The Easiest Wind Generator You'll Ever Make

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  • Опубліковано 7 тра 2024
  • If you want to have a look at those special videos become a member and join by clicking this link / @thinkingandtinkering
    today is a windy day- so time to do this lol
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,9 тис.

  • @GaisaSanktejo
    @GaisaSanktejo Рік тому +199

    Small heads up for anyone making these: BROWN soil pipe is prone to deteriorating when exposed to UV light, so if you have to use brown soil pipe, I would suggest painting it or using some kind of UV inhibitor
    Modern black, grey or white soil pipe, on the other hand, is UV resistant 😉

    • @Johny40Se7en
      @Johny40Se7en 7 місяців тому

      Cheers for the tip 👍

    • @montumeroe9593
      @montumeroe9593 5 місяців тому

      Cheers thanks

    • @johnh9748
      @johnh9748 4 місяці тому +2

      This depends on the location. White pipe is normally NOT UV resistant in North America.

    • @GaisaSanktejo
      @GaisaSanktejo 4 місяці тому +3

      @@johnh9748 Fair enough, then wherever you hail from, you need to be sure the plastic is UV resistant :P

  • @eknott1000
    @eknott1000 2 роки тому +231

    Great video! I worked with small wind generators for a number of years. I noticed a stress point, on the way the blades are mounted to the plastic fan blades, over time the original blades will stress crack and fail. If you ad a blade brace to tie in all four blades on the front side of the blades, you will eliminate much of the stress on the original fan and give your windmill more longevity!
    Ed

    • @robertwoodliff2536
      @robertwoodliff2536 2 роки тому +11

      I was thinking about that, 'cos these things are built to a price. My perception is even a small diameter secondary disc / "washer" the size of the original fan , would help reduce the flex / stress on the fan root..

    • @Nevir202
      @Nevir202 2 роки тому +4

      Ya, I was thinking the same'. Those radiator fan blades always look like they may explode at any moment after a decade on a car under normal use, can't imagine how much worse the stress is when doing something like this lol.

    • @georgesvideos6837
      @georgesvideos6837 Рік тому +27

      If you actually add a cone to the nose of the blade that covers 20% of the blade surface you reduce the stress on the blades and increase the efficiency of the whole system because it reduces the drag.

    • @Jim-re3sr
      @Jim-re3sr Рік тому +6

      Great video the motor should be water resistant since it was subjected to some spray sitting behind the radiator

    • @mikearchibald744
      @mikearchibald744 Рік тому +8

      I love these videos and love the comments even more. Learning really is a communal experience. For 'free', and if you have some time, you can find online where people carve the blades just out of scrap wood. Some wood blades have been known to outlive some metal ones. I'm going to remember that about the washers and cone. I have a neighbour with quite a junk collection, I mean 'stuff' collection, I'm going to go looking for fans.

  • @joshuahall1250
    @joshuahall1250 3 роки тому +347

    2 minutes into it and i knew i could spend an entire 48 hours with you in a shop and it would feel like 4 hours went by. Curiosity, tools, knowledge. Like kids in a toy store. Awesome.

  • @pariaentrada
    @pariaentrada Рік тому +13

    I'm female, older, still working, and am limited in both financial resources and time. I watch a LOT of UA-cam vids on how to make projects simply, inexpensively, and that save me time. Your vids are always spot on and simple. So they are my first go to when I am looking for a solution. I love your shop! I agree with another comment, you need a companion video on how to mount this, and I would add, your simple windmill needs a tail so it can turn with the wind, as well as an easy to use breaking mechanism for when there's too much wind. Would be interested in a vid on these things too. Thanks for your videos! I'm a huge fan, excuse the pun!

  • @leifhietala8074
    @leifhietala8074 3 роки тому +64

    That was actually pretty awesome. I never considered the fact that there are HUNDREDS of inexpensive but robust, long-lived DC motors that can just as easily become stout little generators just hanging out at the Pull-A-Part. And some of them are even kind of big, larger units for cooling larger pickups and SUVs.

    • @batbee7427
      @batbee7427 9 місяців тому +3

      Good point that some might not even need to be upscaled. Especially in high wind environments.

  • @bingosunnoon9341
    @bingosunnoon9341 2 роки тому +23

    My grandpa had a wind generator this size on his barn. Put a fan on a Model T generator so he could listen to his radio. The farm didn't have electricity. It put out 12 volts at 2 amps on a windy day. He made his own batteries too.

    • @rosskstar
      @rosskstar Рік тому +1

      So rain doesn't hurt them?

    • @devarmont87
      @devarmont87 Рік тому +1

      @@rosskstar cars are designed to get wet, you drive in rain?
      You probably couldn't submerge the motor.
      But downpour of rain could not effect the motor if it's sealed

    • @rosskstar
      @rosskstar Рік тому +1

      @@devarmont87 dat zouns loggeecul - y u so smawt?
      lol thanks

    • @devarmont87
      @devarmont87 Рік тому

      @@rosskstar me smort?
      Nah, I is lerming

  • @burgermaster4u2
    @burgermaster4u2 3 роки тому +5

    Robert....thank you so very.very much for taking the time and sharing this build.....would never in a thousand years have thought of using a fan mother to make a wind turbine....so happy.....now I know how it’s done....thank you so much...Dave 👍

  • @The1Creston
    @The1Creston 3 роки тому +22

    The simplicity exhibited here is fantastic! Thank you for sharing!

