Do-it-yourself vertical wind generator: how to assemble a wind turbine with a vertical axis of rotation

The wind has incredible energy capabilities.Failure to use its powerful potential must be boldly recognized as unreasonable waste. But you can easily build a vertical wind generator with your own hands and receive virtually free energy to cover your household needs. This is quite real, don’t you agree?

This article will help you understand in detail a complex technical issue. Systematized, accessible information covers in great detail the principle of operation of popular systems that convert the energy of air masses into electricity.

Without a doubt, you will be carried away by the idea of ​​​​creating a windmill, the specifics of its assembly are described in the article. We examined in detail the different types of vertical wind generators, touching on their differences, advantages and disadvantages. The text part of the material is perfectly complemented by photos and video instructions.

Advantages and principle of operation of wind turbines

A modern vertical generator is one of the options alternative energy for home. The unit is capable of converting gusts of wind into an energy resource. For correct operation, it does not require additional devices that determine the direction of the wind.

A rotary wind generator is very easy to make with your own hands. Of course, he won’t be able to completely take on the responsibility of providing energy to a large private cottage, but he will do an excellent job of lighting outbuildings, garden paths and local areas.

The vertical type device operates at a low height. Its maintenance does not require various devices to ensure safe high-altitude repair and maintenance work.

A minimum of moving parts makes the wind turbine more reliable and operationally stable. The optimal profile of the blades and the original shape of the rotor provide the unit with a high level of efficiency, regardless of which direction the wind is blowing at any given moment.

Small household models consist of three or more light blades, instantly catch the weakest gust and begin to rotate as soon as the wind force exceeds 1.5 m/s. Thanks to this ability, their efficiency often exceeds that of larger installations requiring higher winds.

The generator operates absolutely silently, does not disturb owners and neighbors, does not create harmful emissions into the atmosphere and reliably serves for many years, carefully supplying energy to living quarters.

A vertical wind generator operates on the principle of magnetic levitation. As turbines rotate, impulse and lift forces are generated, as well as actual braking forces. The first two cause the blades of the unit to spin.This action activates the rotor and it creates a magnetic field that produces electricity.

A wind turbine with a vertical axis of rotation is not inferior in efficiency to its horizontal counterparts. In addition, it makes no claims to the territorial location and works fully in almost any place convenient for homeowners

The device functions completely independently and does not require the owner’s intervention in the process.

Classification of vertical generators

There are some structural differences between vertical type wind collecting devices. It does not make the units better or worse, but simply allows you to choose the most convenient option for performing specific tasks in a certain area.

#1: Features of orthogonal systems

Structurally, an orthogonal wind generator consists of a strong axis of vertical rotation and several parallel blades located at a certain distance from the central base.

The device does not require additional guiding mechanisms and works normally, regardless of wind direction. The vertically located main shaft makes it possible to place the drive equipment at ground level, which greatly facilitates operation, repair and maintenance.

The support units of the orthogonal generator do not have a very long service life. This is due to the high dynamic loads that the rotor exerts on them during operation. To ensure that the installation does not fail prematurely, all supporting parts must be regularly inspected and damaged ones must be promptly replaced with new ones.

The disadvantages of orthogonal devices include an overly massive blade system and low efficiency compared to the efficiency of horizontal-axis modules.

The simplest wind turbine for powering low-power consumers can be assembled from ready-made components:

#2: Generators with Daria rotor

A wind generator equipped with a Darrieus rotor has a vertical axis of rotation and 2-3 flat blade strips without a characteristic aerodynamic profile, fixed at the base and at the top of the rotation axis.

The unit in its operation is not guided by the strength or direction of the wind, has a high rotation speed and allows the drive devices to be located on the ground, which facilitates and speeds up the process of scheduled maintenance and possible repairs.

Two-blade generator sets with a Darrieus rotor are activated only by a strong gust of wind. With a uniformly oncoming flow, they cannot start on their own.

The supporting and rotating components of a device with a Darrieus rotor are vulnerable to increased dynamic loads, and the efficiency of the blade system is inferior in many respects to axial horizontal installations.

