Saturday, December 3, 2011

Wooden Windmill Plans - What Are the Things to Consider?


Building a wooden windmill is one of those unique projects you can undertake if you have an inherent love for woodworking. Not only will you have a unique structure to decorate your yard, you can jump in the bandwagon of going green by harnessing the power of wind energy as well. And yes, this can be done if you have excellent wooden windmill plans.

Windmills has been around for many ages. But unlike the decorative windmills we see these days, windmills of long ago are mainly used to harness the wind and convert it to electricity. And if you have this desire to build a windmill that generates real power, that can be done too over the course of few weekends or afternoons.

Whatever your purpose may be in building a wooden windmill, here are a couple of things you'd best consider way before you start construction:

Location and Size

If you are going to build a windmill for decorative purposes only, size and location wouldn't be so much of a consideration. You just need to build something that's prominent enough to be part of any landscape design. And you just have to place it somewhere in your yard where it can grab attention and goes well with the entire landscape design.

However, if your main purpose of building a landscape is to generate considerable energy and convert it into electricity, size and the area where you'll set up the windmill does matter. For one, it has to be big and tall enough for it to harness considerable wind energy. And second, it has to be set up in such a way that maximum wind power is harnessed through its blades.

Materials

Next thing you need to prepare are the tools as well as the materials you're going to need to complete this project. For a decorative windmill, you won't be needing much materials to build this. But for a fully functional wooden windmill, much attention should be given to the design and materials needed to complete the windmill.

Just to give you a simple overview of the materials needed to build a basic windmill, here is a basic list of materials needed: wood (plywood and lumber will be needed to form the blade and construct the main framework of the windmill), wood screws, epoxy, steel shaft and sandbags. As for the tools, you will need hand saw, band saw, electric drill, screwdriver and wood lathe. Additionally, you would need an energy converter to derive electricity from the windmill.

Wooden Windmill Plans

If you want to save yourself from the unnecessary hassles of construction, you need to have for yourself excellent wooden windmill plans to guide you through the entire process. This is especially needed when you plan to build a power generating wooden windmill.

Quality windmill plans will have laid out for you in details the materials as well as the steps you need to take to build a windmill whether for decorative or functional purposes. Additionally, you can expect the process to be demonstrated using illustrations so you would not have to waste any time getting confused with the instruction.




If you are a woodworker or you enjoy building things in your free time, you will benefit from a collection of woodworking plans. It also has wooden windmill plans which you can use. You may take a look at this resource here:

www.WoodworkHaven.info





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Know the Technology - The Parts of a Windmill


So, you've decided to take the plunge and install an electricity-producing windmill (a.k.a. wind turbine) on your property. You may be building it yourself, or may have hired a company to do that part for you. But, there's one thing you can't escape - you really need to know some things about your windmill!

Listed below are the major components of a windmill. It won't take much time to familiarize yourself with these key components, so you can "talk the talk" when it comes to the parts of a windmill.



Anemometer. This is essentially a speedometer for the windmill - a gauge to tell how fast the blades are rotating. Some more sophisticated systems have a feedback loop so the anemometer will "talk" to the control computer, regulating the blades' speed so damage won't occur.


Blades. Most turbines have at least two blades, similar to the halves of a airplane's propeller. Many windmills have more than two blades. Wind impacts these blades, causing "lift," making the windmill rotate.


Brake. More expensive windmills have a brake. The brake can be applied to stop the windmill in an emergency.


Controller. Again, more expensive and sophisticated wind turbines (proper name for a windmill that generates electrical power) have a computerized controller. One function of the controller is to start and stop the windmill. Normally, winds less than 8 miles per hour don't generate any electricity, and winds greater that 55 mph can damage to the windmill. The computer lets the windmill operate between these velocities.


Gear Box. Some larger windmills have gearboxes, usually to increase the shaft speed from 60 rpm to a maximum of 1800 revolutions per minute. As these gearboxes can cost a lot, and can have high rates of failure, windmill engineers are always looking for ways to go "gearless" - meaning direct-drive. That saves money and makes the windmills much simpler.


