Sailing wind generator. Sailing wind generator How to make a sailing wind turbine
There are two types of wind generator blades based on their rigidity: rigid and sail.
Rigid blades for wind generators
Rotors can be manufactured with blades made of various materials and varying degrees of hardness. Classic settings industrial designs use hard materials. This makes it possible to stabilize the operational parameters of products over time, ensure repeatability of the characteristics of wind generators and increase the service life of the rotor blades, since a hard surface better withstands the impact external environment.
The wind carries dust particles, rain pours down from above and hail falls. The surface of the wings, mass-produced by various enterprises from appropriate hard materials, retains its shape and surface quality throughout the entire service life of the product.
Do not forget that the resistance of the wing in the air flow depends on how smooth the surface of the wing is, especially at high rotor speeds. The wing profile is designed to maximize wind efficiency, and external influences reduce this efficiency.
Therefore, to produce rigid blades for wind generators, enterprises use various plastics, metal and composite wood, processed in a special way.
The main difference between sail-type blades is the much lower cost of material, ease of manufacture and repair. These advantages attract many who make a wind generator with their own hands.
The material can be fabric, plywood, thin metal sheets and other household-available and easy-to-process suitable goods from a hardware store. What other positive features attract wind turbine builders?
The most important feature– large total working surface of the sail blades. The fact is that a sail wind generator can start and provide energy at scanty wind speeds - less than half a meter per second. Of course, the sail blade, due to its non-aerodynamic shape, will reduce its operating efficiency as the rotation speed increases, but the task in this case is to select the energy of the weak wind that prevails in mid-latitudes. And this type of rotor copes with this task better than others, since its principle of operation differs from the principle of a rotor with a rigid wing.
Above in the text it was written “the wing profile is calculated in such a way as to achieve maximum efficiency.” But the problem is that there is not simply maximum efficiency, but maximum efficiency under certain conditions, such as air speed and angle of attack. Therefore, in order to obtain the required efficiency value, it is necessary for the rigid blade to reach the total vector speed of movement relative to the air flow, which was assumed when calculating the wing profile. Until then, the blade works extremely inefficiently. And it is precisely this drawback that the sailing rotor lacks.
Costs for manufacturing blades for a wind generator
Let's look at what the costs of manufacturing a rigid and sail rotor include.
Since the normal operating mode of a rigid rotor involves a high rotation speed, it is clear that increased demands are placed on the blade profile. This leads to increased costs for high-quality materials and expensive equipment.
Sail rotors rotate at low speeds, so you can save on the shape and cleanliness of surface treatment. But low speed leads to another problem. The power of the electric current generated by the generator directly depends on the speed of rotation of the rotor. The faster the rotor rotates, the more energy is generated.
This problem can be solved in two ways - by connecting the generator through a multiplier gearbox with high efficiency, or using a special low-speed generator.
Both options are quite expensive, but the second is preferable because, no matter how high the efficiency of the gearbox, it cannot reach 100%, and some of the energy will be lost.
Thus, the question of which wind generator will cost more to manufacture can be answered this way.
If you are going to install it in mid-latitudes, where the average annual wind speed does not exceed 4 m/s, then a rigid wing will cost more, since on average the rotor will not be in normal operation. But in fact, he will simply stand for more time, since he will not be able to start.
A sailing wind turbine, in the worst case, will almost constantly provide energy, because... Although 4 m/s is not high for her, it is quite a suitable speed.
Wind turbine blade materials
For the manufacture of rigid rotors, metal, glass and carbon fiber are currently actively used. Sometimes the blades are printed on widely used lately 3-D printers.
When creating a sail rotor, all kinds of modern fabrics are used - NewSkytex, Toray, Cuben, Gelvenor, Sofly and others.
In case of use low speed generator high rotation speed is not needed. In this case, it is necessary to provide devices for controlling the propeller pitch.
They say that the new is the well forgotten old. And energy seems to be no exception here. Having burned itself at Chernobyl and faced the threat of an energy crisis in a number of places, humanity is increasingly turning its attention to technical solutions that were undeservedly written off in the archives in the past. Using the free power of the wind is one of these solutions. Lovers of making things with their own hands also come to them in their creative research (see, for example, “M-K” No. 4/84, 5/86, 6/90, 7/92|.
In this regard, the proposed publication, based on materials from the American magazine Mechanic Illustrated, seems to be of particular interest and relevance for many of our readers.
The idea of harnessing the wind, thereby providing your home with free electricity, is undoubtedly very tempting. But industrially produced wind power plants are not always suitable for placement, for example, near a country house. And their prices are astronomical.
An alternative could be a home-made wind power plant, quite affordable from the point of view of a family with an average income - such as is shown in the published illustrations. With the exception of a synchronous alternating current electric generator, its design does not contain expensive and critically scarce parts and components. The kinematics are simple (and therefore reliable in operation, easy to manufacture and set up). And the energy capabilities are such that at an average wind speed Vvsr = 4.8 m/s. they will more than meet the need for electricity small house with a manor and outbuildings.
The “highlight” of the whole structure here is the wind wheel. Firstly, it is bladed. While inferior to the simplest rotary windmill due to its somewhat archaic appearance, reminiscent of the medieval mills with which the notorious Don Quixote fought, this windmill wins in the main thing: the power delivered to the load. Secondly, in this case, paired with the wind... a sail works - on each of the three blades with a variable area B * and self-limitation provided for strong winds.
The fact is that the blade assembly at the windmill wing consists of a rigid leading edge, ribs of the appropriate section and “twist”, which ensure optimal operation of the end, middle parts and base, as well as the trailing edge, the tension of which is provided by a steel cable. The blade sail is made of nylon impregnated with synthetic varnish. It is stretched over the frame and secured with a clamping bar on the spacer-base (see figure), and thanks to the cable it is always elastic. After impregnation with synthetic varnish, the fabric has not lost its elasticity at all, and the blade is able to change shape in response to gusts of wind. It automatically adopts the best pitch angle for each specific wind load.