  • @brittond14
    @brittond14 4 роки тому +23

    One of the things that I like about your videos is the fact that you flat out enjoy what you do! Most of your videos seem to convey that without seeming acted out or scripted. Good show!

  • @davidbetts9587
    @davidbetts9587 Рік тому +3

    That was brilliant! Loved the simplicity of the build and the excellence of the presenter. Thank you 😊

  • @michaelhamilton2738
    @michaelhamilton2738 3 роки тому +20

    Im so happy to have found your channel, it’s truly a hidden gem.
    I love your content and your enthusiasm towards your work.

  • @chrisransome2082
    @chrisransome2082 3 роки тому +2

    I'm looking for ideas on self sustaining DIY things people can build at home and for there communities. Decided I wanted to make a wind turbine and this is the first video I clicked on. Just great! Really enjoyed it. Simple, Effective, Thank You!

  • @waynefilkins8394
    @waynefilkins8394 2 роки тому +36

    An improvement to this would be a dome shape on the end, so you can take advantage of the coanda effect to push some more wind to the widest parts of the blades. Also if you had rounded the ends out so they fit around the middle circle part + the dome on the end this would take the most advantage of coanda effect I think

  • @shaunhall6834
    @shaunhall6834 2 роки тому +15

    Thank you Robert! I'm definitely going to use this with my off-grid home.

  • @RobMacKendrick
    @RobMacKendrick 3 роки тому +31

    Years ago I was teaching in a remote school on a small island in the North Pacific. One of my students built a wind turbine much like this one, except he used a car alternator to generate the power and whittled 4-foot blades out of 2x4s. He mounted it on a 20-foot pole outside the school shop, and when word got round (tiny school) that he was ready to raise it we all turned out to watch.
    The best description I can give is "terrifying". That 8' span instantly took the sea wind and the thing just started wamp-wamp-wamping like it would eat the world. Chris finally managed to stop the blades by turning them out of the wind (which meant he had to get up on a ladder right behind those freakin' whirling broadswords and push on the vane), but the concept was well-proven. I don't remember how much electricity he banked in the battery during that maiden run, but all who witnessed it undoubtedly remain impressed by the sheer power he'd harnessed.

    • @robertwoodliff2536
      @robertwoodliff2536 2 роки тому

      ......the apprentices of BTH built one at the halls that they had outside Rugby, it had thin ply blades, which they perceived to getting close the the sound barrier.......the rain/hale of the storm delaminated it. These were the guys who also broadcast radio down the neutral and earth of the mains..

    • @Jchathe
      @Jchathe 2 роки тому +1

      Beautiful description, thank you for the story!

  • @Elie-J-Saoud
    @Elie-J-Saoud 3 роки тому +82

    Genuine Happiness when laughing,, You are true to YourSelf as to us,,
    Take Care Sir

  • @jonanderson4280
    @jonanderson4280 3 роки тому +22

    It was satisfying to see such a simple build working so well!

    • @waynefilkins8394
      @waynefilkins8394 2 роки тому +2

      yeah and there's so much improvement to be made to it...this has a lot of promise for a cheap solution. I think I'm going to try to 3d print the blades because I have this crazy strong crazy light weight carbon fiber filament.

    • @theninjascientist689
      @theninjascientist689 2 роки тому

      @@waynefilkins8394 As a fellow 3D printer I'm curious, how'd it go?

    • @manjichromagnon5480
      @manjichromagnon5480 2 роки тому

      No way they are as strong as the pipe

  • @mennogravemaker5181
    @mennogravemaker5181 3 роки тому +23

    Great video, thanks Robert. Would be great to see new video of the energy produced, perhaps measure the voltage over a specific load. Seems to me that the fan is build for high rpm so would expect it to be small amount of energy generated in moderate wind.

  • @Dan0__
    @Dan0__ 2 роки тому +2

    I've made this style blade before for a school project... a little smaller but it works fantastic!
    Inspiring!

  • @chrisbirrell7530
    @chrisbirrell7530 4 роки тому +1

    Love your channel, mate. Recently subscribed so looking forward to looking through your videos. Thank you!

  • @travishanson166
    @travishanson166 3 роки тому +9

    My son and I are learning arduino together, this windmill would be perfect for building and testing many things, like charge controller, wind speed indicator, as well as wireless communications to tell us when certain things are happening with the controller or generator etc.
    I have a number of automotive cooling fans, so I really enjoyed the video and the knowledge shared.

    • @princessgreen726
      @princessgreen726 11 місяців тому

      Hi Travis would like to know if what you are building can power a house and how many appliances

    • @travishanson166
      @travishanson166 11 місяців тому

      @@princessgreen726 I haven't built anything yet. Eventually I will have solar and wind, with a battery bank. The batteries will power the high demand appliances, wind and solar will charge the batteries when the major appliances don't run (ac/stove etc)

  • @creativelenses
    @creativelenses 3 роки тому +10

    Amazing. most importantly your genuine smile makes others happy. thank you so much Sir.

