How to make a stepper motor. Low-power wind generator from a stepper motor: a homemade device from a printer

A simple, obvious, but brilliant idea came to mind. After all, if we consider that a stepper motor is not only a motor that provides mechanical operation of completely different devices (from printers, scanners and other office equipment, to various units used in more serious devices). A stepper motor can also serve as an excellent generator of electricity!

And its main plus in everything is that it does not require high speeds at all, it may well work properly even at low loads. That is, even with the minimum action of the force directed to it, the stepper motor produces energy perfectly. Most importantly, this energy is quite enough for various needs, such as lighting the road for a cyclist using a lamp connected to a stepper motor.

Unfortunately, with a conventional alternator, a standard bike will still need initial revs before the flashlight can emit enough beams of light to clearly illuminate the path. But when using a stepper motor, this drawback is removed by itself, that is, the lighting will be supplied as soon as the wheel starts to rotate.

But the truth is that this miracle of design will still have a number of shortcomings. For example, the most obvious of them is a large magnetic sticking. But in fact, it is not so scary for a cyclist.

That getting started we will need to find some details:
1) Actually the stepper motor itself.
2) a couple of large capacitors.
3) LED lights
4) voltage stabilizer 5-6 volts.

Finding a stepper motor is quite easy due to the fact that it is very common in all office appliances. The only thing to understand is that the larger the stepper motor, the better for us, respectively.

Here several models of stepper motors and various options for their attachment to an iron horse will be described and presented.
To begin with, let's take the largest engine that the author managed to get. He dismantled it from an ordinary office plotter for printing (in fact, this is a printer, only several times larger).

Externally, the engine is quite large.

But before proceeding to the study of the stabilization circuit as well as the power circuit, you should pay attention to the method of attaching this unit to the bike.

If you look at the picture, you will understand that the generator is located closer to the axis of the wheel and the rotation is transmitted from an additional circle.

And yet, since everyone has their own bike model and someone does not want to damage the frame with self-tapping screws, you will need to develop the mount yourself as well as the circle of rotation, there are really a lot of options.

If you have no idea how to screw a large stepper motor to the structure, there is a smaller option:

You just have to choose the generator option that fits the size of your vehicle.

Well, when you figured out the stepper motors, you can proceed to the flashlights and power circuits.

Lights must be LED. the rectification circuit will look like this: a block of rectifier diodes, several high-capacity capacitors and, of course, a voltage regulator. In principle, this is a standard power scheme.

A stepper motor has four output wires as standard, which correspond to two coils. it is for this reason that there are also two rectifier blocks in the image. This homemade electricity generator may well produce up to 50 volts of voltage at high speeds, so it is better to take the appropriate capacitors (voltage above 50). Well, a stabilizer for a voltage of 5-6 volts.

And so what is the essence of homemade, and why was it needed?

It's all about its advantage, even just starting off - your path will already be brightly lit by a lantern powered by our stepper motor - it's also a generator.

I would also like to note that during the movement the lamp will not blink or go out - the lighting will be smooth and even.

Tigrezno

Below is a guide that will help you "recycle" an old scanner into an impressive generator of electricity.

We will need:

• Old scanner;
• Rectifier diodes (8 1N4007 diodes were used in the project);
• Capacitor 1000uF;
• PVC pipe;
• Plastic parts (see below);
• Aluminum plates (you can use any others).

In addition to the fluorescent tube and electronic components, the scanner has a stepper motor, which is what we need. The photo shows a four-phase stepper motor.

Note 3. Free schema development software http://qucs.sourceforge.net/ was used.

Collecting blades. In details .

Unfortunately, there is no diagram of the device, but it is not so difficult to assemble a similar one from a photograph.

End! Now it remains to wait for a windy day and try out the device, as you can see in the photo - the device generates a stable voltage of 4.95 V. Now you can charge your MP3 player or phone for free!