Well, if it happens, a hurricane will hit. What then? Nothing bad will happen. The cable that sets the tension on the trailing edge is so tense that at wind speeds exceeding the operating range, the sail falls and becomes, as it were, inactive: a self-limiting mode arises, and automatically.
From others technical solutions, which successfully fit into the design of this wind power plant, one cannot fail to note the simplicity and reliability of the slewing bearing unit, the removal of electricity to the load, the use in the kinematic diagram angular gearbox, and conventional chain drives, the successful placement of almost all kinematics in the fairing capsule. The capsule itself has proven itself well in practice.
The manufacturing features of the main components, as well as the entire wind power plant under consideration, are a consequence of its originality.
Take, for example, the leading edge of the blade assembly. Essentially this is caisson structure. It requires a skeleton: a spar with corresponding interconnected elements. And they can’t be made without templates.
You will need six templates. Two - for forming ribs
blocks, three for the assembly device of the blade unit (slipway) and one for the initial rib blank. Their production requires maximum care and concentration, and clean markings.
1 – consumer of electricity (load), 2 synchronous electric generator with transmission in the fairing capsule. 3 - blade spar (3 pcs.), 4 - wind wheel spinner, 5 - sail blade (3 pcs.), 6 slewing support, 7 - mast made of metal trusses, 8 - guys.
1 - three-blade sailing wind wheel, 2 - angular contact ball bearing (2 pcs.), 3 - support pipe square section, 4 - drive shaft, 5 - radial ball bearing (2 pcs.), 6 - intermediate shaft, 7 - power transmission with drive roller chain PR-19.05, 8 - fairing, 9 - power transmission with drive roller chain PR-12.7, 10 - synchronous generator with a power of 1200 W, 11 - internal tube stand, 12 - self-lubricating radial bearing, 13 - tube stand external, 14 - thrust bearing, 15 - mast with metal trusses.
1 - clamping bar (strip with a cross-section of 3X25 mm, AL9-1), 2 - spacer-base (a piece of 25X25 mm aluminum corners riveted and “epoxidized” together to give the desired configuration), 3 - sail (nylon fabric impregnated with synthetic varnish weighing 113, 4 g), 4 - large jib (12 mm rolled aluminum), 5 - special configuration), 9 - “sandwich” rib (blanks riveted and “epoxidized” together from 6 mm AL9-1 sheet; 3 pcs.) , 10 - docking bracket (20 mm piece of aluminum corner 25X25 mm, 6 pcs.), 11 - small jib (12 mm rolled aluminum), 12 - ending (piece of riveted together and “epoxidized” aluminum corners 25X 25 mm), 13 - lead sleeve (12 mm section of a flattened cylinder with an outer diameter of 12 mm and an inner diameter of 3 mm, 2 pcs.), 14 - cable sheath (two sections of polyethylene tube arranged in series), 15 - tension cable.
1 - reinforcement strip (75 mm nylon width) of the tip part, 2 - 20 mm seam allowance, 3 - sail fabric blank (nylon folded in half), 4 - base reinforcement strip (75 mm nylon width).
1 - rib-"said" (3 pcs.), 2 - "spout" of the spacer-ending, 3 - docking bracket (6 pcs.), 4 - shank of the spacer-ending and (the same part) spacer-middle, 5 - spacer-base.
1 - forming block (20 mm plywood), 2 - docking bracket, 3 - contour wooden block, and equal to the second layer of the “sandwich” edge, 4 – the first layer of the “sidewich” edge.
1 - base, 2 - spacer, 3 - blade spar fixing post (2 pcs.), 4 - template for performing work on the base of the sail, 5 - reinforcement plate (3 pcs.), 6 - sail center fixing post, 7 - stand for work on the tip. All parts of the slipway are made of 20 mm plywood, fastening is done with screws. The arrows indicate the directions in which the “sandwich” ribs are attached to the slipway in the places provided for them.
1 - drive shaft (diameter 25 mm, length 1500 mm, Steel 45), 2 - wind wheel spinner (D16), 3 - holder (section strip 3×25 mm, St3, 3 pcs., 4 - welded hub spoke (steel angle 25 X 25 mm, 3 pcs.), 5 - hub (Steel 20), 6 bearing assembly of the drive shaft (2 pcs.), 7 - horizontal bracket (steel angle 25X 25 mm, 2 pcs.), 8 - steel support pipe (in cross-section - square 50X 50 mm, wall thickness 4 mm) with welded square steel 4 mm cheeks at the ends, 9 - sprocket Z3=45 (Steel 45), 10 - chain PR 12.7, II - vertical bracket (300 - mm piece of steel channel No. 8, welded to the side walls of the support pipe), 12 - M14 nut with Grover washer (4 pcs.), 13 - intermediate shaft (diameter 20 mm, length 350 mm, Steel 45), 14 - bearing assembly intermediate shaft (2 pcs.), 15 - M14 bolt (4 pcs.), 16 - PR-19.05 chain, 17 - sprocket Z2= 18 (Steel 45), 18 - sprocket Z1 = 42 (Steel 45), 19 - M18 bolt (4 pcs.), 20 sprocket Z4 = 17 (Steel 45), 21 - box-shaped bracket (dimensions at the installation site depending on the type of generator, St3, 2 pcs.), 22 - electric generator, synchronous, power 1200 W, 23 - slewing bearing, 24 - internal steel pipe stand (length 90 mm, outer diameter 60 mm, wall thickness 4.5 mm), 25 - welded jib (305 mm piece of steel angle 25X 25 mm, 2 pcs. .), 26 - lock washer (4 pcs.), 27 - M18 nut (4 pcs.), 28 - M12 self-locking slotted nut (6 pcs.), 29 - blade spar (1830 mm pipe section with an outer diameter of 50 mm and wall thickness 3.5 mm, AL9-1, heat treatment mode T6, 3 pcs.), 30 - M12 bolt (6 pcs.).
