How to Build a Windmill

A windmill is a structure used to harness wind energy in order to generate power. In a windmill, the wind makes the blades of the mill rotate, and thus converts the energy of wind into other usable forms such as electricity. Windmills were initially used to power mills in order to grind grains or to pump water from the wells. More recently, wind turbines, which are advanced versions of windmills, are being utilized to generate electricity.

Why Make Your Own Windmill?

Wind energy, which was being overlooked since a long time, has today become an important source of power generation. Being environment friendly, many people are choosing it as an alternative source to other non-renewable sources of energy. Other advantages of this form of energy are cost-effectiveness and abundant availability. Contradictory to usual belief, building your own windmill, to harness this clean source of energy to suit your requirements, is an easy task. Though ready-made windmills are available in the market, they can cost you a fortune, and making one on your own can save you that money.

How to Build a Windmill on Your Own?

The blades of your windmill can be either made of plastic or wood. Owing to its capacity to withstand strong winds, PVC plastic sewer pipe is an ideal material to make the blades of a windmill. Make sure that you apply a coat of UV resistant paint to protect the blades from the sun. Mark the outline of the blade on the pipe and cut it. After cutting you can brush-up its edges with a sandpaper. The hub of the windmill is the part which connects the blades and the DC motor. It is important that the diameter of the hub is equal to the diameter of the motor for smooth functioning of the windmill. To connect the blades to the hub you will require a pulley measuring six inches in diameter, a shaft equal to the diameter of the motor, and short pieces of 1/4 inch steel measuring 12 inches in length and 2 inches in width.

To create the assembly of the wind generator blade, you will require a 48 inches long and 6 inch thick PVC pipe. Make sure that the pulley fits properly on the DC motor shaft, so that the assembly can spin the motor. Use a drilling machine to drill a hole through the shaft and the pulley, and attach the two by a nut bolt. In order to figure out the distance to be left between two blades, measure the circumference of the hub and divide the same by three. Attach the wind generator assembly to the top of the tower using a piece of ABS pipe, that can accommodate the DC motor. Use a piece of wood to fill the blade assembly such that the shaft extends out from it.

Lastly insert the entire motor in a protective casing on the tower. Make a tail using some strong metal, and attach it to the assembly with the help of a drilling machine. You can attach a pilot vane, to keep your windmill safe during strong winds, at the side of the body. The most important thing is installing a controller between the battery storage and the windmill. In the absence of controller the batteries would get overcharged, eventually damaging the windmill. Buy a good quality inverter and attach it to the windmill to send alternating current power to your home.

A windmill in your backyard can help you to save a large part of your income, which you would otherwise spend on paying electricity bills. Many households across the country have adopted this idea. If you haven't done it yet, then it's high time you do - it would be beneficial for you as well as the environment.