• Here. Great man said. The question is not in the "fabulous efficiency": the energy is still free. The planet will not get poorer from such Kulibins. The question is labor costs and the cost of everything used. The question is very controversial: a vertical line of terrible dimensions, or a horizontal line, but swivel. This is a topic for controversy (or better if someone extinguishes their practical experience and shares it).
• hi all. mine is a little more difficult. lighting the yard with LED flashlights (5pcs. 7 LEDs each). the battery costs 7.2 volts 700 mA. assembled according to the voltage doubling scheme. :).
• the wind is average, I don’t know how to measure it ... it stopped a little, and it’s not worth the wind.
• and here is the head. (removed the multiplier, sticking is much more rural with it, and the difference is minimal, and it doesn’t make noise). My vertical one is generally quiet and has been shining for 1.5 years without a battery (also SD).
• mba1 is right, and verticals over 200 rpm are highly doubtful.
• It seems to me that the blades are large for such an engine. Adjust the size to the power, you see, it will be a completely correct windmill. Did you change the settings?
• I made the blades narrower and shortened, the diameter was about 1.1m, the speed increased, and it spins when you don’t feel the wind. Phanari already 6:). here is the video - http://depositfiles.com/files/18bs0ha7b
• I don’t remember the parameters anymore, with an average wind of about 8 volts, ma-xs, now I don’t really want to climb there, and my head is full of others, I’m waiting for neodymium magnets (24pcs), they will come one of these days :), I’ll make a generator :).
• If you need a stepper motor, then not from the scanner, but from the printer, there are two of them in the matrix neck, even during maintenance, with the head moving quickly, the LEDs start to glow. I think to start not with a serious craft, but to start with the engines from the Zhiguli stove, or the motor from the glass cleaner is lying around in the garage.
• There are collector engines (for example, DP ..., DPM ...) with a centrifugal speed limiter. Maybe there are ideas how to adapt this for the inverse problem in the generator? It just doesn't seem right to me...
• And from ShD3-SHD5 someone can muddle?
• Or with motors from aircraft models, small sizes, high power?
• http://vkontakte.ru/club11998700 - THERE ARE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS SD, neodymium, links ....
• What are the engine settings? volt per coil? amperage? how many coils (pins?) and what degree of rotation?
• it is desirable to select shd - less winding resistance, higher operating voltage, then a decent impulse will give a step :)
• If there is less resistance at a higher voltage, then the power is greater. So you can choose according to SIZE :)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WgS4kxobI0&feature=channel_video_title
• This is my video.
• Who knows, any SD can be used as a generator? If you buy more powerful than in a printer.
• It is difficult to use a powerful stepper motor as a generator. The reason is the large moment of starting.

For the operation of almost all electrical appliances, special drive mechanisms are required. We propose to consider what a stepper motor is, its design, principle of operation and connection diagrams.

What is a stepper motor?

A stepper motor is an electrical machine designed to convert the electrical energy of the network into mechanical energy. Structurally, it consists of stator windings and a soft or hard magnetic rotor. A distinctive feature of a stepper motor is discrete rotation, in which a given number of pulses corresponds to a certain number of steps. Such devices are most widely used in CNC machine tools, robotics, information storage and reading devices.

Unlike other types of machines, a stepper motor does not rotate continuously, but in steps, from which the name of the device comes. Each such step is only a part of its full turnover. The number of steps required for a full rotation of the shaft will differ depending on the connection scheme, motor brand and control method.

Advantages and disadvantages of a stepper motor

The benefits of using a stepper motor include:

• In stepper motors, the angle of rotation corresponds to the number of electrical signals applied, while, after stopping the rotation, the full torque and fixation are maintained;
• Precise positioning - provides 3 - 5% of the set step, which does not accumulate from step to step;
• Provides high speed start, reverse, stop;
• It is distinguished by high reliability due to the absence of rubbing components for current collection, unlike collector motors;
• The stepper motor does not require feedback for positioning;
• Can deliver low rpm for directly applied load without any gears;
• Relatively lower cost relative to the same;
• A wide range of shaft speed control is provided by changing the frequency of electrical impulses.

The disadvantages of using a stepper motor include:

• A resonance effect and slippage of the stepper unit may occur;
• There is a possibility of losing control due to lack of feedback;
• The amount of electricity consumed does not depend on the presence or absence of a load;
• Difficulties in control due to the peculiarity of the circuit

Device and principle of operation

Rice. 1. The principle of operation of the stepper motor

Figure 1 shows 4 windings that belong to the motor stator, and their arrangement is arranged so that they are at an angle of 90º relative to each other. From which it follows that such a machine is characterized by a step size of 90º.

At the moment the voltage U1 is applied to the first winding, the rotor moves by the same 90º. In the case of alternately applying voltage U2, U3, U4 to the corresponding windings, the shaft will continue to rotate until the completion of a full circle. Then the cycle repeats again. To change the direction of rotation, it is enough to change the order in which pulses are supplied to the corresponding windings.