1 - main frame (multi-layer plywood, 3 pcs.), 2 - longitudinal hatch panel (12 mm plywood, 2 pcs.), 3 - spar (multi-layer plywood strip, cut with a bend after the 3rd frame, 4 pcs. ), 4 - M16 bolted connection with self-locking (8 pcs.), 5 - bracket-guide (100 mm piece of steel angle 40X X 40 mm, 4 pcs.), 6 - sheathing strip (plywood, tapering in width after deflection by 3 - m frame, 23 pcs.), 7 - transition frame (20 mm plywood), 8 - end frame, 9 - fiberglass covering, 10 - cone-shaped nozzle (maximum diameter 386 mm, foam), 11 - transverse hatch panel ( 20 mm plywood).
1 - welded bracket (steel angle 25X 25 mm), 2 - rivet (4 pcs.), 3 - electrical cable, 4 - terminal for connection to the contact brush (2 pcs.), 5 - electric cable core (2 pcs.), 6 - 5 mm fiberglass plate, 7 - stop-bracket (aluminum corner 12X 12 mm, 2 pcs.), 8 - spring with contact screw (2 pcs.), 9 - socket-guide ( aluminum pipe square section with fasteners, 2 pcs.), 10 - contact brush (2 pcs.), 11 - insulated electric drive (2 pcs.), 12 - internal steel pipe stand, 13 - brass ring with contact screw (2 pcs. ), 14 - textolite bushing with two set screws, 15 - comb washer (St3) with two set screws, 16 - self-lubricating radial bearing (AFGM), 17 - outer steel pipe stand, 18 - thrust bearing (BrAZh9-4), 19 - M24 bolt with nut and tightening fixation.
Two templates (see Fig. 6, item 1) are glued to a piece of 20 mm plywood. Following the contour, cut out two plywood pads forming an edge with a hacksaw or jigsaw. Drill 5 mm holes for the center of the spar and assembly markings. A rounding with a radius of 2.5 mm (for bending the flange) and a five-degree cut of the rear corner are performed using a rasp.
The template (item 4, Fig. 6) with a 15 mm flange edge is glued to a 6 mm aluminum sheet AL9-1, which has undergone T4 heat treatment. The resulting workpiece is carefully cut out; drill the spar center, and for proper installation on the slipway - the corresponding holes. This is a kind of new template for making eight more such blanks (3 pieces for each blade).
“Sandwich” ribs are obtained by “sanding” the workpieces between two forming blocks (linings). Rigid fixation is achieved by inserting 5 mm bolts through the hole in the slipway and the hole in the spar center into the forming blocks with blanks. And to make the “sandwiching” more successful, future “sandwiches” are clamped in a forge vice. The flanges are bent in the required directions using a rubber hammer.
The flange is formed using lead soft solder. After which the resulting rib is removed, the rear edge is trimmed to fit it to the spar as much as possible. Now it’s time for the rest of the blade parts.”
The docking brackets are made from aluminum angle 25X25 mm. Spacers are also made from it to hold the rope and tension the trailing edge at the base, in the middle and at the tip of the blade. They are made in a very unique way: not from one, but from two pieces of aluminum angle, riveted and “epoxidized” together. The length of such a workpiece is 2.4 m. In its cross-section, it resembles the letter T. High quality of the seam is achieved by thoroughly cleaning the surfaces before joining them, for which strong detergents followed by rinsing with water and wiping until shiny with a metal “tangle.”
The desired shape of the spacers is achieved using a hacksaw. And the cutout for the spar, rivet and cable holes are drilled with an electric drill. As well as the holes in the spacer-base for subsequently attaching a clamping bar in order to reliably hold the sail on the blade even during the heaviest wind loads.
As for the docking brackets, they are riveted and “epoxidized” to the spacers (see illustrations), and to the “sandwich” ribs, and to the blade spar. Moreover, it is more convenient to do this on a special device - a slipway, which ensures uniform execution of the blades and correctly sets the pitch angles.
Here is one such operation.
The “sandwich” ribs are bolted to the slipway in the places provided for them (in the directions indicated in Fig. 7 by the corresponding arrows, and along the installation holes, which are made both in the slipway and in the ribs themselves). Then, starting from the end, carefully lay the “side shelves” of the cable struts on the “pedestals” intended for them, the ends of the plywood protrusions located at the required angles to the base: stand 7, retainer stand 6 and template 4 (see Fig. 7). The blade spar is threaded into the holes formed on the slipway; fortunately, semicircular recesses with a radius of 25 mm are specially provided for this.
Mark the rivet holes in the spar. Then the latter is taken out and holes are drilled in it. And having installed the spar again in the slipway, they riveted and “epoxidized” the docking brackets.
The aluminum sheathing of the leading edge of the blade is made from 6 mm AL9-1 sheet, having previously bent it in the form of a parabola. Moreover, the latter is best done on a flat floor using a long board laid edgewise along the bending axis. Resting your knees on the board, your hands and your whole body create the necessary pressure on the sheet, achieving the desired shape.
The next operation is to attach the casing to the blade skeleton. In this case, it is advisable to use special C-shaped clamps (not shown in the illustrations).
Starting from the tip, drill rivet holes in the covering, spar and ribs. The parts to be joined are “epoxidized” and glued. And after the “epoxy” has completely hardened, the “excess” aluminum is trimmed and the resulting sharp edges are filed.
Now - a few words about the trailing edge of the blade. It is mounted with 3 mm flexible steel cable, which is threaded through the holes intended for it in the spacers. The cable is installed in vinyl chloride tubes and secured at the end, clamping it in a lead sleeve. After which the sail is pulled over the blade skeleton.
It is better to perform such a responsible operation together. One person stands on the table, holding the blade in his hands so that the base spacer is at the bottom, and the trailing edge cable is positioned vertically with a two-pound weight hung at the end. Then the other (assistant), making sure that the required tension has been achieved, presses the second lead sleeve located at the base spacer onto the cable. The excess cable and sleeve are ground off. And the “open” end of the sail is wrapped and then secured to the base spacer using a clamping bar and bolts and nuts.
The remaining blades are made in the same way. As for other components and parts, their implementation, as a rule, does not cause any particular difficulties for anyone. The same can be said about the assembly of the entire wind power plant as a whole. Easy to debug. Go for it!
