There are several ways to build a windmill, and the equipment to use will depend on the windmill style. The following should give you an idea of how it is made.
Required Tools and Materials
Windmill generator
Mounts
Stand
Box (plastic or wood) for containing the generator
1" x 8" lumber (for blades)
AC converter
Batteries
Design the windmill before you build it. Determine what kind of generator to use, where to place it and the blade dimensions. Make sure that the force produced by the blades and the speed equal the force needed to crank the unit.
Step 2
To build a windmill, you will need a generator. You can use a treadmill motor for the generator. You can also use car disc brakes, car alternators or washing machine motors.
Step 3
Next you have to make the blades. You can cut the blades from wood. Apply weatherproofing finish so the blades are protected from the elements. The longer the blades are, the more power they will generate.
However, longer blades can also slow the rotation down. Fasten the blades on the motor’s flywheel. Try spinning the blades to see if they are working properly. Ultraviolet resistant epoxy should be set on the blades.
Step 4
Set the generator on a weatherproof wood or plastic box. Make sure the box can handle strong wind gusts and fluctuating weather patterns.
Step 5
The next step is to wire the windmill. Join the generator onto a blocking diode. Batteries are utilized for keeping the electricity produced by the windmill.
The deep cycle batteries have to be connected to the AC converter. Hook up the AC converter in an outlet. This outlet ought to be for the generator only.
Step 6
The next step is to mount the windmill. You can set the windmill on the roof, stand or tower. You may need help when putting the generator on the roof.
Tips and Warnings
It is better to have a high tip / speed ratio than numerous blades. As a rule, the 4 blade system will generate the best results. Before you start, make sure to check the building codes in your area. They may have some restrictions on setting up windmills.
Before you build a windmill, you might want to think about securing the services of an electrician. They can tell you if the wiring is correct or if it needs some modifications. Do not install the wiring if you don’t know how to do it; you could make a mistake and hurt yourself.