Generator. This is the part that actually makes the electricity. Similar to the alternator (or generator) in your car, the generator makes the electrical power.


Nacelle. This is a fancy French name for the cover that protects the generator and gearbox (if included).


Pitch. Pitch is the "tilt" of the blades, or the angle that the blades are at to "capture" the wind so the generator will rotate. Too much pitch can make the generator turn too fast and damage the windmill.


Rotor. The rotor is attached to the generator shaft and also holds the blades and hub.


Tower. The tower can be made of wood on the smaller windmills, and is usually made of steel or aluminum on the larger units. This is what holds the windmill up into the airflow.


Wind Vane. This is the "tail" that helps keep the windmill pointed into the wind. Very important for maximum power generation.

Now you know some of the basic parts of a windmill. While this list is far from everything you'll find on an electricity-producing windmill, at least you'll have some ideas what other windmill enthusiasts are talking about.




Have you been thinking about getting a power generating windmill for your home or business? If not, you really ought to do yourself a favor and get the facts on how this simple alternative home energy source can save you money and protect the environment at the same time. Check out http://www.ElectricityFromWindmills.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Windmill Plans - Quality Plans to Build a Windmill


Any serious home DIY energy enthusiast looking to build a windmill will firstly need some quality windmill plans. These plans are not all the same and vary quite a lot but they should show you how to build a windmill for less than $200.

In an ever evolving world of high technology and green living, it is possible for anybody to build a windmill very cheaply provided you have the right windmill plans at hand. Many, if not all of the parts required can be found for very minimal costs. Your windmill plans should tell you that a DC motor will be required. Even these are inexpensive and can be found on internet sites such as eBay or Amazon for around $35 dollars.

Naturally, any decent windmill plans should tell you how to build an adequate windmill for your power requirements. This will include size and power output of the windmill and these are very important. The last thing you want to do is build a windmill which is unsuitable by being too big or too small for your requirements.

High quality plans should also show you the various ways to build your windmill as there are different methods - all very different. For that matter, any plans which you obtain should literally take you by the hand and walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Building your windmill should be very easy to do. However, your windmill plans should still offer a support service should you become stuck and require assistance. Any problems you may encounter need to be overcome as quickly as possible.

Quality Windmill Plans will ensure your windmill is built in the quickest time possible whilst being cheap and easy to do. By following these plans you will have an enjoyable and rewarding experience and you will be generating a great source of free energy for your home.




So, the question is, do you require some high quality windmill plans?

I have done all of the hard work for you and reviewed the best DIY windmill guides on the market at my own expense. You can access my exclusive guides by Clicking Right Here

If you are a serious DIY home energy enthusiast, you simply cannot afford to ignore this quality information!





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Do it Yourself Windmill - How to Get Started Right


From one DIY person to another, you can build your own windmill today. Whether you buy a do it yourself windmill kit or a DIY windmill guide, you can build your own windmill. When you take the right steps, everything falls into place.

One reason to build a windmill is to harness the free power of the Earth, so that you can reduce or eliminate those high, overpriced power bills.

The crucial step you need to do now is to figure out your energy usuage. While crucial, this step is simple. Review your last month's bills from your utility companies to see what energy you're using. Don't skip this step. Once you do this, you'll know how much power you're using and therefore must create. This will determine what size and type of windmill you need to build.

Now for a green tip. Sit back and look at all the things sucking up energy in your life. Is there any way to reduce some energy? Are there lights left on in rooms where no one is using? Another highly common thing is the power strip that's left on 24/7.

Let me ask you, how's the wind in your area? How many days of the year have wind flow (any)? Do you know the wind speeds for your area? Maybe your city/town/etc experiences daily wind flow of 3-7mph.

Of course, another big step is figuring out the windmill location. The eventual size will be capped by your location.

While you could just run out and buy windmill parts, it's wiser to think about buying a guide even if you're learning toward picking up a windmill kit. I'd be beside myself if I didn't tell you to get a how to build a windmill guide to make your life easier. Take the right measures before starting your DIY windmill project and you'll be in great shape. I hope you really enjoy building your own windmill.