The material was prepared for publication by N. KOCHETOV
Impact on RAO UES of Russia - Microhydroelectric power stations and sailing wind turbines Without energy, no activity of each person individually and of humanity as a whole is possible. In fact, any human activity is an economic activity, since economics is the process of exchange between people of portions of energy or their information reflections in the form of so-called value, because value is information about the energy spent on the production of a product or service. Over the past 30-35 years, energy consumption in the world has doubled every 10 years, this confirms that scientific, technical and economic development is, first of all, energy development.
If there is an increase in energy, there will be an increase in GDP; energy shortages are reflected in the so-called financial and economic crises. People try to find the cause of such crises in everything, but only a small number of economists and political figures understand the role of energy in the economic and financial cataclysms of the last 20 years. Those who do not understand the role of energy solve economic problems by destroying the “extra” population in military conflicts. Anyone who understands energy solves economic problems through scientific and technological development, an important integral part which is the development of the energy complex. Read more
In the photo:Low-speed sailing wind turbine manufactured by JSC "Yurtek" Taganrog.
Sailing windmills have two design options: with a vertical and horizontal axis of rotation of the wind wheel. Although sailboats are not very attractive compared to modern bladed wind turbines, they can generate electricity in light winds. Air movement at a speed of 3-4 m/s is sufficient for a sail wind generator to generate power, while a bladed wind generator stands motionless under such conditions.
Wind generator sailing type is the heir to the ancient Cretan windwheel, various variations which continues to be used in many countries using the example of windmills. If you compare the blades of classical mills with sailing ones, you will notice that sailing blades are much simpler to manufacture and operate, as well as to repair, which is important. Thus, the sail, unlike a classic blade, instantly adapts to the direction and strength of the wind. This makes it possible for the sailing windmill to operate both in low wind conditions and in storms.
The design of a sail wind generator has many positive qualities. These designs differ from bladed wind systems in their absolute environmental friendliness, low cost, ability to use the energy of weak winds, and vibrations, sound disturbances and other negative phenomena of traditional wind turbines are not observed here.
What does a sailing windmill look like? you should understand from the photos. Without going into the jungle of aerodynamics, we can say that the sail windmill is one of the simplest, but at the same time one of the most inefficient windmills in existence. The KIEV of a sailing wind turbine cannot be higher than 20%, even theoretically. This means that you will receive only 1/5 of the power of the wind flow hitting the blades of the sail windmill. For example, if the wind blows at a speed of 5 m/s, and your windmill is 5 meters in diameter, then the power of the wind flow will be approx. 1500 Watt. You can really only remove 300 watts from a windmill (at best). And this is from a five-meter structure!
Fortunately, the disadvantages of a sailing wind turbine are limited only by the low KIEV (wind energy utilization coefficient). Then there are only advantages.
The sail windmill is the slowest windmill. Its speed rarely approaches 2, but is usually in the range from 1 to 1.5. And all because of its monstrous aerodynamics.
On the other hand, the sail windmill is one of the most sensitive windmills. It works from the very bottom of the wind speed range, starting literally from calm, from 1-2 meters per second. And this is an important factor in the conditions of central Russia, where the wind rarely exceeds 3-5 meters per second. Here, where faster windmills mostly flail, a sailing windmill will at least produce something. Although, as you probably know, Russia is not famous for windmills, this is not seaside Holland and the winds do not spoil us. But there were many water mills.
Another advantage of a sailing windmill is the amazing simplicity of its design. The windmill shaft, on bearings, of course, on the shaft is a hub. Attached to the hub are “masts,” usually from 8 to 24. And from the masts come oblique sails made of durable thin material, usually synthetic. The other part of the sail is attached with sheets, which serve both as sail angle regulators and as storm protection. Those. the most primitive sailing equipment, simpler than on the simplest yacht.
It is precisely this simplicity of design that does not allow the sailing windmill to be consigned to the archives of the technical achievements of mankind. For a portable, transportable, camping, emergency option, a sailing windmill is a fairly decent design. When assembled, it is a package no larger than a tent. The sails are furled, the masts are folded. Even a 2-meter sail windmill in a wind of 5 meters/sec will give a faithful 25-40 watts of energy, which is more than enough to charge batteries and communication and navigation equipment, and even for a simple lighting system using powerful LEDs.
The inherently low power of a sailing windmill suggests the use of a stepper motor of similar power (30-40 Watt) as a generator. It also does not require high speeds; 200-300 per minute is quite enough. Which fits perfectly with the speed of the windmill. After all, with a speed of 1.5, it will produce these 200 revolutions already in a wind of 4-5 meters per second. By using a ready-made stepper motor, you will thereby save yourself from the rather serious hassle of making an electric generator. Since the presence of a gearbox or multiplier is initially assumed, it is easy to coordinate the speed of the sailing windmill and the generator.
If you make an option with rigid (plastic sails), then it will be possible to slightly increase speed, although at the expense of some reduction in mobility. When disassembled, the windmill will take up more space.
Therefore, if your ambitions for harnessing the wind to your cart are limited to a power of a couple of tens of watts for charging small and medium-sized batteries (up to 100 Ah), organizing simple lighting using an inverter up to 220 volts and energy-saving lamps, then a sailing windmill - a very, very worthy option. Although this will not be the most efficient in terms of using wind energy, it will be a very budget-friendly option that will quickly pay for itself. A 2-3 meter windmill will provide you with up to 1 kW of energy per day.
As a camping one, a sailing windmill will be cheaper than the cheapest gasoline electric generator and will pay for itself initially.
Stationary sailing wind turbines are initially built large precisely because of their low KIEV. At least 5-6 meters in diameter, otherwise there is no point. Such a wind turbine will consistently produce up to 2-3 kW of energy per day. And with careful use, they can be turned into 3-5 kW of lighting energy (for example, for lighting a greenhouse or greenhouse). And when using a heat pump - 5-6 kW of thermal energy, which will allow heating a small garden house in 20-30 sq. meters and seriously save fuel.