  • @rosemarieblack7063
    @rosemarieblack7063 3 роки тому

    Robert Murray-Smith thank you so much for your time and bringing this to us all. In these strange times, we're living in, this may be very useful data indeed. Flourish and Prosper.

  • @mikewetzel1162
    @mikewetzel1162 3 роки тому +461

    Maybe next video could be how to deal with the power it generates and the storage system; if you can.

    • @dammitanothername
      @dammitanothername 3 роки тому +35

      there's a new zealander that also made hydroelectric from a stream. He uses a washing machine motor. on youtube.

    • @craynerd
      @craynerd 3 роки тому +9

      @@dammitanothername can you post a link?

    • @Kowyn
      @Kowyn 3 роки тому +13

      @@craynerd I believe he is talking about Marty T, you can put that into search and find him that way. I think he will have a video up this year on how one is built as I think he's helping a friend built one.

    • @ghockings
      @ghockings 3 роки тому +25

      If the fan is fused with 40A in the car then the max power will not be greater than 40A x 12V = 480 Watts.

    • @mimiseeyou
      @mimiseeyou 3 роки тому +8

      I agree. I’m pretty sharp but this is not my area and electricity is dangerous. It’s a mistake that nature won’t forgive me for lol.

  • @Jiggledance
    @Jiggledance 2 роки тому +42

    Make like 10 of them using a Rose blade, various sizes down to a Rose Bud, and mount it on a windward wall. Paint them the color of flowers with different color patterns or different pinwheel patterns and colors. If it is too windy sometimes, add shrouds mounted separately that can automatically pop up in high winds and redirect some of the wind. Shape and paint the pop-up shrouds like giant leaves. The blades will still turn but shrouds will protect it from blowing apart. Just use a simple lever that has tension to hold shrouds down at low winds and high winds pry them up. Once wind goes down the shrouds go back in place. You can even design the shrouds to look like pedals that close and cover up the blade assembly.

    • @SohojBanglaQuranmojid
      @SohojBanglaQuranmojid 2 роки тому +3

      Plz make one & let us see. Thanks

    • @user-bm2vy7nx1v
      @user-bm2vy7nx1v 2 роки тому +1

      Sounds so beautiful!!!!

    • @uthmandeniz
      @uthmandeniz 2 роки тому +1

      It must be a good idea. Like a break system. However, I am having a hard time picturing it. Like Khondker said please make one.

    • @johndenver5029
      @johndenver5029 2 роки тому

      Don't let aunt Ruth go smelling the flowers tho

    • @franknada8235
      @franknada8235 Рік тому

      Huh?

  • @gwheeler233
    @gwheeler233 3 роки тому +8

    That’s quite some wind! The box in the background adds to the effect.

  • @Kyee71
    @Kyee71 2 роки тому +1

    Marking the tubing with the cross on a bit of paper was genius, I'm enjoying watching your wind generator playlist on a lazy Sunday, very inspirational.

  • @bobperry2085
    @bobperry2085 Рік тому +2

    Been going through all your videos from oldest to newest. this is the tech that got me interested in doing so and this is the video that motivated me to fix my youtube to allow me to join a channel for the first time. And now I'm a member :)

  • @berserkerusmc7613
    @berserkerusmc7613 2 роки тому +4

    That's great! Now I'm looking at my ceiling fan that I'm about to replace and I'm thinking of turning that into a wind generator.
    Man, I'd love to hang out with you in your shop and just brainstorm and put stuff together.
    Thanks for putting this video together. Very informative and inspirational! Cheers!

    • @eternallearner6026
      @eternallearner6026 Рік тому +1

      Brilliant. And here I am with a new ceiling fan in a box to replace my old kitchen one. Now more excited to get the job done so I can experiment with the old one!

    • @donbrashsux
      @donbrashsux Рік тому

      @@eternallearner6026 did the ceiling fan work

  • @pauldixon3677
    @pauldixon3677 4 роки тому +65

    Rob, I love the idea, simple but very effective. May I recommend using grey soil pipe, the brown is for in ground use only as it does not like UV light, hence, it will fade and eventually crack if used outdoors. The grey will do the same job and can withstand the UV light. Keep up the great ideas.

    • @MasterFloTechnology
      @MasterFloTechnology 3 роки тому +6

      I was going to say the exact same thing. UV light will kill the blades in a year. I would recommend painting with UV reflective paint. The hub also looks like PVC.

    • @Phodis
      @Phodis 3 роки тому +4

      Maybe a light coat of fiberglass to consolidate the entire "fan" together for strength (worried about the screws loosening) and weather protection.

    • @philandhannahslittlefarm1464
      @philandhannahslittlefarm1464 3 роки тому +1

      The blades would be spinning so the UV Ray wouldn't be able to hit them...