Yes, you can build your own windmill today. In fact, you can even save 80% off your power bills right now (or completely eliminate them).

I highly recommend this quick & easy guide for building your windmill and putting more money in your pocket where it belongs.

----> DIY Windmill Guide

You won't be sorry. Check out that link now and put an end to over-priced power bills forever.

Related wind power link: Build a Windmill. A blog about general windmill building.

Before you do anything else, click the link above to get your DIY windmill guide. I highly recommend it.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Science Behind Windmill Design - Learn, and Build Your Own Windmill


Although aerodynamics constitutes the major design of a windmill, the design can still change, based upon several different measures. Those variations can include a number of things, such as: blades (both number and type), the tower height, distance from tower to ground, and the type of generator used. A typical windmill is made up of several base parts, which include-starting from the ground-the base, generator, shaft, tower, and the blades.

The base of the windmill is the structure that sits on the ground. The base of a windmill can be small in diameter or extremely large-it all depends on the overall height of the windmill and the breadth of the blades. The shaft of the windmill is the part of the structure that holds the blades to the tower. This part of the windmill structure is also responsible for the smooth rotation and movement of the blades. At the top, sits the tower and blades. The tower is the piece that holds the blades and is an amazingly strong part of the structure, as it must be able to withstand the pressure of high winds, all while continuing to hold the blades stable. The blades are the part of the windmill that actually turns. A windmill can have any number of blades, but they usually range from three to 20. The generator is the most important part of the windmill. This is the part of the windmill that generates electricity from the mechanical energy of the rotating blades. The generator is also programmed to store power for use in the future. Although most windmills are designed with these parts, the actual working design of the windmill depends on the many factors of the wind.

Wind speed is one of the major factors in designing a windmill. For instance, the design and build of a windmill that stands in large, open acreage is going to differ than the design of a windmill which is flanked by a grove of trees. In an open area, the wind speed is going to be much greater than an area where the wind is slowed down by a natural structure. These factors are studied and measured by specialists in this field. They use a special device to measure wind speed, called an anemometer. With the use of this tool, the specialists are able to determine the proper type of windmill to erect in the area.

The wind direction is also used as a tool to determine where to stand the windmill, as well as the distance of wind activity from the ground. Following in the same thought process as wind speed, the wind direction will help determine the best type and build of windmill to place in a certain area. When building the windmill, the height of the tower will be dependent upon the active wind height. So, back to the hypothetical grove of trees: The wind will rush over the top of the trees, and then dip down. The determined height of the tower will be calculated by where the strongest wind hits.

Windmills, as aesthetically pleasing as they are, are designed based on several different factors. Each of these factors plays a role in ensuring that the windmill delivers the most natural power as is possible.




If you're interested in learning more about the design and function of windmills, visit www.SolarPowerNow.net for more information.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

So You Want to Find Instructions to Build a Windmill


But, have you done your homework, first? While building your own power generating windmill (wind turbine) is a major investment in your home, making poor, uninformed choices at this point could prove disastrous. Before you begin looking for an actual wind turbine, consider these thoughts.

*Is there enough wind in your area to make a windmill a practical investment? As a rule of thumb, average wind speeds of at least 10 miles per hour are required to produce useful power. Anything less, and a wind powered turbine won't be practical. In your search for instructions to build a windmill, wind speed requirements for each design will be an important consideration for which windmill to build. Naturally, some windmills are more efficient than others. Some are built to operate in areas of the country with lower average wind velocities.Find out what the actual wind supply is in your neck of the woods.

*What size of windmill do you need? This question can require a bit of research. While the average home uses about 9,400 kWh/year (kilo-watt hours per year), have you determined what your actual usage is? This can be a very important piece of information. If you under-size the turbine, then you may not be able to generate enough electricity to make wind-generated electricity a cost-effective project for you. If you select a turbine that s too large for your needs, then the costs associated with the turbine may be too expensive. And, all other costs go up, too. A bigger turbine requires a bigger (and taller) tower, more land space, etc. It is very important to choose a windmill (wind turbine) that is right for the situation. This important question should be answered way before you start looking for plans to build a windmill.

