Website design By BotEap.comSince the recent headlong rush into all things solar, there seems to have been a disturbing trend in rising prices for wind generator parts. It would be nice to say that it is not so, but it seems to be so.

Website design By BotEap.comHowever, it is still much cheaper to build your own wind generator than to buy one of equivalent power. If you’ve read any of the DIY guides out there, and there are several, the most commonly quoted price for the turbine engine seems to be $40.

Website design By BotEap.comThe bad news is that this seems to be an almost impossible price to match today (October 2009). A more usual price now is $75 to $100. It seems to be a case of supply and demand. It did not increase supply, but much more demand. Two recent purchases of mine were of the latter figure, but this included buckets to hold the blades. To make one of these hubs yourself and balance it properly would require a high level of skill. You would most likely go to an auto shop for service yourself, which would no doubt cost $40 or $50.

Website design By BotEap.comSo maybe the total cost hasn’t strayed too far.

Website design By BotEap.comAs long as you are looking for a suitable wind generator motor, look for a permanent magnet motor that produces power at a low RPM range. Usually you want something to run at 500 RPM or less.

Website design By BotEap.comIf this is not available, there is a solution for motors running at higher speeds.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat it would do is drive the motor at a higher speed than the blades rotate. This can be achieved by either adjusting the generator through a mechanical transmission or through a belt drive to increase engine speed. The belt is obviously the easiest solution and the cost would be minimal.

Website design By BotEap.comJust as your car’s alternator has a small pulley and the main drive pulley on the crankshaft is large, your turbine engine can similarly speed up. Small pulley right on the motor, a larger pulley attached to the blade hub.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you’re ready to take one off the man and start generating some of your own electricity, go here for more information on how to do it.