Types of stepper motors

To ensure various operating parameters, both the step size by which the shaft will move and the moment applied to move are important. Variations of these parameters are achieved due to the design of the rotor itself, the connection method and the design of the windings.

According to the design of the rotor

The rotating element provides magnetic interaction with the electromagnetic field of the stator. Therefore, its design and technical features directly determine the operating mode and rotation parameters of the stepping unit. In order to determine the type of stepper motor in practice, with a de-energized network, it is necessary to turn the shaft, if you feel resistance, then this indicates the presence of a magnet, otherwise, this is a design without magnetic resistance.

Reactive

A reactive stepper motor is not equipped with a magnet on the rotor, but is made of soft magnetic alloys, as a rule, it is assembled from plates to reduce induction losses. The design in cross section resembles a gear with teeth. The poles of the stator windings are powered by opposite pairs and create a magnetic force to move the rotor, which moves from the alternating flow of electric current in the winding pairs.

A significant advantage of this design of the stepper drive is the absence of a locking moment generated by the field in relation to the armature. In fact, this is the same one in which the rotation of the rotor goes in accordance with the stator field. The disadvantage is the reduction in the amount of torque. The step for a jet engine ranges from 5 to 15 °.

With permanent magnets

In this case, the moving element of the stepper motor is assembled from a permanent magnet, which may have two or more poles. The rotation of the rotor is provided by the attraction or repulsion of the magnetic poles by the electric field when voltage is applied to the corresponding windings. For this design, the angular pitch is 45-90°.

hybrid

It was designed to combine the best qualities of the two previous models, due to which the unit has a smaller angle and pitch. Its rotor is made in the form of a cylindrical permanent magnet, which is magnetized along the longitudinal axis. Structurally, it looks like two round poles, on the surface of which there are rotor teeth made of soft magnetic material. This solution made it possible to provide excellent holding and torque.

The advantages of a hybrid stepper motor are its high accuracy, smoothness and speed of movement, in small steps - from 0.9 to 5 °. They are used for high-end CNC machines, computer and office equipment and modern robotics. The only drawback is the relatively high cost.

For example, let's analyze the hybrid stepper motor for 200 shaft positioning steps. Accordingly, each of the cylinders will have 50 teeth, one of them is a positive pole, the second is negative. In this case, each positive tooth is located opposite the groove in the negative cylinder and vice versa. Structurally, it looks like this:

Because of this, 100 alternating poles with excellent polarity are obtained on the stepper motor shaft. The stator also has teeth as shown in Figure 6 below, except for the gaps between its components.

Rice. 6. Working principle of hybrid stepper motor

Due to this design, it is possible to achieve a displacement of the same south pole relative to the stator in 50 different positions. Due to the difference in the position in the half-position between the north and south poles, the possibility of moving in 100 positions is achieved, and the phase shift by a quarter division makes it possible to double the number of steps due to sequential excitation, that is, up to 200 steps of the angular shaft per 1 revolution.

Pay attention to Figure 6, the principle of operation of such a stepper motor is that when current is supplied in pairs to opposite windings, the opposite poles of the rotor located behind the stator teeth are pulled up and the same-named poles are repelled in front of them in the direction of rotation.

By type of windings

In practice, a stepper motor is a polyphase motor. The smoothness of work in which directly depends on the number of windings - the more there are, the smoother the rotation occurs, but also the higher the cost. In this case, the torque does not increase from the number of phases, although for normal operation their minimum number on the motor stator must be at least two. The number of phases does not determine the number of windings, so a two-phase stepper motor can have four or more windings.

Unipolar

A unipolar stepper motor is different in that the winding connection circuit has a branch from the midpoint. This makes it easy to change the magnetic poles. The disadvantage of this design is the use of only one half of the available turns, due to which less torque is achieved. Therefore, they are large in size.

To use the full power of the coil, the middle terminal is left unconnected. Consider the designs of unipolar units, they can contain 5 and 6 pins. Their number will depend on whether the middle wire is output separately from each motor winding or they are connected together.

Bipolar

The bipolar stepper motor is connected to the controller via 4 pins. In this case, the windings can be connected internally both in series and in parallel. Consider an example of his work in the figure.

