How to Build a Windmill

How to Build a Windmill?

Windmill is the most efficient way to convert the renewable wind energy into electrical energy. Due to changes in air pressure, the blades of the windmill move. The movement of the blades converts the wind energy into mechanical energy. Through the shaft that is connected to the blades of the windmill, the mechanical energy is transferred to the generator where it is transformed into electrical energy, which can be used for different purposes.

A conventional windmill has four basic components viz. base, tower, blades and nacelle. All these components can either be bought or build at home. Before setting out to build a windmill, you should keep in mind certain important things; firstly, the height of windmill should allow it to reach above all the barriers and obstructions and take advantage of the wind. Secondly, the blades should be able to move freely with minimal resistance.

The primary function of the blades is to move with the wind. For this reason, they should be light-weight. Normally, blades made of plastic or wood are preferred for the windmill. As far as the size of the blades is concerned, it varies with the size of the base and the tower. For a windmill that is 5 feet tall, the blades are usually 1 to 3 feet long.

As the base has to bear the entire weight of the windmill, therefore it should be sturdy, robust and heavy. The base is generally made of concrete, wood and sandbag. To support a windmill that is 5 feet tall, the base should be at least 18-inches square and 10-kilograms in weight.

The tower of the windmill should be strong enough to shoulder the load of the blades and nacelle. It can be made of plastic or wood. The nacelle of the windmill contains a gearbox that facilitates the movement of the blades. Instead of the nacelle, you can also use a simple shaft to connect the blades to the tower.

Once, you have collected all the components, its time to build the windmill. The first thing that you need to do is to find an appropriate location to erect the windmill. The place should have minimum number for obstacles and it should also be on the windward side. After you have found such a location, start building the base.

On the base, screw up the planks of the tower, leave one side open to install the nacelle and blades. Assemble the blades and nacelle and cover the open side of the tower. The windmill is ready to generate electricity.