#3: Units with Savonius rotor

The vertical wind turbine with a Savonius rotor has a semi-cylindrical blade system and differs from similar installations in its high starting torque and the ability to operate effectively in low-speed winds.

The power of vertical wind generators with a Savonius rotor offered on the market does not exceed 5 kW. The devices are rarely used as an independent working unit, but are most often used to create a higher starting torque for Daria rotor installations

The vertical complex with a Savonius rotor is criticized for its increased material consumption and lower efficiency compared to horizontal-axis wind generators. That is why the production of high-power equipment of this class is considered inappropriate.

The following photo selection will introduce you to the steps of manufacturing the Savonius windmill:

All parts of this Savonius windmill model except the 3200 rpm and 24 V generator are made by hand.

#4: Windmill with multi-bladed rotor and guide

This type of device is an improved version of the classic orthogonal wind generator. The rotor complex here consists of blades arranged in two rows.

The outer blade tier remains static and acts as a guide vane. It captures the wind flow, captures it, compresses it and in this way noticeably increases the actual wind speed.

The inner row of blades is a movable structure, which receives air flow from the first rotor unit at a certain angle.

The efficiency of a wind generator with a multi-blade rotor with a guide system makes this device especially attractive to consumers.However, the cost of such equipment is quite high, and it takes a little longer to pay for itself than similar devices of a simpler configuration

Experts call this type of device the most efficient in its class and emphasize that the specific design allows it to operate even at the lowest possible wind speeds.

#5: Characteristics of devices with a helicoid rotor

A helicoidal wind turbine or Gorlov generator is another modification of the traditional orthogonal rotor system. The model's blades are twisted in an arc. This design feature makes it possible to quickly capture the air flow and rotate smoothly without jerking.

This operating principle significantly reduces the dynamic load on the base and moving units, thereby increasing their service life.

Devices with a helicoid-type rotor are very reliable and can easily withstand significant operating loads. However, during operation, such windmills create pronounced noise effects and produce additional sound waves located in the short-wave region of the sound spectrum

Spun rotor blades for a helicoidal windmill are made using a very progressive, but complex technology. Because of this, the units are quite expensive and are not widely popular among private consumers.

#6: Characteristics of vertical-axis rotors

The main difference between a vertical-axis generator is its vertically positioned blades, whose profile resembles an aircraft wing, whose axis is clearly parallel to the vertical shaft. The design is somewhat reminiscent of the Darrieus rotor, but in production conditions it is manufactured much faster and easier.

A generator with a vertical-axis rotor picks up operating speed much faster than similar devices of this class and begins to produce the required energy resource. The process is accompanied by a small sound effect and does not disturb either the installation owners or neighbors

Windmills with a vertical-axis rotor are reliable and durable, can easily withstand significant operating loads and do not cost too much money. These qualities make them relevant for use not only for industrial, but also for domestic purposes.

Features of choosing wind generators for a private home and an overview of the best offers are presented in this article.

Making your own windmill

It is not too difficult to create a wind generator with a vertical axis of rotation at home with your own hands. It is enough to purchase the required components, assemble them in the correct order and install the module in the chosen location. As soon as there is a minimum breeze, the product will work and begin to provide the owners with the necessary energy.

Step 1: Procurement of components and materials

To make a vertical wind generator with your own hands, you will need the following components:

• rotor – moving part of the unit:
• blades – parts that catch the wind flow;
• axial mast – for attaching the rotor and blades (can be in the form of a long pole, pyramid or tripod);
• stator – designed to accommodate a coil of durable copper wire;
• battery – capacious capacity for accumulating the received resource;
• inverter – a device for converting direct current into alternating current;
• controller – a device that brakes the generator at the moment the unit develops actual power that exceeds the basic indicators.

Light, high-quality sheet plastic with good elasticity is suitable for the manufacture of blades. Other types of materials are too susceptible to various damages and deformations and simply cannot cope with such a high dynamic load.

When making the device yourself, you should remember that vertical windmills made by yourself are seriously inferior in power to factory-made models. Therefore, in order not to be disappointed in the created design in the future, it is better to immediately make it according to parameters that are 2 times higher than necessary

Small blades can be made from medium-density PVC, but large, wide parts will require the most durable material that can withstand strong winds blowing at a speed of 15 m/s or more for a long time.