Sailing wind turbines are powerful power plants intended for heating homes and outbuildings. The photo shows a typical sailing windmill for a rural resident of the Far North. The windmill was made using a homemade method according to our technical documentation and our online design support.Many, many entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to KB for help in providing energy to their enterprises. Below is just about one such entrepreneur:
A wind powered plant was launched in Magnitogorsk
Sailing generator extracts electricity from air
While the Ministry of Energy is racking its brains on how to stop the rise in electricity tariffs, entrepreneur from Magnitogorsk Ravil Akhmetzyanov independently solved the energy problem. He developed an autonomous source of electrical energy for his enterprise.
The mast with a wind wheel on the top is visible from afar. Not everyone will be able to recognize a powerful wind generator in this structure. Its triangular green Bolognese sails make it look more like a giant weather vane.
Akhmetzyanov’s enterprise produces metal tags for MMK. The workshop operates around the clock and consumes 20–30 thousand rubles worth of electricity. monthly. “Why throw money away when you can make the wind work for you?” – Akhmetzyanov reasoned sensibly and got down to business..
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Many craftsmen purchase drawings or consult on the Forum and reproduce Sailboats of Vladimir from Taganrog - quite correctly:
The nominal power of this wind generator is 4 kW/h, it works to charge 24 (28) volt batteries. The basis of the wind generator is two automobile generators; two generators from MAZ 4001-3771-53 were used here. A wind wheel with a diameter of 5 meters, 6 spokes from a pipe with a diameter of 48 mm, sails made of banner fabric.
Torque is transmitted from the wind wheel through a multiplier with a gear ratio of 1:45. On the output shaft there is a double pulley for belt transmission of torque to the generators, for two flat belts of the 6P standard with a diameter of 135 mm. The generators themselves are fixed below the multiplier shaft one after the other with a shift. It is also possible to tension the belts like in a car. The entire wind head is covered from precipitation (rain and snow) with a casing.
All elements of the wind head are assembled on a pipe with a diameter of 210 * 9 mm and a length of 1.2 m. The mast for this wind generator was made collapsible so that it could be quickly disassembled and packaged for transportation. Guys made of galvanized steel cables with a diameter of 6 mm. The height of the mast is 9.5 m, guy wires are installed at two points along the height of the mast, at 5 m and 7 m. Galvanized pipes for the mast were used with a diameter of 160 mm and a wall thickness of 4 mm. From generators without slip rings there is a four-core wire of the PVS 4 * 4mm brand. There is no twisting of the wires. After six months of use, there were no problems with twisting. Read more
Sailing wind turbines - new generation
Sailboats of Vladimir from Taganrog of the latest generation.
The photo shows a two-kilowatt electric shock that supplies electricity to a dacha and a garage.
DIYers - skillful hands and bright heads!
Sailing wind generator - "Water pump" for raising water
A homemade sail-type wind generator made to pump water. Below in the photo general view wind generator designs. The sail blades are made of canvas fabric. The design is very simple, the hub is made on the brake disc. To fasten the spokes of the wind wheel, eight tubes with an internal diameter of 30 mm are welded. The tubes are cut from a water pipe. The inner diameter of 30mm just fit wooden cuttings, which are sold in stores for hoes and rakes, the thinner ones. The thread that tensions the sail is made so that in a hurricane wind it breaks and the sails become flags, so to speak, protecting the windmill from strong winds.
This method of obtaining energy does not have negative influence on the environment, and no man-made accident can occur in the process. The kinetic properties of wind are available in every corner of the globe, so the equipment can be installed anywhere. By 2005, the total wind energy capacity amounted to 59 thousand megawatts. And for the whole year it grew by 24%. A wind generator, scientifically speaking, converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy. 
On clear language, with the help of this unit, the energy of the air flow is processed into electricity, which can be used in populated and industrial areas remote from the central power grid. It has a fairly simple operating mechanism: the wind turns the rotor, which generates current and, in turn, is transmitted through the controller to the batteries. The inverter converts the voltage at the battery terminals into a usable voltage.
Design and technical characteristics of a wind power plant
Technical studies have proven that atmospheric cyclones are much more powerful than ground-based ones, so it is necessary to install the generating device higher. To obtain the energy of high-altitude winds, a certain technology is needed.
It can be obtained using a combination of turbines and kites. Power plants located on the surface of the earth or the sea shelf receive surface flow. Studying the technological process of production of two types of stations, experts came to a colossal difference in efficiency. Ground turbines will be able to produce more than 400 TW, and high-altitude turbines - 1800 TW.
In general, wind generators are divided into domestic and industrial. The latter are installed at large corporate facilities, since they have greater power, sometimes they are even combined into a network, which as a result constitutes an entire power plant. A feature of such methods of generating electricity is the complete absence of both raw materials for processing and waste. All that is needed for the active functioning of the power plant is powerful gusts of wind.
Wind map by region and average annual speed.
The power can reach 7.5 megawatts.
Rotary ones should be installed in places where the wind speed is more than 4 m/s. The distance from the mast to the nearest buildings or tall trees must be at least 15 meters, and the distance from the lower edge of the wind wheel to the nearest branches of trees and buildings must be at least 2 meters. It should be noted that everyone calculates the design and height of the mast individually, depending on local natural conditions, presence of obstacles and air flow speed.
Installation of both horizontal and vertical wind generators is carried out on the foundation. The mast is attached to anchor bolts. Before installing the mast, the foundation is kept for a month, this is necessary for the concrete to settle and gain strength. They are required to be equipped with a lightning protection system, so they can reliably provide your home with electricity, even in rainy weather.
The latest technologies from NASA developers are aimed at generating kite devices. This will increase the efficiency to 90%. Since there will be a generator on the ground, and a device in the air that will detect atmospheric gusts. The flight system of the aerial device is currently being tested, the maximum range is 610 meters, and the wingspan is approximately 3 meters. The rotational phase of the ball will consume less resources, and the turbine blades will move faster. The designers suggest that such engineering can be implemented in space, for example on Mars.