In the structural diagram of such a motor, you see with one excitation winding in each phase. Because of this, changing the direction of the current requires the use of special drivers in the electronic circuit (electronic chips designed to control). A similar effect can be achieved by turning on the H-bridge. Compared to the previous one, the bipolar device provides the same torque in a much smaller package.

Connecting a stepper motor

To power the windings, you will need a device capable of delivering a control pulse or a series of pulses in a certain sequence. Such blocks are semiconductor devices for connecting a stepper motor, microprocessor drivers. In which there is a set of output terminals, each of them determines the power supply method and operation mode.

Depending on the connection scheme, one or another output of the stepper unit must be used. With various options for summing up certain terminals to the DC output signal, a certain rotational speed, step or microstep of linear movement in the plane is obtained. Since some tasks need a low frequency, while others need a high one, the same motor can set the parameter at the expense of the driver.

Typical stepper motor connection diagrams

Depending on how many pins are presented on a particular stepper motor: 4, 6 or 8 pins, the possibility of using one or another connection scheme will also differ. Look at the pictures, here are typical options for connecting a stepper mechanism:

Wiring diagrams for various types of stepper motors

Provided that the main poles of the stepper machine are powered from the same driver, according to these schemes, the following distinctive features of work can be noted:

• The outputs are uniquely connected to the corresponding terminals of the device. When the windings are connected in series, it increases the inductance of the windings, but reduces the current.
• Provides passport value of electrical characteristics. In a parallel circuit, the current increases and the inductance decreases.
• When connected in one phase per winding, the torque at low speeds decreases and the magnitude of the currents decreases.
• When connected, it carries out all electrical and dynamic characteristics according to the passport, rated currents. The control scheme is greatly simplified.
• Gives out much more torque and is used for high speeds;
• Like the previous one, it is designed to increase torque, but is used for low speeds.

Stepper motor control

The operation of a stepping unit can be carried out in several ways. Each of which differs in the way the signals are applied to the pairs of poles. In total, a shooting range of the winding activation method is distinguished.

Wave- in this mode, only one winding is excited, to which the rotor poles are attracted. At the same time, the stepper motor is not capable of pulling a large load, since it produces only half of the torque.

full step- in this mode, simultaneous switching of phases occurs, that is, both are excited at once. Because of this, the maximum torque is provided, in the case of a parallel connection or series connection of the windings, the maximum voltage or current will be created.

half step- is a combination of the two previous methods of switching windings. During the implementation of which, in a stepper motor, voltage is alternately applied first to one coil, and then to two at once. This ensures better fixation at maximum speeds and more steps.

For softer control and overcoming the rotor inertia, microstepping control is used, when the sinusoid of the signal is carried out by microstepping pulses. Due to which the forces of interaction of magnetic circuits in a stepper motor get a smoother change and, as a result, the movement of the rotor between the poles. Allows you to significantly reduce the jerks of the stepper motor.

Without controller

The H-bridge system is used to control brushless motors. Which allows you to switch the polarity to reverse the stepper motor. It can be performed on transistors or microcircuits that create a logical chain for moving keys.

As you can see, from the power supply V, voltage is applied to the bridge. When the contacts S1 - S4 or S3 - S2 are connected in pairs, current will flow through the motor windings. Which will cause rotation in one direction or another.

with controller

The controller device allows you to control the stepper motor in various modes. The controller is based on an electronic unit that forms groups of signals and their sequence sent to the stator coils. To prevent the possibility of damage in the event of a short circuit or other emergency situation on the motor itself, each output is protected by a diode that does not miss the pulse in the opposite direction.

Connection via unipolar stepper motor controller

Popular stepper motor control schemes

Control circuit from a controller with a differential output

It is one of the most noise-proof ways of working. In this case, the direct and inverse signal is directly connected to the corresponding poles. In such a circuit, shielding of the signal conductor must be applied. Great for low power loads.

Control circuit from a controller with an open collector output

In this circuit, the positive inputs of the controller are combined, which are connected to the positive pole. In the case of power supply above 9V, a special resistor must be included in the circuit to limit the current. Allows you to set the required number of steps with a strictly set speed, determine acceleration, etc.

The simplest do-it-yourself stepper motor driver

To assemble a driver circuit at home, some items from old printers, computers and other equipment may come in handy. You will need transistors, diodes, resistors (R) and an IC (RG).

To build a program, be guided by the following principle: when a logical unit is applied to one of the outputs D (the rest signal zero), the transistor opens and the signal passes to the motor coil. Thus, one step is completed.