    • @thechumpsbeendumped.7797
      @thechumpsbeendumped.7797 3 роки тому +5

      Millennial Homesteaders - Journey Back to Basics 😂

    • @stevenarnold46
      @stevenarnold46 3 роки тому +5

      @@philandhannahslittlefarm1464 Now that is funny!

  • @wolfrickelly5148
    @wolfrickelly5148 Рік тому

    Each of your videos puts me back in shop class as a young man eagerly listening to the teacher give us lessons on mechanical fixes in daily life.

  • @mateo98100
    @mateo98100 2 роки тому

    What I love about this video is a real man making a real product. Most wouldn't even be able to hold that thing in the wind and if they did they'd probably lose their head. Cool video man

  • @levi-lukesmith3504
    @levi-lukesmith3504 3 роки тому +15

    Absolutely Excellent! Finnaly something straight forward that is cost effective. I appreciate this content so much!

    • @raiylynmitchell5892
      @raiylynmitchell5892 3 роки тому +2

      Hi, do you know what wirings he did behind the fan and what he connected it to

    • @levi-lukesmith3504
      @levi-lukesmith3504 3 роки тому +2

      @@raiylynmitchell5892 sorry I have no idea, it's been a while since watching this video. Have a nice day 😊

    • @777Slots
      @777Slots 3 роки тому +1

      Connect an Electronic voltmeter to it and it will tell you what is positive and what’s negative

  • @rocketpoolpki
    @rocketpoolpki 4 роки тому +35

    just brilliant..it really spun up, this is absolutely a project I'm going to experiment with.

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +5

      i know it - it was awesome lol - keep me in touch mate

    • @tubthump
      @tubthump 3 роки тому +1

      Brilliant idea. Using this to charge up a 12v leisure battery which could then power 5v devices like phones, speakers etc would be awesome.

    • @Jigaboo123456
      @Jigaboo123456 2 роки тому

      @@ThinkingandTinkering You mention the voltage it produces, but NOT the wattage, or even the rated wattage of the DC motor, which would be the max output achievable IF the device worked perfectly. I'm sure that you know that wattage (volts x amps )is power, not just volts.
      Before wasting time and money making one of these, myself and no doubt many others would really like to know what the practical power we could expect, and if you had just measured the amps after you'd done the volts (or given the motor's rating).
      Could you post this please, I'd like one for my off-grid weekend/holiday shack, but if it was only a few watts, it wouldn't be worth the bother.
      Otherwise, good video, thanks for posting.

  • @NotThatBob
    @NotThatBob 2 роки тому

    I have a few sheds and chicken coup that I heat and light now and then. Solar does the trick but this is so much cheaper and I have an almost constant breeze here.
    This will be for my patio and outdoor lights. Love this.

  • @clarky.
    @clarky. Рік тому +1

    I love your videos. Never too long and always simply explained. Thanks for talking the time make these

  • @neagoecatalin879
    @neagoecatalin879 4 роки тому +8

    Nice concept, compliments! One mention, tough: the tips of the blades are perpendicular to the fan axis and if I'm right, those regions are not generating torque, instead are generating drag, isn't it? Maybe a bit more inclination on the blades would increase the efficiency and also help withstand better a roughly wind? What do you think? Thanks for the knowledge! Appreciated!

  • @JeremyCarlsten
    @JeremyCarlsten 3 роки тому +25

    I would love to see a comparison of this vs a wind generator built on an alternator. watts, voltage, etc.

  • @artistlegends1728
    @artistlegends1728 7 місяців тому

    This Man has this wonderful bundle of genius, generosity and joy. Just brilliant. Thank you.

  • @sydneykv
    @sydneykv 6 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for this! I'm about to start a small research project focusing on small-scale wind turbines using common, available parts and your videos are so wonderfully helpful. Cheers!

    • @kimmogensen5390
      @kimmogensen5390 4 місяці тому

      direct drive washing machine and e bike motors (48v 1000w) are the ones that really produce a decent amount of power it has to be worth mounting the thing , on the other hand if one is just after charging 5v electronic devices this kind of blower motor mounted fairly low works okey , let me know if i can help

  • @georgekot6377
    @georgekot6377 4 роки тому +24

    I would love to see a follow up video. I know that results would depend on the motor, wind speed etc. but I think it would still be very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +11

      will do mate but might not be tomorrow lol

    • @bombdiggitydave3881
      @bombdiggitydave3881 2 роки тому +4

      It has been a year or so. How is the auto radiator fan turbine mod getting on? Any improvements? Longevity? Did you make or store power to powerwall or batteries with it? Please make an update follow up video? Thanks for your ingenuity!

  • @Jchathe
    @Jchathe 3 роки тому +6

    You looked like you were having fun! Thank you for posting 🙏💖

  • @antonnym214
    @antonnym214 3 роки тому +1

    Mr. Murray-Smith, I like the way you think! Very handy! You get much faster rotation than I was expecting. I may in fact have to do this myself to power an LED light on my separate garage. All good wishes!

  • @kaimcloughlin8981
    @kaimcloughlin8981 3 роки тому +10

    Very cool stuff, just curious what sort of wattage you got or what the current was at 20v? Keep up the good work 😃

  • @DaleOwens1
    @DaleOwens1 4 роки тому +26

    I did this almost exact same thing when i was younger. using a car fan motor. i used different blades though, yours are way bigger and work better.

