How can i build my own electric generator?

Question

Essentially I want to create a very small windmill, which wont cost too much, and will have some wires that I can hook up to a a lightbulb or a meter.

Anyone know where to buy something like this? Or where I could get the materials to construct it?

thanks a bunch

Answer 1

Go to the local automobile scrap yard, and find a working 'alternator'.

Fasten the blades of your windmill to the shaft of the alternator, and voila, 12VDC output.

You might want to gear it up or down with various sized pulleys and drive belts etc.

If the alternator is too big and heavy to turn with your windmill, you might be able to salvage a small motor from a vaccuum cleaner or child's toy.  Almost any DC motor can be used as a generator.

Lastly, you could fasten a magnet perpendicular to a spinning rod (pencil or broomstick), and place coils of wire on either side of the magnet.  As the magnet spins past the coil, it will create a voltage.

Answer 2

http://www.earth4energy.info - tons of information on renewable energy.

Answer 3

I know of a site with plans on how to build one. I think the plans are around $49, and the total cost of the windmill will run you around $200.

http://www.aocgoldmine.com/windmill/ is the site

Not sure how much you're looking to spend but I think the windmill on that site can handle quite a bit of appliances, etc.