Based on the circuit, a printed circuit board is compiled, which you can try to make yourself or make to order. After that, the corresponding parts are soldered on the board. The device is able to control the stepper from a home computer by connecting to a regular USB port.

Useful video

As a generator for a windmill, a stepper motor (SM) for a printer is suitable. Even at a low rotation speed, it generates power of about 3 watts. The voltage can rise above 12 V, which makes it possible to charge a small battery.

Principles of use

Wind turbulence in the surface layers, characteristic of the Russian climate, leads to constant changes in its direction and intensity. Large wind generators with a power exceeding 1 kW will be inertial. As a result, they will not have time to fully unwind when the wind direction changes. This is also prevented by the moment of inertia in the plane of rotation. When a side wind acts on a working windmill, it experiences huge loads that can lead to its rapid failure.

It is advisable to use a low-power wind generator, made by hand, having a slight inertia. With their help, you can charge low-power mobile phone batteries or use LEDs to illuminate the cottage.

In the future, it is better to focus on consumers who do not require conversion of the generated energy, for example, for heating water. A few tens of watts of energy may well be enough to maintain the temperature of hot water or to additionally heat the heating system so that it does not freeze in winter.

Electrical part

A generator in a windmill can install a stepper motor (SM) for a printer.

Even at a low rotation speed, it generates power of about 3 watts. The voltage can rise above 12 V, which makes it possible to charge a small battery. The rest of the generators work effectively at over 1000 rpm, but they won't work because the windmill rotates at 200-300 rpm. A gearbox is needed here, but it creates additional resistance and also has a high cost.

In generator mode, an alternating current is generated at the stepper motor, which is easily converted to direct current using a pair of diode bridges and capacitors. The scheme is easy to assemble with your own hands.

By installing a stabilizer behind the bridges, we get a constant output voltage. For visual control, you can also connect an LED. To reduce voltage losses, Schottky diodes are used to rectify it.

In the future, it will be possible to create a windmill with a more powerful stepper motor. Such a wind generator will have a large starting moment. The problem can be eliminated by disconnecting the load during start-up and at low speeds.

How to make a wind generator

The blades can be made with your own hands from a PVC pipe. The desired curvature is selected if you take it with a certain diameter. The blank of the blade is drawn on the pipe, and then cut out with a cutting disc. The propeller span is about 50 cm, and the width of the blades is 10 cm. After that, a sleeve with a flange should be machined to fit the size of the SD shaft.

It is mounted on the motor shaft and fastened with additional screws, and plastic blades are attached to the flanges. The photo shows two blades, but you can make four by screwing two more similar ones at an angle of 90º. For greater rigidity, a common plate should be installed under the screw heads. It will press the blades closer to the flange.

Plastic products do not last long. Such blades will not withstand continuous wind at a speed of more than 20 m / s.

The generator is inserted into a piece of pipe, to which it is bolted.

A weather vane is attached to the pipe from the end, which is an openwork and lightweight construction made of duralumin. The wind generator rests on a welded vertical axis, which is inserted into the mast tube with the possibility of rotation. A thrust bearing or polymer washers can be installed under the flange to reduce friction.

In most designs, the windmill contains a rectifier that is attached to a moving part. It is impractical to do this because of the increase in inertia. It is quite possible to place the electric board at the bottom, and bring the wires from the generator down to it. Typically, up to 6 wires come out of a stepper motor, corresponding to two coils. They need slip rings to transfer electricity from the moving part. It is quite difficult to install brushes on them. The current collection mechanism may be more complicated than the wind generator itself. It would also be better to place the windmill so that the generator shaft is vertical. Then the wires will not be braided around the mast. Such wind generators are more complicated, but inertia decreases. A bevel gear will be just right here. At the same time, you can increase the speed of the generator shaft by choosing the necessary gears with your own hands.

Having fixed the windmill at a height of 5-8 m, you can begin to test and collect data on its capabilities in order to install a more advanced design in the future.

Currently, vertical-axis wind turbines are becoming popular.

Some designs can even withstand hurricanes well. Combined designs that work in any wind have proven themselves well.

Conclusion

A low-power wind generator works reliably due to its low inertia. It is easily made at home and is mainly used to recharge small batteries. It can be useful in a country house, in the country, on a hike when there are problems with electricity.