Snakes are electric generators
As we can see, the future prospects are quite optimistic; we just have to wait until all this comes to life. Not only is the space agency offering innovative methods, but many companies already have plans to place such structures in desired geographic areas of the Earth. Some of them have made amazing progress and their brainchildren are already being exploited.
Just look at the twin towers in Bahrain, where two giant buildings are like one power plant. The height reaches 240 meters. Over the course of a year, such a project generates 1,130 MW. There are a lot of examples that can be given, the point is that every year the number of interested companies to participate in the development of the industry is growing.
Energy distribution diagram: 1 - wind generator; 2 - charge controller; 3 - battery; 4 - inverter; 5 - distribution system; 6 - network; 7 - consumer.
Alternative wind energy in the CIS
Naturally, the wind energy industry of the CIS countries lags behind advanced countries. This is due to many reasons, primarily economic. Government departments are developing programs and introducing “green tariffs” to promote the development of the industry.
There is huge potential for this, but there are many obstacles to implementation. For example, Belarus has recently begun to develop in this direction, but the main problem of the republic is the lack of its own production; it has to order equipment from partner countries. Speaking about Russia, this production is in a “frozen” state, since the basic sources are: water, coal and nuclear power. As a result, 64th place in the electricity production ranking. For Kazakhstan, a favorable geographical location should contribute, however technical base very outdated and requires major modernization.
Wind energy development in northern Europe
Norway is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, most of the territory is washed by the sea, where strong northern winds blow. The possibilities for generating electricity are endless. In 2014, a park with a design capacity of 200 megawatts was put into operation. Such a complex will provide 40 thousand residential buildings. We should not forget that Norway and Denmark cooperate closely in the energy market. Denmark is a world leader in offshore energy.
Most power plants are located offshore; more than 35% of electricity is generated by such complexes. Without nuclear power plants, Denmark easily provides itself and Europe with electricity. Proper use alternative sources made this progress possible.
Wind turbine equipment
Vertical, as a rule, consists of the following parts:
- turbine
- tail
- upstream rotor
- guyed mast
- generator
- batteries
- inverter
- battery charge controller
Wind turbine blades
Separately, I would like to touch upon the topic of blades; the efficiency of the installation directly depends on their number and the material from which they are made. Based on their number, they can be one, two or three and multi-bladed. The latter are characterized by a number of blades of more than five; they have high inertia and efficiency, due to which they can be used to operate water pumps. To date, a fairly efficient one has already been developed, capable of catching air flows without blades. It works on the principle of a sailboat; it catches gusts of air, which causes the pistons, which are located in the upper part, to move, immediately behind the plate.
Based on the materials from which the blades in the installations are made, a distinction is made between rigid and sail structures. Sailing ones are a cheaper option made of fiberglass or metal, but during active work they very often break.
Additional elements of a wind turbine
Some of the modern models have a module for connecting a DC source for operating solar panels. Sometimes the design of a vertical windmill is supplemented with unusual elements, for example, magnets. Ferrite magnets are very popular. These elements can speed up the rotor speed, and accordingly increase the generator power and efficiency.
This is how performance improvements are achieved using a hand-made assembly, for example, from an old car generator. It is necessary to note the principle of a wind power plant made of ferrite magnets - it allows you to do without a gearbox, and this minimizes noise and increases reliability several times._
Vertical axis Darrieus rotor. Rotor Features
In new designs of vertical wind turbines, the Darrieus Rotor is used; it has a wind flow processing coefficient twice as high as all previously known installations of this type. It is advisable to install vertically axial ones with a Daria rotor for the equipment of pumping stations, where a powerful torque is needed on the axis of rotation when extracting water from wells and boreholes in steppe conditions.
Savonius rotor - new vertical generators
Russian scientists invented vertical generator new generation, which operates on a Voronin-Savonius rotor. It consists of two half-cylinders on a vertical axis of rotation. In any direction and squalls, “ windmill” based on the Savonius rotor, will fully rotate around its axis and generate energy.
Its main disadvantage is the low use of wind force, since the semi-cylinder blades operate only in a quarter of a revolution, and it slows down the rest of its rotation circle with its movement. The long-term operation of the facility will also depend on which rotor you choose. For example, helical windmills can rotate evenly due to the twisting of the blades. This moment reduces the load on the bearing and increases service life.
Wind generator with different power
The “mill” device must be selected depending on how much power it should have at its output. Power up to 300 W is one of the simplest types of equipment. Such models easily fit in the trunk of a car and can be installed by one worker in a matter of minutes. It very quickly catches the passing air flow and provides charging of mobile devices, lighting and the ability to watch TV.
5 kw is the best option for a small country house. With a power of 5-10 kW, it can fully function at low wind speeds, so they have a wider geography for their installation.
Pros and benefits of use
If we consider the advantages, then first of all I would like to note that it provides conditionally free electricity, which in our time is not cheap. To provide a small house with electricity, you have to pay huge bills. It is important that modern wind turbines are well compatible with alternative sources. For example, they can function in conjunction with diesel generators, creating a single closed cycle.
- Efficiency directly depends on the choice of space where it will be placed
- Low energy losses during transportation, because the consumer can be at a close distance from the source
- Environmentally friendly production
- Easy management, no need to constantly train staff
- Long-term use of components, no frequent replacement required
The optimal speed flow is considered to be 5 – 7 m/s. There are a lot of places to achieve this indicator. Very often, a wind farm is used in the open sea at a distance of 15 km. from the shore. Every year the level of energy production increases by 20%. If we consider further prospects, in this regard, the natural resource is endless, which cannot be said about oil, gas, coal, etc. Also, one should not discount the safety of such an industry. Man-made disasters associated with the atom cause fear of all humanity.
Before my eyes there is a terrible picture of the exploding nuclear reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. And the accident in Fukushima was described as a deja vu of Chernobyl. The destructive consequences for all living things after such situations force many countries to abandon the splitting of the atom and look for alternative methods kW production.