  • @olsonspeed
    @olsonspeed 4 роки тому +7

    I expect the large blades to fatigue the original blades at the hub in a few hours of use. You also need to balance the prop to reduce induced vibration.

  • @jackwody7774
    @jackwody7774 Рік тому

    Great diy video! If I can suggest doing the wind test with a load, then a more useful power output number would be useful. The voltage by itself doesn't mean much without a load. Great idea on using pipe sections for windmill blades.

  • @LNMBEATS
    @LNMBEATS 4 роки тому +17

    I love your energy you are like my electronics teacher back in highschool haha

  • @carlschmiedeke151
    @carlschmiedeke151 3 роки тому +4

    And yes i absolutely loved the video, & I'd a never thought of using an ol car cooling fan motor, brilliant

  • @CorexYs
    @CorexYs 4 роки тому +3

    oh man I love your passion and those brilliant projects too!

  • @j11smith
    @j11smith 2 роки тому

    thank you. I am going to build one this week for my off grid home. I have a parts vehicle with the fan already off! super exciting!

  • @jestork1
    @jestork1 2 роки тому

    Fabulous video. Simple and it does the job.
    I am sticking that in the mental tool box for when I get some time to fool around.
    Now to regulate the voltage.
    Thanks

  • @MyCynner
    @MyCynner 3 роки тому +18

    OMG, that was amazing. Thanks for the how-to!

  • @DanielJohnson-vr9mw
    @DanielJohnson-vr9mw 4 роки тому +5

    Congrats from Argentina Robert. Your videos are great, full of intetesting stuff.

  • @philhode5104
    @philhode5104 3 роки тому

    I'm only into this video by about 2 minutes and I already like the way this chap explains things

  • @ndbkjalvarez9619
    @ndbkjalvarez9619 2 роки тому

    Awesome job Robert, I am sure many will benefit from your show. God bless you.

  • @ME-qq3gr
    @ME-qq3gr 3 роки тому +18

    Thanks for the video. Nice to hear you got up to 20 volts. What watts or amps did you get from it?

  • @ozzesty7314
    @ozzesty7314 3 роки тому +7

    That's brilliant, I was thinking use a car alternator. But the fan motor is so simple.👍

    • @Robc509
      @Robc509 3 роки тому +1

      A car alternator needs over 3500 rpm to produce and I believe it needs a 12v input to make it work in the first place. There are ways of adapting one but you may as well buy the real thing if you're going to those lengths. A ceiling fan motor can work tho with magnets glued around the outer coils. There are videos on UA-cam on how to make them work

  • @utetrahemicon
    @utetrahemicon 3 роки тому +1

    I've used a drawer with the face edge corner to mark a straight line.
    For this you could clamp a 4' stick on the bench and put the tube against it to draw the straight line.
    Great video.

  • @jasonlawson8619
    @jasonlawson8619 3 роки тому +3

    Great video as usual. How many of those would it take to run a small refrigerator? A ballpark figure would be plenty good if it's not asking too much.

  • @MarkSeve
    @MarkSeve 4 роки тому +6

    Love it Robert, exactly what I was looking for.

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +4

      cheers mate

    • @DK-sg3oe
      @DK-sg3oe 2 роки тому

      @@ThinkingandTinkering thkz it's great btw what Amp or watts can u generate if the wind is like over an hour, appreciate if u cd reply and how many hrs of wind to charge a 400mh battery will one day b sufficient

  • @18141776hhhh
    @18141776hhhh 3 роки тому +1

    An exercise wheel for a pet? You got my wheels turning.
    Thanks for sharing !

  • @jacksobe
    @jacksobe 3 роки тому +98

    I wish I had friends like this.

  • @silverechohawk5315
    @silverechohawk5315 3 роки тому +4

    Great vid Robert! Thank you for sharing! And you get a thumbs up simply for reminding me of Anthony Hopkins.

  • @bob2161
    @bob2161 2 роки тому

    Ok, I get it now. It is a wind powered generator. I clicked on expected a machine that generated wind. I was very keen to learn how a wind generator differed from a fan. In the end, not so much.
    It would be quite easy for me to spend a lot of time in your shop. Great stuff!

  • @NoName-ds5uq
    @NoName-ds5uq Рік тому +1

    When you were out here and the wind was blowing stuff across the ground, it looked like a normal September spring(or March Autumn) day here in southern Tasmania! 🤣 We haven’t had too much of that in the last few years though. Things are changing…

  • @semajekrad6922
    @semajekrad6922 4 роки тому +176

    You just got to work on a pivot , a slip ring and a vain to direct it into the wind along with the relevant diodes and such to make it usable to store energy in a battery .
    Go on do part two please.

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +109

      will do

    • @Xx-xd3zo
      @Xx-xd3zo 4 роки тому +6

      Semaj - I'm thinking a rectifier and a grid tie. :)

    • @geodeaholicm4889
      @geodeaholicm4889 4 роки тому +17

      and naturally you could build your own custom battery &/or capacitor to store the energy. i'd bet you also have the skills/knowlege to build your own inverter for it too.