Every year people are looking for alternative sources. A homemade power plant from an old car generator will come in handy in remote areas where there is no connection to the public network. It will be able to freely charge batteries, as well as ensure the operation of several household appliances and lighting. You decide where to use the energy, what will be generated, and also collect it with your own hands or purchase it from manufacturers, of which there are plenty on the market. In this article, we will help you figure out how to assemble a wind turbine with your own hands from the materials that any owner always has.

Consider the principle of operation of a wind power plant. Under a fast wind flow, the rotor and screws are activated, after which the main shaft starts to move, rotating the gearbox, and then generation occurs. As a result, we get electricity. Therefore, the higher the rotation speed of the mechanism, the greater the productivity. Accordingly, when locating structures, take into account the terrain, relief, and know the areas of the territories where the vortex speed is high.

Assembly instructions from a car generator

To do this, you will need to prepare all the components in advance. The most important element is the generator. It is best to take a tractor or bus, it is able to generate much more energy. But if this is not possible, then it is more likely to get by with weaker units. To assemble the device you will need:
voltmeter
battery charging relay
blade steel
12 volt battery
wire box
4 bolts with nuts and washers
clamps for fastening

Assembling a device for a 220v home

When everything you need is ready, proceed to the assembly. Each of the options may have additional details, but they are clearly specified directly in the manual.
First of all, assemble the wind wheel - the main structural element, because it is this part that will transform wind energy into mechanical energy. It is best that it has 4 blades. Remember that the smaller their number, the more mechanical vibration and the more difficult it will be to balance it. They are made from sheet steel or an iron barrel. They should wear a uniform not the same as you saw in the old mills, but reminiscent of the winged type. They have much lower aerodynamic drag and higher efficiency. After you use a grinder to cut out a windmill with blades with a diameter of 1.2-1.8 meters, you need to attach it, together with the rotor, to the generator axis by drilling holes and connecting with bolts.

Electrical circuit assembly

We fix the wires and connect them directly to the battery and voltage converter. It is required to use everything that at school in physics lessons you were taught to make when assembling an electrical circuit. Before starting development, think about what kW you need. It is important to note that without subsequent alteration and rewinding of the stator, they are not at all suitable, the operating speed is 1.2 thousand-6 thousand rpm, and this is not enough for energy production. It is for this reason that it is required to get rid of the excitation coil. To raise the voltage level, rewind the stator with thin wire. As a rule, the resulting power will be at 10 m / s 150-300 watts. After assembly, the rotor will magnetize well, as if power was connected to it.

Rotary home-made wind generators are very reliable in operation and economically profitable, their only imperfection is the fear of strong gusts of wind. The principle of operation is simple - a whirlwind through the blades makes the mechanism spin. In the process of these intense rotations, energy is generated, the voltage you need. Such a power plant is a very good way to provide electricity to a small house, of course, its power will not be enough to pump water out of a well, but it is possible to watch TV or turn on the lights in all rooms with its help.

From a home fan

The fan itself may not be in working condition, but only a few parts are required from it - this is the stand and the screw itself. For the design, you need a small stepper motor soldered with a diode bridge so that it gives out constant voltage, a shampoo bottle, a plastic water tube about 50 cm long, a plug for it and a lid from a plastic bucket.

A sleeve is made on the machine and fixed in the connector from the wings of the disassembled fan. The generator will be attached to this sleeve. After fixing, you need to do the manufacture of the case. Cut off with a machine or in manual mode the bottom of a bottle of shampoo. During cutting, it is also required to leave a hole at 10 in order to insert an axis machined from an aluminum rod into it. Attach it with a bolt and nut to the bottle. After all the wires have been soldered, another hole is made in the body of the bottle to output these same wires. We stretch them and fix them in a bottle on top of the generator. They must match in shape and the bottle body must reliably hide all its parts.

Shank for our device

In order for it to catch wind currents from different directions in the future, assemble the shank using a pre-prepared tube. The tail section will be attached with a screw-on shampoo cap. A hole is also made in it and, after putting a plug on one end of the tube, they pull it out and fix it to the main body of the bottle. On the other hand, the tube is sawn through with a hacksaw and the shank wing is cut out with scissors from the lid of a plastic bucket, it should have a round shape. All you need to do is simply cut off the edges of the bucket that attached it to the main container.

We attach a USB output to the back panel of the stand and put all the received parts into one. It will be possible to mount the radio or recharge the phone through this built-in USB port. Of course, it does not have strong power from a household fan, but it can still provide lighting for one light bulb.

