Generator from the engine of a washing machine. Assembling a wind generator from a washing machine with your own hands: features, advantages and disadvantages of a homemade windmill

Electricity is an expensive resource, and its environmental Safety in doubt, because hydrocarbons are used to generate electricity. This depletes the subsoil and poisons the environment. It turns out that you can provide the house with wind energy. Agree, it would be nice to have a backup source of electricity, especially in areas where power outages are common.

The conversion plants are too expensive, but with some effort you can assemble them yourself. Let's try to figure out how to assemble a wind generator with your own hands from washing machine.

Next, we will tell you what materials and tools will be required for the job. In the article you will find diagrams of a wind generator device from a washing machine, expert advice on assembly and operation, as well as videos that clearly demonstrate the assembly of the device.

Wind turbines are rarely used as the main sources of electricity, but as an additional or alternative they are ideal.

This good decision for cottages, private houses located in areas where there are often problems with electricity.

Assembling a windmill from old household appliances and scrap metal is a real action to protect the planet. Garbage is just as important an environmental problem as pollution. environment combustion products of hydrocarbons

A homemade wind generator from a screwdriver or a washing machine engine will literally cost a penny, but it will help save decent amounts on energy bills.

This is a good option for zealous hosts who do not want to overpay and are willing to make some efforts to reduce costs.

Often, car generators are used to make windmills with their own hands. They don't look as attractive as designs industrial production, but they are quite functional and cover part of the electricity needs

A standard wind generator consists of several mechanical devices, the function of which is to convert wind kinetic energy into mechanical, and then into electrical. We recommend that you look at the article about and its principle of operation.

For the most part, modern models are equipped with three blades to increase efficiency and start working when the wind speed reaches at least 2-3 m / s.

Wind speed is a fundamentally important indicator on which the power of the installation directly depends.

The technical documentation for industrial wind turbines always indicates the nominal wind speed parameters at which the installation operates with maximum efficiency. Most often, this figure is 9-10 m / s.

What energy costs can the installation cover?

Installing a wind turbine is cost-effective if the wind speed reaches 4 m/s.

In this case, almost all needs can be met:

  • A device with a power of 0.15-0.2 kW will allow you to switch room lighting to eco-energy. You can also connect a computer or TV.
  • A wind turbine with a capacity of 1-5 kW is enough to ensure the operation of the main household appliances including refrigerator and washing machine.
  • For autonomous operation of all devices and systems, including heating, you need a 20 kW wind generator.

When designing and assembling a windmill from a washing machine engine, wind speed instability must be taken into account. Electricity can disappear at any second, so the equipment cannot be connected directly to the generator.

Homemade generators are not new. Many craftsmen make them by converting electric motors from various household appliances or construction tools. Our task in this article is to deal with the possibility of making a generator from a washing machine engine with our own hands. We will immediately make a reservation that it will not be possible to make this unit, so to speak, in a quick way. This is a rather lengthy process, where you will have to use the services of a turner.

Stages of work

What exactly should the turner do? First, you will have to disassemble with your own hands asynchronous electric motor from a washing machine that is designed to operate from a 220-volt outlet. After that, the motor core is transferred to the turner, who must cut off part of the element on the machine to a depth of two millimeters. Further, grooves are made in the core with a depth of 5 mm, where several neodymium magnets will have to be inserted. Grooves are best done after the magnets themselves are purchased, because the size of the groove is made according to the dimensions of the magnet. By the way, the latter is not a problem. You can buy them today in the store or order in the online store.

Template preparation

So, the core is ready, now you can move on to processes that fall into the “do it yourself” category. To fix the magnets on the core of the washer, you need some kind of device. It can be made from a tin strip or from another material similar in technical characteristics.

The length and width of the tin strip is adjusted to the dimensions of the core diameter and the width of the grooves. That is, the template must exactly lie at the place where the magnets are installed. Pay special attention to the fact that the distance between the magnets must be the same.