Once you pay a certain amount, you can enjoy free electricity for several years. An undeniable advantage is also that it is possible to buy used ones, and this allows you to save even more.
Pros and cons
Despite all the positive qualities of wind farms, there are also places to be negative aspects. In most cases, the shortcomings are similar to propaganda and are contradictory. Let's consider the most replicated in all TV programs, newspaper articles and Internet resources:
- The first of the shortcomings is that a person has not learned to control natural phenomena, therefore it is impossible to predict how the generator will work on a given day
- Another disadvantage of windmills is their batteries. They are relatively durable and therefore must be replaced every 15 years
- Financial investments require large expenses. In fact, new technologies tend to decrease
- Dependence on the strength of the horizontal air flow. This minus is more adequate, because you cannot influence the strength of the vortex
- Negative impact on the environment due to noise effect. As recent studies on this issue have shown, there are no solid reasons to say so.
- Destruction of birds that fall into the blades. According to statistical analysis, the probability of a collision is equivalent to a power line
- Signal reception distortion. According to estimates, it is very unlikely, especially since many stations are located near airports
- They distort the landscape (unconfirmed)
This is only a small part of the myths - horror stories that they try to scare people with. This is a reason and nothing more, because in practice, the operation of a wind farm with a capacity of 1 MW allows saving, over 20 years, approximately 29 thousand tons of coal or 92 thousand barrels of oil. Leading countries are developing an alternative source at a record pace, abandoning the nuclear complex. Germany, USA, Canada, China, Spain are actively installing equipment in their areas.
It is also necessary to remember that some types of installations create a lot of noise. The greater the power of the installation, the stronger the noise will come from it. It must be installed at a distance where the noise level from the station does not exceed 40 decibels. Otherwise, you will constantly have a headache. They also interfere with television and radio broadcasts.
Vertical and solar wind generators, design and efficiency, new generation hybrids
The new generation vertical, as mentioned above, may differ in the type of its blades. A striking example is a hyperboloid wind generator, in which the turbine has a hyperboloid shape and is significantly superior to a vane wind turbine with a vertical axis of rotation. For example, its functional zone is 7...8% of the area, and the hyperboloid has work area at 65...70%. On the basis of such turbines in the United States, two alternative sources, wind and sun, were connected. WindStream Technologies has launched a rooftop hybrid power system called SolarMill (Solar Mill) with a capacity of 1.2 kW.
Bolotov wind generator and its independence from weather conditions
Recently, a lot of attention has been paid to small installations. One of the most successful is the Bolotov windmill. It is a power plant with a vertically placed generator shaft.
A special feature of the equipment is that it does not have to be adapted to different weather conditions. Bolotov’s generator is capable of receiving flow from all sides without the corresponding options and the need to turn the installation in a different direction. The rotary one is capable of forcing the incoming flow, thanks to which it can fully function in winds of any power, including storms.
Another advantage of this type is the convenient location of the generator, electrical circuit and batteries. They are located on the ground, making equipment maintenance very convenient.
Single blade on mast
An innovative development, it is considered to be single-bladed; its main advantage is the high frequency and speed of revolutions. It is in them instead optimal quantity The blades have a built-in counterweight, which has little effect on the resistance to air movement. 
Windmill Onipko
Continuing to discuss unusual propeller options, it is impossible not to mention the Onipko windmill, which is distinguished by cone-shaped blades. The main advantage of these installations is the ability to receive and convert into kW at a flow speed of 0.1 m/s. Bladed ones, in contrast, begin to rotate at a speed of 3 m/s. Onipko is silent and completely safe for the external environment. It has not found mass distribution, but according to research results, it will be an excellent option for large production facilities that are looking for alternative sources, as it has great power.
In the form of a snail shell.
The invention of the Archimedes company, which is located in the Netherlands, is considered an innovative breakthrough. She brought to the attention of the public a silent type design that can be installed directly on the roof multi-story building. According to research, the unit can work in conjunction with solar panels and reduce the building’s dependence on the external power grid to zero. The new generators are called Liam F1. The equipment looks like a small turbine with a diameter of 1.5 meters and a weight of 100 kilograms. 
The shape of the installation resembles a snail's shell. The turbine turns in the direction of capturing the air flow. Agustin Otegu, the inventor of the world-famous Nano Skin spiral turbine, sees the future of humanity not in huge solar panels and turbines with a large propeller span. He recommends installing them on the exterior of buildings. The turbines will begin to rotate with the wind and create energy that will be transferred directly to the building's electrical grid.
Sailing is the fastest stream catcher
An alternative to the bladed one is the sailing one. The blade catches tailwind very quickly and instantly adapts to it, as a result it can operate at all speeds from the smallest to storm speeds. This type of equipment does not create noise or radio interference at all; it is easy to operate and transport, and this is an important factor.
Unusual devices, wind power and its projects
There are many more unusual types of structures at the development stage. Among them, of particular interest are:
- Sheerwind reminds its appearance musical instrument
- wind generators from the TAK company, reminiscent of self-supported street lamps
- wind turbines on bridges in the form of a pedestrian crossing
- wind swings that receive air currents from all directions
- “wind lenses” with a diameter of 112 meters
- floating wind turbines from FLOATGEN corporation
- developed by Tyer Wind - a wind generator that imitates the flapping of a hummingbird's wings with its blades
- in the form of a real house in which you can live from the TAMEER company. An analogue of this development is Anara Tower in Dubai
The world's first wind-free installations will soon be installed. The German company Max Bögl Wind AG will present them to the attention of mankind. They will consist of turbines 178 meters high. They will also serve as water tanks. The operating principle of the system is quite simple: when there is wind, the equipment will operate like a wind generator, and when the weather is not windy, hydraulic turbines will be put into operation. They generate energy from water that must flow from reservoirs down the hill. When it appears again, water will begin to be pumped back into the reservoirs. This will ensure continuous operation of the power plant.
The era of the “mills” with which Don Quixote fought in Cervantes’s story goes back to the distant past. Today industrial facilities They look more like unique works of art than industrial installations.
