My nephew was determined to make a solar powered windmill for his school science fair.
It was an ambitious project, and he asked for my help. We got to work researching and gathering the materials we’d need, from solar cells to circuit boards.
(Check out these DIY wind turbine plans if you want to try something a bit more ambitious).
After hours of hard work, it was ready at last – a gorgeous, functional windmill that harnessed the power of the sun!
On presentation day, my nephew proudly unveiled his creation – and won first prize! His enthusiasm and dedication inspired me, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.
After helping my nephew build a solar-powered windmill for the science fair, I decided to collect and share the best DIY windmill project plans so others can make their own.
This blog post includes detailed instructions, wiring diagrams, and even videos that show how you can create your very own backyard windmill!
With these resources at hand, anyone can get started on building their own piece of renewable energy technology.
DIY Windmill Plans
1. A WindMill for Gusty Places
A windmill is a great project to keep you busy when the weather is windy or cold or when you’re craving a DIY project and don’t want to spend too much money. You can build a simple windmill by making a hole in your yard and attaching an umbrella to a small piece of wood.
2. Lego Windmill
Teach your children about renewable energy sources and give them the chance to build their own windmill with this kid-friendly guide!
3. Homemade Windmill Decoration
Make Your Own Working Windmill: Don’t pay top dollar for a windmill – make your own with this comprehensive guide!
4. Building a Windmill
Jumpstart Your Kid’s STEM Education: Inspire kids to explore topics like engineering and physics with these easy DIY windmill projects!
5. Creating a Simple Lego Windmill
6. Solar-panel Windmill
7. Simple Beer Can Windmill
8. Solar-Powered Windmill
Make Learning Fun With Windmills: Allow kids to have fun while they learn by creating their own unique windmill designs!
9. LEGO Motorized Windmill
10. Strawbees Windmill
11. Windmill – 3D Printed, Laser Cut
12. DIY How To Make Paper Windmill
13. DIY Paper Windmill I How To Make Paper Windmill That Spins
14. DIY Wind Turbine | Make simple windmill
15. DIY Homemade Wind Turbine for $32!!!
As the wind blows through the hole, it will cause the umbrella to rotate around and spin you heaps of free energy.” In this article, we will show you how to build a windmill and how to expand your windmill into a mini turbine.
Steps To Make a DIY Windmill
Step 1: Acquire a generator
A generator can be anything that can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. You can obtain a generator by asking your parents or borrowing one from a friend. You will need a 1.25 HP AC generator, three 2×6 pieces of wood, two 2×10 pieces, and four 2×8 pieces of wood.
Step 2: Making the blades
The blades and the hub connect with a bolt, nut, and wingnut. To start making the blades: make sure you have a 2×6 piece of wood, a saw, and some nails. Cut four pieces of wood to be 20″ in length, and then measure 1 inch from the end of each piece.
Use the saw to cut off the wood portions 1 inch from each end. Use nails to join all four sides, ensuring that all four sides are even and symmetrical. Sand down the edges and make them round.
Step 3: Making the hub
The hub holds up the blades. To make the hub: use a saw, a drill, and screws to create a circle out of scrap wood with a 3-foot diameter. Drill holes in each corner of the circle to place screws in.
Use one 2×6 piece of wood and one 2×10 piece to connect two hubs. This makes the hub more stable and strong. Use a saw to cut off the wood portions 1 inch from each end. Use sandpaper to make it even and round. Make it as small as possible to put the blades inside.
Step 4: Attaching the blades
To attach the blades to the hub: use a drill, a saw, and screws; use nuts and bolts to connect each of the four blades together, with nuts attached to rings that go through both sides of each blade. Use hinges to connect the hub to the umbrella so the blades turn.
Step 5: Make a funnel for the hole
To make a funnel for the hole: use four 2×8 pieces of wood, four hinges, and four L brackets; place four pieces of wood together to form a square, and then drill holes through each corner.
Use hinges to connect both sides together at each corner. Attach circular pieces of wood in the center, so you can open and close them like an umbrella. Attach the L brackets to the four corners, then connect it all together with a hinge. This will be used to funnel air into your windmill.
Step 6: Building the base for your windmill
The base of your windmill is a platform; you can build it out of almost anything. For example, you could use cement blocks or wood blocks. The base should be sturdy and strong so it does not tip over in strong winds.
The bigger the base, the more stable it will be in high winds. In addition, the base is connected to a pole that supports the windmill because, without the pole, the windmill will fall over. The pole should be solid and stable, so it does not tip over.
Step 7: Attaching your windmill to the platform
To attach your windmill to a platform: use a drill, nuts, bolts, and wingnuts; use brackets or L brackets to connect all four corners of the platform together. Place your poles on top of the platform. Bolt your windmill to the poles. Attach the funnel with a hinge to open and close it.
Step 8: Testing your windmill
When your windmill is complete, connect the generator to it and plug in a light bulb or an electrical appliance. The wind should be blowing into the funnel through the hole, causing the blades to spin.
The fan will then rotate around the inside of the hub, activating a motor inside the generator. This will then create an electrical current, which will power the light bulb or appliance.
If your windmill is not working correctly, adjust your blades and see if it helps. You can make the blades move faster by making them thinner or slower by making them thicker.
References
- https://www.instructables.com/How-I-built-an-electricity-producing-wind-turbine/
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
