Have you wanted to install an alternative energy source for a long time? A significant obstacle to the implementation of the idea is the cost of the device. But do not despair, you can make a wind generator from the engine of the washing machine with your own hands.
This mechanism converts the power of the wind into electrical energy, and you will use it for everyday needs. To create your own device, read our article.
The benefits of a homemade wind generator
If you buy a wind generator even from a Chinese manufacturer, together with the installation it will result in 75,000 rubles. To create a windmill with your own hands, you will need patience and sleight of hand, as well as an old washing machine, additional parts, time. But this work is worth the effort.
To get maximum efficiency from the device, it must be placed in the open. The windmill starts at a wind speed of 2 to 3 m / s. To obtain the maximum coefficient of performance (COP), a wind force of 9-10 m / s is sufficient.
It is interesting! If you think that the higher the wind speed, the greater the efficiency, then this is not so. At 25 m / s, the performance of the windmill is significantly reduced, since the blades become perpendicular.
What is useful for a wind generator from a washing machine:
- The generated 0.15-0.2 kW of energy is enough to light two rooms and watch TV.
- When generating 1-5 kW, you can use the refrigerator, computer, washing machine.
- 20 kW will not only provide light to all rooms in the house, but also allow the use of heating.
Consider how to make and install a 2.5 kW wind generator.
Preparation for work
The "heart" of the whole structure is an electric generator. To make it, and you need an engine from a washing machine - you can use it from Vyatka or another Soviet brand. For this purpose, the motor rotor must be completely redone.
Since it is long and painstaking, it is recommended to buy a ready-made magnetic rotor, and for the following reasons:
- To adjust the native rotor of the motor, it must be cut off on a lathe, as well as grooves for attaching magnets.
- You need to buy neodymium magnets that stand like a new rotor.
- Magnets need to be fixed reliably and accurately. A minimal shift to the side will cause them to stick and reduce performance.
The rotor of the generator is the main and most expensive part of the design.
What other elements does a windmill consist of
- Mast.
- Gearbox.
- Shaft.
- Impeller.
- Gears.
- Flange.
We use what is at hand and make a mast. To do this, you can take a long pipe, but if there is none, you can use pipe lengths of 32 mm. Weld them together and get a mast 10 m high.
- Paint the finished mast.
- Fasten the mast vertically. To do this thoroughly, you can use a pillar or other support. At the same time, expect that the support does not interfere with the rotation of the windmill.
Assemble the gearbox as shown in the photo below:
The gearbox is designed to control and slow down the rotation of the propeller of the wind generator. So it protects the device from breakage during strong winds. How to act:
- Take the gear from the water pump drive. She puts on the mast, as noted in Figure 5.
- Along the perimeter to the gears connect the scraps of the metal reinforcement. Fasten the joint by welding. In the picture it is marked with the letter C.
- Bearings and gears are mounted on these scraps (axles) and pressed in. This action is shown under the letter B.
- A small gear is put on the mast, which is marked with the letter A.
- All gears are in contact with each other and constantly interact.
After assembling the structure, you need to protect the mechanism from the weather. The figure below the figure 11 shows the case. To install it, you can take the housing from an old pump or electric motor.
Now you need to assemble the impeller. The blades are of this type: winged and sailing (like a windmill). It is better to opt for a wing design, they allow you to get more efficiency.
Make blades of light and hard material: wood, aluminum, plastic. According to our installation, the length of the blades should be 1.5-2 meters.
You can also make a propeller from fiberglass sheet. But in order to achieve structural rigidity, it is necessary to glue the workpieces in two layers. Then they are connected in a single mechanism.
The preparation of the parts is over, proceed with the assembly of the wind generator.
Instructions on how to make a wind generator from an engine
Here is a step-by-step example of how to build an alternative energy source from a direct drive engine.
Install the support and mast of the windmill in an open area, it is possible on a hill. After the support is installed, do the following:
- Secure the gearbox and propeller to the mast.
Some wind generators use a tail, as shown in the picture. It is made of light and material, allows you to rotate the structure in the wind.
- Connect the long shaft to the base of the gearbox. Lock the shaft so that it does not fall out, but at the same time rotates freely.
- On a pre-prepared support from metal corners, a manufactured generator is mounted, which is connected to the shaft.
- A protective cover must be provided for the generator and rotor, which will protect them from moisture. To protect against frost in the winter, cover the structure with silicone grease.
Install the windmill correctly in calm weather.
It is advisable to connect all electrical appliances through an inverter.
Keep in mind that large installations emit strong noise and vibration. Now you can connect the generator to the network, and check the operation of the wind generator.
Be careful. Do not immediately connect expensive and powerful appliances. Test the operation of the windmill on normal charging and other elementary devices.
A wind generator is ideal for a backup power source. It can serve as the main, but only for small farms or cottages.