Airship from Altaeros Energies
Every day everything appears more ideas concerning the development of alternative sources and one of the newest is considered to be the airship generator. Traditional blades are quite noisy, and the coefficient of wind flow utilization reaches 30%. It was these shortcomings that Altaeros Energies decided to correct by developing the airship. This innovative type will operate at altitudes up to 600 meters. Conventional bladed wind turbines do not reach this height limit, but this is where the most powerful winds are, which can ensure continuous operation of generators. The equipment is an inflatable structure that looks like a cross between a mill and an airship. It has a three-blade turbine installed on a horizontal axis.
The special feature of such a floating wind power plant is that it can be controlled remotely, it does not require additional maintenance costs and is very easy to operate. According to the developers, in the future, these installations will not only be sources of electricity, but will also be able to provide Internet access to remote areas of the globe that are far from infrastructure development. According to the data obtained, it can be argued that the mass production of this energy generating plant will be a huge breakthrough in the world of technology. And the airship’s power reserve is enough for “two”.
Wind generator "Flying Dutchman" and other flying installations.
This device is a hybrid of an airship and a mill. During the tests, the airship was raised to a height of 107 meters and remained there for some time. The results showed that these types of installations are capable of generating twice as much power as conventional installations that are installed on high-rise towers.
Wavestalk Project
It is interesting to know that to convert the power of waves and ocean currents into electricity, it was proposed alternative option project Windstalk – Wavestalk. The device is a bladeless, sailing type. In its shape, it resembles a large satellite dish, which, under the influence of the wind, tilts back and forth, thereby creating vibrations in the hydraulic system.
In this design, the wind is harnessed to the sail, which allows the conversion of large volumes of kinetic energy.
Project Windstalk
A mast without blades has long been considered as the most successful option for alternative sources of electricity. In Abudhabi, in the city of Mansard, they decided to build a Windstalk power plant. It is a collection of stems reinforced with rubber, 30 cm wide and up to 5 cm at the top. Each such stem, according to the design, contains layers of electrodes and ceramic disks that are capable of generating electric current. The wind, shaking these stems, will compress the discs, as a result of which an electric current will be generated. No noise or danger to environment, such wind turbines are not created. The area occupied by the stems in the Windstalk project covers 2.6 hectares, and its power is much greater than the identical number of blade-type ones that can be located on the same territory. To create similar design The developers were inspired by reeds on a bolt that sway evenly in the wind.
Windmill in the form of a tree
Observation of nature, as is clear from the above example, greatly inspires modern engineers. Another confirmation of this is this structure resembling the shape of a tree. This unusual concept was presented by representatives of the NewWind company. The development is called Arbre à Vent; its height is three meters, and the device is equipped with 72 vertical mini-turbines that can operate even in wind speeds of 7 km/h or 2 m/s. The windmill in the form of a tree works very quietly, in addition it looks quite realistic, without spoiling the surrounding exterior of a city or suburban area with its appearance.
The biggest wind catcher
The largest in the world is considered to be the brainchild of Enercon. The power plant capacity is 7.58 MW. The height of the supporting tower can vary depending on consumer requirements; in the standard version, the height is 135 m, and the blade span is 126 m. The total mass of this structure is about 6000 tons.
Armored batteries are manufactured using a unique technology, are considered a new generation of batteries and have improved properties. Big service life from 800 to 2 thousand charge-discharge cycles. Batteries are dependent on ambient temperature. A decrease of 1ºС leads to a decrease in the capacity of the device by 1%. This battery parameter in cold weather of -25 ºС will be half less than its values at +25 ºС.
Which device to choose and what to consider when choosing
As can be seen from the above models, new electrical installations are constantly being invented in the world that can work on natural resources. You can successfully use each of them in your suburban area. Having become thoroughly familiar with the operating principle of wind turbines, you can even try to make your own home station, which will become an excellent analogue of a central power line and, perhaps, even make a breakthrough in the world of electronics.
A classic power plant circuit using a controller, batteries and an inverter in the circuit.
Equipment selection rule
- The amount of power in kW to provide your home with energy. Power must be taken with reserve. Calculate the number of batteries for storage in case of calm weather.
- Average annual air flow speed. Climatic features of the place of residence. Installation is not justified in areas where there are severe frosts, and there is also constant rain and snow.
- Blades, or rather their number. Fewer blades means more efficiency. Noise intensity during installation operation. View reviews of wind generator manufacturers, reviews about them, as well as technical specifications.
Some photos of a sailing rotor generator with a power of up to 4 kW*h. The mast for this windmill was welded like this, this type of mast is the so-called farm mast, it can be triangular or quadrangular.
The base of the mast, as usual, is dug a hole and filled with concrete; in the concrete there are embedded parts for screwing the mast onto bolts.
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The rotary axis of the wind generator is made of parts from the bridge and wheel rims. Weight 150kg.
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Preliminary estimation and assembly, drive units from the wind wheel through the gearbox to the generator, which was used as a brushed DC motor.
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The structure is already painted, I'm waiting for the generator.
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Made a wind wheel.
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With the help of this one simplest winch, attached to the mast, the parts are slowly being lifted and installed; in the photo, the rotating axis of the wind generator is already installed.
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I dress and tighten the sails.
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This is how the installation of the wind wheel went, lifting it using a winch, and then landing it in its place and screwing it with bolts.
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It's already working.
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Electrical circuit of the ballast regulator.
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Homemade charging and power take-off controller.
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Installation of a wind wheel with new sails.
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DIY sailing wind generator.
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A DC motor with brushes and magnets, produced in 1971, 48 volts, 500 rpm -30A, weight 55 kilograms, was used as a generator. This wind generator was built as an experimental model. For now I use it in conjunction with a 12 volt 155A battery. There are simply no more batteries for now. Now I power my TV, laptop, radio, phone chargers, etc. from this wind generator. For now, instead of a regular 12/220 volt inverter, I want to make a converter, a Tesla coil to transmit energy wirelessly, in general, everything for experiments.
The article is compiled based on materials >>source The author of this wind generator is Vitaly Bondar on VKontakte.