    • @Barskor1
      @Barskor1 4 роки тому +8

      @@geodeaholicm4889 IRC he said it was a dc motor so dc output?

    • @allenlong1445
      @allenlong1445 4 роки тому +4

      @@ThinkingandTinkering what a cool idea I'd mount it to a caravan to keep the battery toped out ?

  • @MK-lk7nc
    @MK-lk7nc 3 роки тому +4

    Great video! I would love to see what kind of water generation you could make out of an old washing machine, I've thought about that a bit and it seems like there's a lot of free power in those parts with a little bit of a stream or creek.

    • @rosalieduffield7920
      @rosalieduffield7920 3 роки тому +1

      Use iii

    • @sparkyhobo3844
      @sparkyhobo3844 2 роки тому +1

      Search Marty T channel. He's from NZ, and has built several, they power his off grid homestead. He modifies the windings to give the desired voltage etc, and uses a creek on his land to power it 24/7

  • @markfewtrell2198
    @markfewtrell2198 8 місяців тому +1

    having seen washing machine motors used i wondered about using the drum fixing vertical blades and driving motor that way!

  • @jamesgrant5945
    @jamesgrant5945 4 роки тому +1

    Wonderful explanation and video. Got to try this product.

  • @jamesharris5158
    @jamesharris5158 4 роки тому +5

    BREAKING NEWS: Man dies in freak accident involving soil pipe travelling at 70 miles per hour!
    Keep up the great work Robert.
    It would be interesting to quantify the difference that installation height makes to the efficiency of a wind turbine and that's an experiment I plan to undertake in the near future.

    • @fusiondensity3287
      @fusiondensity3287 4 роки тому +5

      That would be labeled as a c0vid death

    • @derubersoldatx
      @derubersoldatx 4 роки тому

      the higher the better, there is some wind currents at higher elevation.

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому

      that is awesome mate - keep me in touch will you?

    • @jamesharris5158
      @jamesharris5158 4 роки тому

      @@ThinkingandTinkering Yes, will do.
      My application is for wind power at festivals so height is expensive. I want to know where we get into diminishing returns. I read around the subject a bit, but always you the answer to go as high as possible, but with my curiosity, I want to dig deeper.

    • @DFPercush
      @DFPercush 4 роки тому +1

      @@jamesharris5158 I would tend to think as long as you're above any nearby obstructions like buildings or tents that would be good enough. Above the tree line would be best, but for a portable installation that's kind of a ... _tall_ order.

  • @antonia4722
    @antonia4722 4 роки тому +6

    Great video as always Robert! I remember reading somewhere that motors from Exercise Treadmills make excellent wind generators.

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +6

      they do indeed - i wonder - i have a starter motor - they are similar - must look at that - thanks for the idea

    • @lazyh-online4839
      @lazyh-online4839 4 роки тому

      The only work great if you can gear it down to a good enough level, the treadmill is like an alternator and only works best at higher rpm. You'll get some output at lower rpm but you won't be reaching anywhere near the potential of the device and will be wasting a lot of potential power.

    • @bingosunnoon9341
      @bingosunnoon9341 2 роки тому

      You need a really big fan to spin something like that. AND a lot of wind.

  • @JD-os2kr
    @JD-os2kr 3 роки тому +1

    Hello Robert,
    Great video. Very informative.
    I have just one question:
    Could someone use the motor from a ceiling fan?

  • @youradog12
    @youradog12 9 місяців тому

    Im definitely doing this now you absolute legend. Works like a dream

  • @williamcooper2415
    @williamcooper2415 2 роки тому +3

    Be sure to coat the white plastic portion to protect it from the elements. It will also aid it from stress cracking.

  • @scout4locations
    @scout4locations 3 роки тому +6

    I love the way you hide what you're doing and dont explain what you're doing. Best mystery story ever.

    • @InkedinheLLIcon
      @InkedinheLLIcon 3 роки тому +1

      If you watched the whole video and had basic mechanical engineering knowledge you could easily follow his explanation and figure out anything you needed to do.

    • @TheSpektacle
      @TheSpektacle 3 роки тому

      It must be a brushless DC motor to make any voltage/power !

  • @embiandbingo8217
    @embiandbingo8217 2 роки тому

    And thank you for sharing with us. I like the way you talk and explain. Keep up the good job.

  • @JakobBoyerDrby
    @JakobBoyerDrby 3 роки тому

    Hey. Love your smile. No smartass youtuber here. Keep it up. Hoping for an second episode of this DIY project. Cheers

  • @vincentrobinette1507
    @vincentrobinette1507 4 роки тому +28

    It would be interesting, to see how many short-circuit amps the generator could have produced, by setting the meter to amps, and connecting that across the terminals of the fan motor.(That would give some idea of the available torque of the new blades)

    • @esperago
      @esperago Рік тому +1

      Any idea how many of these would be needed to build a charge station for a Tesla?