Step 2: Preliminary preparation of elements

For creating blades For a vertical wind generator, 4 identical parts are cut out of high-strength PVC pipe. Two semicircular fragments are cut out of tin and attached to each side of the pipe. The radius of rotation of the blade parts in this case will be 690 mm, and the height of each blade will be about 700 mm.

To assemble the rotor system, take neodymium magnets (6 pcs), ferrite disks with a diameter of 230 mm (2 pcs) and glue. Magnets are placed on the first disk, alternating in polarity and maintaining an angle of 60 degrees between them with an arrangement diameter of 165 mm. Using the same scheme, a second disk is made, and then the magnets are filled with glue.

For the stator, 9 coils are prepared and 60 turns of copper wire with a diameter of 1 mm are wound on each of them.

Subsequent soldering occurs in this order:

• the beginning of 1 coil with the end of 4;
• start 4 with end 7 reels.

The second phase is assembled according to the same principle, but work starts with 2 coils, and the third - with 3 coils. A special shape is made from a sheet of plywood, the bottom is lined with a piece of fiberglass and phases soldered from coils are placed on top.

Fill the structure with glue and leave it for 1-2 days so that all the parts set and take the right places. Then they begin to connect the individual parts into a single working system.

Step 3: Assembling all generator parts

To connect all elements of the generator, 4 holes for pins are made in the upper rotor. The lower rotor is placed on the bracket with the magnets facing up. Next, the stator is placed, having previously made holes in it for fastening to the bracket.

The pins are pressed into the aluminum plate and then covered with the second rotor, placing it with the magnets facing down.

The process of assembling parts is carried out carefully and without haste. The rotors must be aligned relative to each other so that later no backlash is formed in the structure (+)

The studs are rotated alternately using a wrench so that the upper rotor falls onto the lower one evenly and without jerking. When it takes its proper place, the studs are unscrewed and the aluminum plates are removed. At the end, the entire structure is fixed with nuts and tightened firmly, but not too tightly, so as not to break the thread.

Step 4: Final installation of equipment

For the mast, take a strong metal pipe 4-5 meters long and screw a generator that you have already assembled with your own hands onto it.Then the frame with plastic blades is attached to the generator and the mast structure is installed on a pre-prepared site with a three-point reinforced foundation.

Additionally, the position of the system is fixed using a stretcher.

When installing a wind turbine, the mast must be taken as long as possible. It must carry the rotor higher than the tallest building on the site. Only then will the design be able to work effectively and produce the required amount of resource

The electrical network is connected to the windmill in a certain sequence. The controller takes the resource from the generator and converts alternating current into direct current, which is necessary to charge the battery. Can assemble the controller yourself according to a simplified scheme.

The battery stores the released energy, and the inverter converts direct current into alternating current, which powers the bulk of household appliances and home service systems.

On our website there is a selection of articles about homemade wind generators of various types.

We advise you to read:

1. Do-it-yourself wind generator from a washing machine: instructions for assembling a windmill
2. Do-it-yourself wind generator from a car generator: wind turbine assembly technology and error analysis
3. How to make a wind generator with your own hands: device, operating principle + best homemade products

Another interesting option for constructing a vertical windmill can be assembled from waste materials, spending no more than 250 rubles on the purchase of additional components. Do-it-yourselfers will need a bicycle wheel, 12 more bicycle spokes, an axle from the rear bicycle wheel with three nuts, a steel strip, 11 aluminum plates.

You will also need 150 rivets, 18 M4 bolts with nuts, 3 M6 bolts with nuts, 27 larger washers and 24 small ones.

The following gallery will briefly demonstrate the assembly steps:

The following video instruction will present all the steps in detail:

Choosing a location for a wind generator

Choosing the right location for installing a wind generator is an important step. It is best to place the device at the highest open point and carefully ensure that it is not below the level of adjacent residential and outbuildings. Otherwise, buildings will become an obstacle to air flow and the efficiency of the unit will greatly decrease.