*Do you have the land to accommodate the size of windmill you need? Another rule of thumb, is that for a wind turbine large enough to power a household, at least 1 acre of ground area is needed. This is a large windmill. Most folks won't have that kind of space, nor will they want to power an entire household. Smaller areas can accommodate smaller windmills that can easily supplement your electricity usage. And, during times of low electricity usage, can even sell excess power back to the utility.

*Are you prepared to conserve electric usage now? When you're connected directly to your local electrical grid - with no windmill, to you, the power available is without limit. When you install a windmill for full or partial power generation, the use of electricity may become more "personal," due to the fact that some of the electricity you use was made by you. Sometimes, those who have a windmill generating electricity try to live within their windmill's ability, and not use as much "grid" power. This can also save money.

*Are there any regulations against having a large windmill tower in your backyard? By now, I'm sure most folks have read about some of the more "upscale" parts of the country - i.e. mostly East & West coast resort towns - outlawing the positioning of windmills where the view may be affected. Do you live in a community or within the confines of a strong homeowner's association that may be able to deny your use of a windmill?

These are some very basic questions anyone who is looking for instructions to build a windmill on their property. Informed, thoughtful answers to these questions can make your windmill project a success.




Have you been thinking about getting a power generating windmill for your home or business? If not, you really ought to do yourself a favor and get the facts on how this simple alternative home energy source can save you money and protect the environment at the same time. Check out http://www.ElectricityFromWindmills.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Windmill Design - What Is A Windmill Made Of And What Affects Its Design?


What does a windmill do, how does it work? A windmill is a construction that converts the energy in wind into mechanical energy, which can then be harnessed as electrical energy.

Most windmills consist of these parts:

• Blades - A windmill can have any number of blades from four to twenty. A special windmill may have more.

• Tower - This is a structure to which the blades are held at the top, so the wind can rotate them.

• Shaft - The shaft holds the blades and attaches them to the tower and allows for the smooth rotation of blades.

• Generator - The generator is what converts mechanical energy to electricity. It can also store electricity to use later.

• Base - The base of the windmill provides support for the upper structure and keeps it grounded to the earth.

So what needs to be taken into consideration in windmill design?

The design of a windmill is affected by many factors. Here are a few of the major ones:

• Wind speed: The wind speed will determine the type of windmill required to capture wind energy. A measurement device known as an Anemometer is used to accurately measure wind speed, as this must be known before deciding which windmill design is the right one to use.

• Wind direction: It is important to know what direction wind blows predominantly when designing a windmill.

• Fluctuations in wind speed: As well as knowing the speed of wind, knowing how the wind fluctuates will also affect the windmill design.

• Changes in wind direction: Wind does not blow continuously in one direction so it is important to be aware of the different directions the wind blows in the area for the windmill placement.

• Surrounding obstacles: Windmills will work best in areas where there are no obstacles to wind flow so be aware of existing and potential structures before deciding on a site for a windmill. Surrounding structures will affect windmill performance.

• Wind turbulence: Wind movement is not guaranteed or predictable, but it is a wise move to have some idea of wind flow and movement in the proposed area for your windmill placement.

• Height of wind activity from the ground: Obviously, the tower height will need to be at the same level where the wind is for the windmill to function as designed.

What are the differences in windmill design?

Aerodynamics means that the basic design of a windmill is based on the factors mentioned in the section above. Different designs of windmills include variations in:

• Quantity of blades

• Blade shape

• Tower height

• Type of generator

• Distance of the installation site from the ground

• Distance between the tower and the generator

When these factors are taken into consideration when looking for the right windmill design for your site, you can maximize the energy you receive for your effort, and minimize, or eliminate your power bill entirely.




Windmill design plans for all your windmill solutions available here for your next project, get our complete guide at http://greenenergy4power.info.

Saving power for now and for our future - Jo Baker





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.