Question by Ruby M: Does anyone know how to make a miniature wind turbine?
This is for a science fair project. I would like to build a wind turbine with a maximum diameter of the blades being about 2-3 feet. My question/problem is “Can a Homemade Wind Turbine Produce Enough Electricity to Power a Light Bulb?” Please help me! I am willing to spend up to $ 50, but if you know a way that is that is cheaper PLEASE let me know. I have a reasearch paper on my topic due Tuesday the 25th of Nov. and if i can’t fo this as my project, I need to change the topic of my paper. PLEASE HELP! Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by more slack
I think unless you are very, very handy with shop skills you will have a tough time making this in a week.
But if you’re willing to try, I suggest getting a junked box fan and fitting it with a permanent magnet DC motor. The motor you’ll probably have to find surplus or cannibalize a kid’s ride-on toy, hand drill or something like that, or visit a hobby store and pay them some $ $ $ . You will also want to increase the speed of the motor with maybe a 2:1 or 3:1 pulley.
That said, small wind turbines that size are rated at about 100-500W depending on the wind. Linked one below to give you an idea.
If you’re willing to bend the rules a bit, use a low-voltage, low wattage bulb (say 12V/25W).
What do you think? Answer below!
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Chrissy H says:
January 23, 2013 at 4:45 pm (UTC 0)
You might also want to consider a electric cooling fan, like the ones used in cars to cool the radiator. I saw an article that mentioned this, it already has a fan, and a shroud and can deliver 12 volt dc power. Simple and easy to find.
I will leave the link to the article. Hope it helps