If the site faces a river or lake, the windmill is placed on the shore, where the winds blow especially often. Elevations on the property or large empty spaces where there are no artificial or natural barriers to air flow are ideal for locating the generator.

When residential real estate (house, cottage, apartment, etc.) is located within the city or is located outside the city, but in densely built areas, a wind energy complex is installed on the roof.

To place a generator on the roof of an apartment building, the written consent of the neighbors is taken and official permission is obtained from the relevant authorities.

When installing a vertical generator on the roof of an apartment building, you should remember that the unit operates quite noisily and can cause inconvenience to both the owners and other residents.Therefore, the device must be placed closer to the center of the roof so that apartment owners on the upper floors do not suffer from the loud hum emitted by the windmill during operation

In a private house with a large garden plot, choosing a suitable location is much easier. The main thing is to take into account that the structure is located at a distance of 15-25 meters from residential premises. Then the sound effects from the rotating blades will not bother anyone.

Maintenance of a vertical device

In order for a vertical wind generator to work efficiently, accurately and as efficiently as possible, all moving parts of the structure must be lubricated. This procedure is carried out at least 2 times during the entire calendar year.

At the same time, during maintenance, nuts that have become loose as a result of operation are tightened, electrical connections are strengthened, mechanical components are checked for corrosion, loose tension cables are tightened and the blades are carefully inspected for rupture or damage.

In winter, vertical installations require special care. During periods of frost, the blades become covered with a crust of ice and it must be cleaned in a timely manner so that the torque speed is maintained at the proper level.

Parts are painted as needed, and once a year a complete inspection of the entire structure is carried out to identify faults. Such care ensures the correct operation of the wind turbine and extends its service life.

Assessment of the feasibility of installation

Before starting to manufacture a vertical wind generator, they study the weather situation in their region and try to determine whether the unit can provide the required amount of resource.

Experts recommend evaluating the following parameters:

• number of windy days — take the average value for the year when the gust exceeds 3 m/s;
• volume of electricity, consumed per day by a household;
• appropriate place on its own site for wind equipment.

The first indicator is learned from data obtained at the nearest weather station or found on the Internet on the relevant portals. Additionally, they check with printed geographical publications and create a complete picture of the wind situation in their region.

Statistics are taken not for one year, but for 15-20 years, only then the average figures will be as correct as possible and will show whether the generator will be able to fully satisfy the household’s need for electricity or whether its power will only be enough to power individual household needs.

If the owner has a large plot of land located on a slope, near a river bank or in open space, there will be no problems with installation.

When the house is located in the depths of a populated area, and the yard has compact dimensions and is closely adjacent to neighboring buildings, it will not be easy to install a vertical model of a windmill with your own hands. The structure will have to be raised 3-5 m above the ground and further strengthened so that it does not fall in the event of a strong gust.

All this information needs to be taken into account at the planning stage to make it clear whether the wind generator can take over the full energy supply or its role will remain as an auxiliary energy source. It is advisable to carry out wind turbine calculation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video No. 1 will demonstrate how to make a vertical wind generator with a Daria rotor system with your own hands at home. The video clearly presents the features and interesting nuances of the assembly process. There is a definition of the maximum power of the manufactured unit:

Video No. 2 will show how a vertical wind generator works and how much energy it produces. It provides a detailed overview of the module and a description of the work required to correctly measure actual power and other parameters:

Video No. 3 presents testing of a homemade vertical wind generator. What a device made with your own hands from scrap materials is capable of:

Such a modern and practical source of alternative energy as vertical windmills is easy to assemble with your own hands. With the proper experience in housekeeping, it is possible to manufacture each part, and then connect all the components into a single, integral structure.

If you don’t want to complicate the task, it is quite appropriate to purchase ready-made components and, at home, without haste or fuss, install a reliable wind turbine capable of ensuring uninterrupted supply of electricity to a living space.

When you are not 100% confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. They will do everything very quickly and in full compliance with basic operational requirements.

Do you have experience in constructing and operating a wind generator? Please share information with our readers and suggest your method of assembling the unit. You can leave comments and add photos of homemade products in the form below.