Generator Assembly

Everything is ready, you can proceed to the assembly of the electric motor-generator with your own hands. We must say right away that this process requires special patience. There is no need to rush here. The thing is that the magnets will be installed in the grooves of the motor core with glue. Their small size creates difficulty and inconvenience in installation, the glue slips, its splashes will fall on the hands, sometimes even on the face. So it is not worth neglecting labor protection measures. Still, the adhesive composition is a chemical solution, quite active.

So, here is the assembly diagram, how to make a generator with your own hands:

  • a prepared tin template is glued across the rotor;
  • then neodymium magnets are installed in the prepared grooves, here it is very important, as mentioned above, to accurately observe the installation distance and the angle of inclination of the elements, because even a slight deviation from these two parameters can cause sticking, which will necessarily lead to a decrease in the power of the homemade generator;
  • now the gap between the magnets must be filled with a special material called cold welding, it is very similar to plasticine;
  • and the last stage is grinding the surface with sandpaper, it can be done by placing the rotor in a vise, or on the floor or table;
  • the whole electric motor is assembled by hand.

Generator testing

To check how the generator we have assembled works, a few additional elements are needed. Namely:

  • small capacity battery, can be from a motorcycle;
  • rectifier;
  • multimeter to determine the charging power;
  • charge controller.

The generator connection diagram for testing is as follows: two generator windings are connected through a rectifier to the charge controller. The latter is connected to the battery. The multimeter is also connected to the battery terminals.

The most difficult thing to check is to turn the rotor of the electric motor. Manually reaching the required rotation speed will not work. Therefore, it is recommended to use either a drill or a screwdriver for these purposes. You connect one of these tools to the motor rotor (there are different options here, and there are many of them) and start spinning at a rotation speed of 800-1000 rpm. If the generator you made produces a voltage of 220-300 volts, then this is an excellent indicator. If the voltage is very low, then it means that the rotor was assembled poorly. This mainly concerns the installation of magnets (uneven installation and not all elements are attached at the same angle).

Where to use

We managed to make a generator from the electric motor of the washing machine. Testing has shown that it works. So, what is next? Where can this unit be used?

In principle, if you find the energy that could rotate the rotor, then there are problems with electricity, for example, in a small country house would not. Therefore, home masters offer several commonly used options:

  • Install the generator to the gasoline engine. For example, it can be an old Druzhba saw or a motor from a motorcycle.
  • Connect to a windmill, thereby making a wind current generator.
  • Connect to a hydro turbine, which is installed in a makeshift waterfall or a fast-flowing stream.

The last two options are the cheapest, since there is no need to buy an additional energy source. These are environmentally friendly installations operating on alternative fuels.

And one moment. Make a 5 kW generator out of the washing machine motor and it will no longer work. Therefore, do not rely on the fact that this unit can be used to make a device that completely replaces the electrical network. But for a couple of rooms or for a bath (garage and so on) it will do. The maximum that such a generator can produce is 2 kW. In addition, do not expect 380 volts from it either.

Let's add that from the engine direct current you can also make a generator. Moreover, in some washing machines, such units are installed. In such motors, graphite brushes are a distinctive feature.


If you are interested in the issue of alternative energy and you live in an area where there is a stream nearby, God himself ordered you to build a small hydroelectric power station. The generator itself is not difficult to make, in this instruction we will look at how to make it from a conventional washing machine. the main problem is to build a dam and raise the water level. As a result, you will be able to send a jet of water to the blades of your turbine and get free electricity.






For the manufacture of the generator, the author used a washing machine from modern models. If you have a machine from the times of the USSR, then it most likely will not work, since they have a different type of engine. Modern machines use motors with a permanent magnet stator, or vice versa. Thanks to this design, we have both an engine and a generator at the same time, which does not require an initial voltage to start. Since the engine runs on a voltage of 220V, such a motor will also produce 220V or more as a generator if it is spun to the desired speed.