    • @poldoford
      @poldoford Рік тому

      @@esperago I think at least 100

  • @garymiller1216
    @garymiller1216 3 роки тому +4

    that was great, it made me smile watching you in the carpark laughing at your own handy work, something i would do, whilst the kids are inside saying "what is he doing now, embarrassing" LOL keep up the good work

  • @Alexandria197
    @Alexandria197 2 роки тому

    That was really a good build, thanks for that!

  • @laalandclare9794
    @laalandclare9794 3 роки тому

    Great video. Been trying all sorts of motors. split system in house blowers the best Ive found FMDC....So now im off to the wreckers to get some of these and make these with my 17year old students

  • @funkyfender1
    @funkyfender1 3 роки тому +4

    Robert, I wonder how it might work with a vertical drum style turbine? That would offer an omnidirectional presentation towards the wind without the need of slip rings or re-centring springs, wind vane and the need for counter weights and more critical levelling.... which would work well on a sailing boat... thoughts?

    • @offroadflow
      @offroadflow 2 роки тому

      if you get enough torque AND revolutions then any horizontal or vertical blade design works...

  • @lubbock2704
    @lubbock2704 4 роки тому +28

    Dear Robert, Great video as always :). Quick question: as an avid fan of your work I would love to assist. I already support you through your membership program, but is there more I or others who feel the same can do to further aid you?

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +13

      If you lived near mate you would be welcome to come in and work with me

    • @lubbock2704
      @lubbock2704 4 роки тому +8

      @@ThinkingandTinkering As lovely as that would be, sadly I'm half a world away in Seattle, Wa. United States :(

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +4

      shame mate

  • @ThePtgman
    @ThePtgman 2 роки тому +1

    Excellent idea, and great demo! Not sure, but it appears that the "imitation propeller blades" are turning backward - compared to actual aircraft prop blades. (I'm a retired pilot.) That being said, it can be "fixed" and work even better! Good job!!

  • @daviddefranco5218
    @daviddefranco5218 2 роки тому

    Thank you so very much for building the wind generator and posting it on UA-cam...you rock! Greetings!

  • @Kiyarose3999
    @Kiyarose3999 4 роки тому +3

    Thanks so much for this, as soon as the lockdown ends I’m off to a car scrapyard for one of those motors! Be nice to see an equally simple way of connecting gene up to Batteries, and perhaps, from Batteries to 240Vac appliances. A voltage regulator or charge controller etc for gene to Battery bank, and a simple inverter etc, from bats to appliance sockets?

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +1

      awesome mate

    • @jamest.5001
      @jamest.5001 4 роки тому

      You would be better off getting a car alternator, and some magnets! If you want real power!

    • @Kiyarose3999
      @Kiyarose3999 4 роки тому

      JAMES Just James Yes if you need more power, but that fan motor would be enough for my needs. Also it’s the simplicity of only having to make blades etc, no rewiring or fixing Magnets etc. And alternators are heavy so would need a v strong pole, bearings to swivel on etc. I only have a 1 bed flat so only need a motor like that, but yeh if you live in a house then a car alternator would be better,

    • @DFPercush
      @DFPercush 4 роки тому

      Remember an alternator has to be energized, it doesn't have permanent magnets. You have to put current into it to get more out. That makes it more complicated.

    • @Kiyarose3999
      @Kiyarose3999 4 роки тому

      DFPercush Yeh, which is exactly the reason I prefer motors like the one in the vid, nothing has to be done to them except attach blades etc.

  • @kreynolds1123
    @kreynolds1123 4 роки тому +9

    Great job. Although the speed at the tip probably exceeds the lift, and are thus probably creating drag. That is why blades made from pvc drain pipe are best tapered to a point and a low pitch cut on the leading edge to still create lift and cause less drag.

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +4

      Thanks for the tips!

    • @raywharton9425
      @raywharton9425 4 роки тому +2

      @@ThinkingandTinkering You gotta cut your own tips I guess. Lol.
      Sincerely though, Robert, I love your stuff, this is a great video. A very nice and accessible project. This and some Zinc Bro batteries and a fella could have some basic juice for pretty simple.

    • @yougeo
      @yougeo 4 роки тому +1

      thats good info! thanks!

    • @TheRainHarvester
      @TheRainHarvester 4 роки тому +1

      Can you suggest the best link/design for pvc blades?

  • @mikewetzel1162
    @mikewetzel1162 3 роки тому

    Jolly Good Job Man!
    We live in a Beach Town so have a constant coastal breeze; this will work nicely,.

  • @buddhistsympathizer1136
    @buddhistsympathizer1136 3 роки тому +1

    Great video - Would using a car alternator be any good since power generation is it's function after all?
    Thanks

  • @peterfitzpatrick7032
    @peterfitzpatrick7032 4 роки тому +3

    It seems like cardboard boxes make good wind-catchers too 🙄😂😂
    I assume the o/p current is similar to the (optimised) running current whilst in the car... so o/p will be fairly low... 🤔
    A vertical model (VAWT) using a 40gal barrel cut in half feeding a geared-up alternator or brushless motor would be non-directional & self-throttling.. I believe the halves need a slight overlap for easier starting..
    😎👍☘🍺

    • @bobsyeruncle5731
      @bobsyeruncle5731 2 роки тому

      Alternator is a better idea. More power, and include a regulator for variable wind speed. Or use the AC power (directly?) without the rectifiers or the regulator.