DIY wind generator from a stepper motor

A device from a stepper motor, even at a low rotation speed, produces about 3 watts. The voltage can rise above 12 V, and this allows you to charge a small battery. As a generator, you can insert a stepper motor from the printer. In this mode, an alternating current is generated from the stepper motor, and it can be easily converted to direct current using several diode bridges and capacitors. You can assemble the scheme yourself. The stabilizer is installed behind the bridges, as a result we get a constant output voltage. To control visual tension, you can install an LED. In order to reduce the loss of 220 V, Schottky diodes are used to rectify it.

The blades will be made of PVC pipe. The workpiece is drawn on the pipe, and then cut out with a cutting disc. The span of the screw should be about 50 cm, and the width should be 10 cm. It is necessary to machine a sleeve with a flange to fit the size of the stepper shaft. It is mounted on the motor shaft and fastened with screws, plastic “screws” will be attached directly to the flanges. Also carry out balancing - pieces of plastic are cut off from the ends of the wings, the angle of inclination is changed by heating and bending. A piece of pipe is inserted into the device itself, to which it is also attached with bolts. As for the electrical board, it is better to place it below, and bring power to it. Up to 6 wires come out of the stepper motor, which correspond to two coils. They will require slip rings to transfer electricity from the moving part. Having connected all the parts together, we proceed to testing the design, which will start revolutions at 1 m / s.

Windmill from a motor-wheel and magnets

Not everyone knows that a wind generator from a motor-wheel can be assembled with your own hands in a short time, the main thing is to stock up on the necessary materials in advance. The Savonius rotor is best suited for it, it can be purchased ready-made or on its own. It consists of two semi-cylindrical blades and an overlap, from which the axes of rotation of the rotor are obtained. Choose the material for their product yourself: wood, fiberglass or PVC pipe, which is the simplest and best option. We make a junction of parts, on which you need to make holes for fastening in accordance with the number of blades. You will need a steel swivel mechanism so that the device can withstand any weather.

From ferrite magnets

A magnetic wind generator will be difficult to master for inexperienced craftsmen, but you can still try. So, there should be four poles, each will contain two ferrite magnets. They will be covered with metal linings a little less than a millimeter thick to distribute a more uniform flow. The main coils should be 6 pieces, wound with a thick wire and should be through each magnet, occupying a space corresponding to the length of the field. The fastening of the winding circuits can be on the hub from the grinder, in the middle of which a pre-turned bolt is installed.

The flow of energy supply is regulated by the height of the stator fixing above the rotor, the higher it is, the less sticking, respectively, the power decreases. For a windmill, you need to weld a support-rack, and fix 4 large blades on the stator disk, which you can cut out from an old metal barrel or a plastic bucket lid. At an average rotation speed, it produces up to about 20 watts.

The design of the windmill on neodymium magnets

If you want to know about the creation, you need to make the base of the car hub with brake discs, such a choice is quite justified, because it is powerful, reliable and well balanced. After you clean the hub of paint and dirt, proceed to the arrangement of neodymium magnets. They will need 20 pieces per disk, the size should be 25x8 millimeters.

Magnets must be placed, taking into account the alternation of the poles, before gluing it is better to create a paper template or draw lines dividing the disk into sectors so as not to confuse the poles. It is very important that they, standing opposite each other, be with different poles, that is, they are attracted. Glue them on with super glue. Raise the borders along the edges of the discs, and wrap tape or plasticine in the center to prevent spreading. In order for the product to work with maximum efficiency, the stator coils must be calculated correctly. An increase in the number of poles leads to an increase in the frequency of the current in the coils, due to this, the device, even at a low speed, gives more power. The coils are wound with thicker wires in order to reduce the resistance in them.

When the main part is ready, the blades are made, as in the previous case, and fixed to the mast, which can be made from an ordinary plastic pipe with a diameter of 160 mm. In the end, our magnetic levitation generator, with a diameter of one and a half meters and six wings, at 8m / s, is capable of providing up to 300 watts.

The price of disappointment or an expensive weather vane

Today, there are many options for how to make a device for converting wind energy, each method is effective in its own way. If you are familiar with the methodology for manufacturing energy-producing equipment, then it will not matter on the basis of what it is made, the main thing is that it meets the intended scheme and gives good power at the output.