Alternatively, such a generator can be used without problems in the manufacture of windmills.


Materials and tools used by the author for homemade:

List of materials:
- automatic washing machine (engine with magnets);
- bolts, nuts, washers and other small things;
- good glue(silicone);
- materials for the manufacture of turbines;
- a piece of rubber (from an old car camera);
- plywood;
- plexiglass;
- charging controller, batteries and more.

List of tools:
- Bulgarian;
- spanners and screwdrivers;
- scissors;
- (you need to drill a large diameter hole);
- ;
- .

HPS manufacturing process:

Step one. How does everything work?
Inside the body of the washing machine is the motor shaft, on which the turbine (impeller) is installed. An inlet for water is drilled in the body, as well as an outlet window. When water is supplied through the inlet, the turbine starts to rotate and the motor-generator produces 220V voltage, although this value depends on the speed and load. Then the current goes to the controller, which already distributes the energy to the right places.

Important!
This design, according to the author, can produce enough energy to heat water, turn on a kettle and other rather energy-consuming appliances. But do not load the generator too much, as it starts to heat up. For the author, overheating of the generator led to the fact that the plastic melted, and the generator simply fell out of the case. In this regard, come up with overheating protection for the generator, and even better - make a cooling system.



Step two. Dismantling the washing machine
We proceed to the preparation of the components. We take a screwdriver and disassemble the washing machine. They are all sorted in different ways, it all depends on the particular model taken. You need to completely disassemble and remove the upper part, only the container with all the filling should remain.






























Unscrew absolutely everything from the tank, there are many hoses connected, a pump, a drum, and so on. As a result, you should have the inner part of the body with the engine. At the time of work, the author also removes the engine. As you can see, the stator here is a set of coils, and the rotor is equipped with permanent magnets. If there are no magnets in the engine, then to start such a generator, it will be necessary to apply a starting voltage to the winding.

Step three. Making a protective pad
The author decided to install a protective gasket on the shaft. Why exactly it is needed is not clear. Probably so that the water pressure does not act on the stuffing box and does not lead to its rapid wear. We make the gasket from an old car camera. We cut out a circle in accordance with the dimensions of the impeller and put it on the shaft.





Step four. We install the impeller
The author kept silent about how the impeller was made. In principle, there is nothing complicated in the design. You will need a disc of the right size on which to mount the blades. The blades are fastened with bolts and nuts. We fasten the impeller to the motor shaft with a nut.





Step five. Inlet and outlet openings
The author drills the inlet with a drill using a bit. Its diameter should be such that a pipe can be inserted here, which will supply water inside.






As for the outgoing hole, it is made quite large, it can be cut out with a grinder. The hole should be large so that a lot of water does not get inside the container. The author installs a protective shield on this window so that the flowing water does not splash in different directions. The shield can be made from a dense film or other suitable material. The author fastens it with screws.

Step six. We close the container
To prevent splashes from flying anywhere from the hydroelectric power station, the author closes the container and leaves only a small window so that one can observe what is happening inside. We cut out a circle of such a diameter from plywood that it goes inside the container. Plywood needs to be painted several times, but it is better to use another waterproof material. Cut a hole in the center for a window.










We coat the plywood in a circle with silicone glue and install it in its place. We prepare the window, it can be made of plexiglass. We also glue the window on silicone glue for tightness. To prevent it from being squeezed out by the pressure of water, the author drills four holes around and fastens it with additional bolts and nuts, placing large washers.



Step seven. Protective wing on the generator side
So that splashes do not fly onto the generator and rain does not drip, you need to make a protective shield for it. We cut out the desired piece from the remaining parts of the washing machine and fasten it to the body using self-tapping screws, bolts with nuts, and so on.



Step eight. Putting the generator in place
It's time to install the generator in its place. First screw the stator and secure all necessary wires. Next, attach the rotor. It is highly desirable to manufacture and install an additional impeller for more efficient cooling of the generator.