  • @patthesoundguy
    @patthesoundguy 4 роки тому +4

    I really enjoyed that video! It got my wheels turning 😉 I may have to build one of those myself now

  • @gammon1183
    @gammon1183 2 роки тому

    This vid was more enthralling than any pod race.
    Most adults have become unable to express delight because they've forgotten how or consider it beneath them.
    Keep the fire burning, subscribed 😎

  • @georgemurray6845
    @georgemurray6845 Рік тому

    Beautiful!!! I have a very old fan that the motor still works but the fan blades are broken. Now i can use this idea to make it work again. Thanks

  • @andersgrassman6583
    @andersgrassman6583 2 роки тому +9

    Nice idea. Now, my concern is, that probably the cheapest way to store the power, is using car batteries. But I put four of them in series, when I was 14, to make an arch welding setup. It operated intermittently successfully for perhaps a minute. However, during the high current discharge, the batteries had created very large quantities of hydrogen gas, which I didn't think of. Also, I had severely underestimated how thick the wiring needed to be. (I musn't ever have seen car jumper cables?!) The wires melted and somehow, some small spark was created, igniting the hydrogen gas outside and inside the the car batteries, causing two of of them to violently explode and hurling shattered batteryparts through the air, and presumably also acid. Perhaps luckily, I had my back turned at the explosion.
    In conclusion, I since then carry great respect and awareness of the dangers associated with car batteries. Indeed any high capacity battery. And I feel hesitant to build a huge powerbank with them. It would have to sit in another shack / building away from my house. And then I would still feel I lived close to a minor bomb.,

    • @Thomas_P_aus_M
      @Thomas_P_aus_M 2 роки тому +1

      Nowadays there are LiFePo4 and LTO type batteries. That's a lot safer. Of course, a BMS is used here. And no, they are not really more expensive when you calculate the number of cycles and the service life. (Not to be confused with Li-Ion!)

    • @broderickwallis25
      @broderickwallis25 Рік тому +1

      Hi there, just a little something I learned while restoring old batteries. The extent of the battery exploding depends on the how much water is in your battery. The more water, the less cavity, and less gas build up.
      Hope this makes sense.... All the best.

  • @edwinlipton
    @edwinlipton 4 роки тому +3

    Enjoyed that.
    Seems to simple. What sort of amps, watts, if I may inquire?

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +2

      about 100 watts mate

    • @bennylloyd-willner9667
      @bennylloyd-willner9667 3 роки тому +1

      @@ThinkingandTinkering Interesting video. Can you verify that with a proper load test in a follow-up video, please? It sounds really high.

  • @KevinEllis-Anderson
    @KevinEllis-Anderson Рік тому

    This is 100% the most useful video on this subject and I've scoured UA-cam for years

  • @ericg2167
    @ericg2167 7 місяців тому

    Love all your videos by the way. Wouldn't a pointed tip end on the blades be the most efficient?

  • @TheJMBon
    @TheJMBon 3 роки тому +7

    20 volts at how many amps though. You need the amp measurements to calculate watts. The a dc to ac converter to step up the voltage at the expense of amps.

    • @pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN
      @pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN 3 роки тому +2

      Or a DC to DC charge controller to charge a leisure battery. No need for an inverter if everything runs off 12 volts. You're 100% right about the amps produced at said voltage for anything really useful, I was hoping he'd have gave us that info at the end of the video too 👍

    • @rogerpeters1630
      @rogerpeters1630 2 роки тому

      Exactly. Any nominal 12 V solar panel can create +20V open circuit too. The power it's able to generate varies with size of course. Put a load on it and watch the voltage drop. If the load is matched to the power rating of the source the voltage should stay stable at around 13-14 V or so. For example, a solar charge controller ensures that it only puts as much current into the batteries as it can while keeping the PV array voltage at around 14 V, enough to keep current flowing in the right direction.

  • @democracyforall
    @democracyforall 4 роки тому +7

    Excellent, well done. This is indeed really good stuff. Now I won't buy any expensive wind generator. Thank you.

    • @ThinkingandTinkering
      @ThinkingandTinkering  4 роки тому +1

      Glad you liked it mate

    • @diekoofford
      @diekoofford 4 роки тому

      @bullsballs you need to be able to apply brakes to it somehow, storms come around quite often

    • @alikhan7903
      @alikhan7903 4 роки тому

      @@ThinkingandTinkering what you did here is no small thing. A graduate like me can see that, it can be made more efficient and also it gives people the idea that they can also make their own blades etc. It is not small thing that you did here... Well done.

    • @alikhan7903
      @alikhan7903 4 роки тому

      @saladdogger You are wrong, I can make this thing ten times more efficient plus this is for confidence too to make your own stuff. His one makes 20 volts when the wind blows, I can make it efficient enough to generate 50 volts or more. Even with 20 volts, it can charge how many things overnight? Many.