own DIY wind energy turbine. While the electrical power may not be enough to get your home off the grid, but the project clearly explains in simple terms the technology involved in turning wind into free electricity.
Why Stop with Wind?
There are plenty of other ways to generate your own electricity and go green. Check out some of our DIY free electricity posts:
November 15th, 2009
What type of treadmill motor should I look for?
Is there a hp or amp range that I should look for?
November 16th, 2009
It depends on how much power you need outputted. You can probably spec out the amp to return ratio online somewhere.
November 23rd, 2009
Please add a note of caution with this post. I assume you were using a PM synchronous machine which provides constant current. If you let this run constantly into your batteries without a diversion load you may cause harm to your batteries and they may even catch fire. A diversion load is also needed for this application. Also be careful using Flooded Lead batteries they do out gas hydrogen gas so proper ventilation is a must if in an enclosed space. Other wise this is really cool!