How to Build a Wind Turbine

How to Build a Wind Turbine

A wind turbine is a very useful machine that can convert kinetic energy to mechanical energy. This machine is also helpful and cost-efficient because it can produce electricity from wind. One of the most famous types of wind turbine is windmill. Below are some of the guidelines and factors to consider by individuals who want to know how to build a wind turbine.

Factors to Consider

Before building a wind turbine, there are some important factors to take a look at. When it comes to the design of the machine, it is essential to consider the tower’s height, number of blades to be attached to the tower as well as the rotation control strategies to be implemented. Aside from these, designers should also have sufficient understanding and background on some concepts related to mechanical and kinetic energy like axial moment, angular moment and turbine dynamics. Other factors to consider when making a wind turbine are horizontal axis, turbine size and the raw materials to be used in the project.

Raw Materials

When making a wind turbine, it is necessary to use durable, strong and high quality materials. The best material to be used for the rotor blades of the machine is glass reinforced plastic. To enhance the durability of this material, it is best to combine epoxy resin matrix with the plastic. Other materials that can be used in making the blades are wood and canvas.

Axis and Number of Blades

After purchasing all the raw materials to be used in this project, consider the type of axis that is applicable in the wind turbine to be made. Depending on the functions of the machine, designers can make a vertical axis turbine or a horizontal axis turbine. When it comes to deciding on the number of blades, some of the important factors to look at are the handling ability, reliability and efficiency of the machine.

Height of the Tower

To make sure that the machine will be useful and durable, the tower of the turbine should stand at high altitudes. In relation to this, the length of the tower should be three times the size of the blades.

Braking and Control

The use of furling is very important to the braking and control systems of a wind turbine. It is reliable in controlling rotation torque as well as the speed of the blades. With the implementation of an efficient and functional furling, the centripetal forces will be balanced. In addition, it is also necessary for maintaining strength and speed limits. Above all, furling is also essential to make the machine durable and to lessen maintenance costs of a wind turbine.