A wind generator is a great alternative to electric power sources. It is used for private houses remote from power lines and as an additional power source. In this article we will tell you how to make a mini-windmill from improvised means (washing machine, scrap metal, broken household appliances) with your own hands.

A wind generator is a complex of mechanical devices related to an alternative source of electricity that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy using blades, and then into electricity.


Wind generator - an alternative source of energy for a private house

Modern models have three blades, this provides greater efficiency installation. The minimum wind speed at which the windmill starts is 2-3 m / s. also in technical specifications the rated speed is always indicated - the wind indicator at which the installation gives the maximum efficiency indicator, usually it is 9-10 m / s. At wind speeds closer to 25 m/s, the blades take on a perpendicular position relative to the wind, due to which energy production drops significantly.

In order to ensure private house electricity, with a wind speed of 4 m / s, it is enough:

  • 0.15-0.2 kW for basic needs: room lighting, TV;
  • 1-5 kW to ensure the operation of basic electrical appliances (refrigerator, washing machine, computer, iron, etc.) and lighting;
  • 20 kW will provide energy for the whole house, including heating.

Because the wind can stop at any time, the windmill is not connected directly to electrical appliances, but to batteries with a charge controller. Because batteries are produced alternating current, and for household appliances you need a constant 220V, they install an inverter, to which all electrical appliances are connected. The disadvantages of wind turbines include the noise and vibration produced from them, especially for powerful installations, more than 100 kW.


Types of wind turbine blades

The main parts of the wind generator

To make a homemade windmill, you need to know what main parts it consists of and what they can be replaced with:

  • Rotor - a rotating part of the installation, powered by wind power. It can be bought at a store or removed from a non-working unit (engine or drill generator).
  • Blades. They are usually made of wood, light metal (aluminum), or plastic. They can be sail type (like windmill) and winged.

Advice! Vane profile blades are more efficient.

  • A generator is a device that converts wind power into electrical energy. You can make it yourself from magnetic coils or remake a ready-made washing machine or car generator.
  • The tail is an element that helps to orient the windmill in relation to the wind. It is made of wood, light metal, plexiglass or plastic.

Scheme: wind generator device
  • Horizontal rail to support the generator, wind turbine and tail.
  • A mast on which a yard with a generator is movably attached. It reaches a length of 5 m to 20 m and is made of durable wood or a plastic/iron tube hollow inside with a box for the outlet of the electrical wire. It is fixed with steel cables for additional reliability.

Advice! The higher the matcha of the windmill, the more energy it will generate.

  • Wire connecting the generator and the shield. And the switchboard itself consists of:
  1. battery. It is best to use special devices for alternative energy systems;
  2. battery charge controller;
  3. inverter.

How to make a windmill generator from a washing machine

As a generator for a windmill, it is best to use an asynchronous motor, which is used in old-style washing machines.


Attention! The main problem with homemade generators is magnet sticking. To avoid this, they are installed at a slight slope.

We make the holder, axis and blades


How to install a wind generator

  • We install a generator, blades, rotor and tail on the carrier rail. At the same time, it is necessary
    close the generator and the windmill rotor with a special casing for weather protection.

Advice! To protect against cold, the unit can be coated with a silicone-based lubricant.

  • The power plant is attached to the rail with a movable hinge mechanism.
  • The mast is attached to concrete base with 4 bolts.
  • A wire is run along the mast from the generator to the switchboard.

The installation of the wind generator is carried out in calm weather
  • After that, the voltage controller, battery and inverter are connected.
  • The installation is connected to test devices, during normal operation it is reconnected to the network.

Attention! Before connecting to the network complex Appliances, check the operation of elementary, for example, charging for the phone.

A wind generator is an environmentally friendly option for generating electricity. Small wind turbines are perfect for summer cottages or as an additional power source in private homes in the absence of light. In order to make it yourself, you need to have basic knowledge in electrical and electronics. It is advisable to watch the video instruction for more information.

Wind turbine from a washing machine motor: video