In uncertain economic times, searching for ways to save money is on most of our minds. If cutting your home energy bill is on your list of things to do, adding wind power can be a viable option if you live in a high wind zone. However, buying inexpensive wind power kits and DIY wind turbine parts instead of more expensive ones may not reduce your home energy bill as much as you’d like.

A wind turbine’s main parts are the wind blades, generator, mounting, control panel, and tower. That sounds simple enough to build, but the most advanced wind turbines are designed with computers from the ground up. An efficient wind turbine design leads to maximum energy production.

The wind turbine parts that you should focus on to maximize your investment and energy production are:

The Generator: Is one of the most important components of a wind turbine which transforms wind power into usable electricity by reversing the direction of a DC motor shaft. You can use any DC motor such as a car alternator, old electric lawn mower motor or inexpensive DC motors in power tools if your goals for electricity production are small.

When deciding which generator to purchase or convert, it may be a good idea to invest in a good generator like those produced by Ametek if you are serious about wind energy production. Focus on the size of the motor, amps, voltage, and a generator with a low RPM rating of 400 or less which produces 12 volts or more.

Generators with low RPM ratings generate more electricity at lower wind speeds. So unless you are expecting to drive your wind power production from multiple hurricanes, or live in a high wind zone, a lower RPM rated generator is the way to go.

If you are considering a low cost, high RPM rated generator, attach a larger hub to the wind blades with a drive belt to the generator, similar to the gear setup of a bike. Doing this will send more RPMs to the generator and produce more electricity, but will require more torque from the wind blades which will lower your RPMs. Try out different size hubs and test which configuration works best.

Wind Blade: The wind blade is another important wind turbine part that generates RPMs by capturing the wind, which is offset and slowed by the wind resistance of the blades. Blades, which are homemade, can have poor RPM efficiency if they are not balanced correctly, which will add additional stress to the generator shaft bearings.

Most commercial wind turbines use the three blade configuration as it produces the most efficient wind capture with good blance while retaining low wind resistance.

If you choose to use a high RPM rated generator with larger hub, using a five blade configuration will increase your wind blade torque, but the additional wind resistance to the blades will lower your RPMs. Again, test and see which maximizes your home energy production.

Constructing your own wind blades will give you a sense of accomplishment and give you a low cost wind turbine, but commercial blades designed with computers and made out of carbon fiber can be purchased at a relatively low cost and produce more electricity.

Taking the inexpensive route on wind turbine parts may be the best path in the short run, but choosing to purchase quality parts at relatively low cost can provide you with a wind turbine that will last longer and provide you with more usable energy for your home in the long term.

About The Author: Keith Garrett is a wind energy and solar power enthusiast for the home. His website at www.solarwind4homes.com provides tips and knowledge to homeowners looking to transition to renewable energy in the 21st century.