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Innovative wind turbine concepts for large as well as small green home projects

If you are tired of watching your energy bills rise up, then maybe it is time you switch to renewable energy. No, we are not telling you to ask the government of your country to make the switch, but to do so your self. In fact, by utilizing the solar and wind energy available in your area, you can not only provide electricity for your house but earn money too. As far as solar energy is concerned, it is available almost everywhere. However, if you happen to live at a hotspot of wind energy, installing a wind turbine could be a pretty investment too. For that, here are some of these wind turbine concepts that may soon find their place in many homes around the world.

5- Innovative wind turbine concepts

1. Helix Power’s Small Wind Turbine

Helix Power’s Small Wind Turbine

Helix Wind is all set to create wind turbines that can be purchased and used effectively by residential and small scale commercial customers. The company has in fact, come out with a small wind turbine that can be used in homes and commercial establishments. Featuring a helical shape that looks absolutely stunning and can operate efficiently even in low wind speeds, the turbines can generate electricity constantly thanks to its helical platform that makes energy generation more efficient than previous designs.

2. Hercules Wind Generator

Hercules Wind GeneratorItaly based firm Enessere has created what it calls the Hercules Wind Generator, a wind turbine sculpture that not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but is also capable of producing energy on a constant basis. The wind turbine features a unique design made of wood, carbon and titanium, and which moves along a vertical axis.

When installed, the turbine can easily produce power outputs in the range of 5kW which is suitable for the energy needs of small households. The company has also announced at the possibility of making these turbines smart as well by including smart technology that can monitor local wind patterns to operate at maximum efficiency during high wind conditions and power down in case of low wind activity.

3. Archimedes Liam F1 Wind Turbine

Archimedes Liam F1 Wind TurbineCreated by Dutch based start-up, the Archimedes Wind Turbine is a rooftop wind turbine that features a Nautilus shell shaped design for efficient energy production sans the noise produced by other wind turbines of the same size.

Suitable for residential households, the Archimedes’ conical shape allows it to rotate freely without any mechanical resistance, a factor which contributes to the low level of noise generated by the turbine. The turbine also comes with the capability to swing on a vertical axis to automatically turn its face towards optimal wind direction.

4. FrogRevolver

FrogRevolverThe Frog Revolver is a portable wind turbine that is capable of generating clean energy easily and effortlessly. The small and yet, powerful wind turbine can generate up to 35 Watts of power from the wind which is enough to charge small devices like lights, mobile phones, laptops, radios, cameras and so on.

The highlight of the Frog Revolver is that it can transported easily from one place to another, with the device neatly concealed inside a slender tube which compresses to reveal 4 curved blades inside. Spikes are present on the tips of the blades to anchor the device to the ground while operating.

5. Energy Ball Wind Turbine

Energy Ball Wind TurbineCreated by Swedish company Home Energy, the Energy Ball Wind Turbine is a consumer grade wind turbine that features a beautiful orb structure which spins on an axis. Utilizing the Venturi principle (a measure of the pressure of a liquid that is forced to flow through a restricted pipe), the turbine’s unique design helps funnel the wind properly through its blades (a total of six in number) as well as the generator, thus allowing for increased efficiency and reduced noise levels.

The Energy Ball Wind Turbine is perfect for small scale energy generation and can also generate electricity in low wind conditions, thus making it a great consumer grade wind turbine for households.

Of late, a lot of companies have started coming forward with wind turbine designs that can be used in small households. In addition to being much smaller than their industrial counterparts, these wind turbines are known to generate enough energy to power households and commercial establishments efficiently with minimum hindrances like noise.

How to build your own wind energy generator

Take a look at this simple design for a wind generator, which you can construct in less than an hour. Once the concept is clear to you, you can scale up the design to generate more electricity.

This particular DIY wind generator described below can power camping needs, or it can work as an emergency back-up when the grid power is down.

Things you needdiy wind generator

Image Source : motherearthnews.com

1. PVC (3 quarter inch) pipe

You’ll need straight pipes to build the stand. You’ll also need 3 ‘T’ couplers, five elbow couplers (90 degree couplers). You have to cut up the straight pipe into four 3.5 inch, two 8 inch, two 3 inches and one 10-11 inch part.

DC motor, propeller blade, drill, wiring and pipe cement PVC, (optional) are the other things you’ll need to build your wind generator.

2. Constructing the stand

Start building the stand by attaching the 3.5 inch pipe to two elbow couplers. Then, with the T-coupler, connect the two straight pieces. Ensure that the T-coupler end faces the direction in which open ends of the T-coupler face.

Repeat this process, and attach the remaining pipes of length 3.5 inches with two elbow couplers. These pieces form the square base’s two sides. Connect the 3 inch pieces to a T-coupler, and plug that into T-couplers’ sides. The shape should ultimately be ‘h’ shaped, or a two sided Open Square.

3. Complete the base

Connect the square’s sides by fixing the 8 inch length pipes into the rest of the slots of the elbow couplings. There should be a single open slot in the centre of the T-coupling. The base has to be rotated such that it faces upwards. Then connect the last elbow coupling to the 10-11 inch length pipe and fix it into the open T-coupling end to form the post of the turbine. Your base now is complete.

4. Set up the DC motor connection

diy-wind-generatorAfter drilling a hole at the bottom of the turbine post, (through which wires can go through), connect the two wires to the DC motor’s output. Any kind of wiring can be used for this, including extension cords. The cords can be soldered in place, so that you have a strong connection which won’t become loose in heavy winds.

Now pass the wires/cords through the turbine’s post to come out from the hole you had drilled at the bottom of the post. The motor, ideally, should fit within the elbow coupling right at the top. Most DC motors are smaller than elbow coupling, so wrapping electrical tape all around the motor will help you get a tight fit. Attach the rotary blade to the motor before securing it to the coupling.  Your turbine is ready to use.

A wind powered charge controller connected to a battery will store the electricity you generate to be used whenever you want. Your very own wind generator can be constructed at very little cost to provide you with a homemade clean energy alternative.

Final Words

According to experts, big wing is making a big comeback with several industries turning to wind power for their energy needs. While wind turbines were generally found in large scale industries and centralized farms dedicated to them, recent developments have given rise to small scale wind turbines that can be fitted in homes on rooftops and backyards with ease.

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