Monthly Archives: August 2016

Your Questions About Wind Generators Home Use

James asks…

How big a generator do I need to run the essentials for a home, including a well pump?

We are wanting to purchase a generator for emergenices, but how big do we need one to be? I am especially interested in the running of our well pump for water (we are in a rural area). What type of generator would work best? Are there solar alternatives?

admin answers:

The smallest I would recommend is 5000 watts. This should be enough to operate the well pump, small cooking appliances, lights, television, fridge, etc. Power will be limited and you will have to be careful not to overload the generator. I power my house with a 5500 watt generator. You should also consider installation of a proper transfer switch and be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Read through my generator page listed below for more information.

If your main goal is to power the well pump solar or wind are not feasible. The power requirements are simply too high. It may be an option to supplement your electrical consumption for other smaller loads however.

Betty asks…

How can do I make a home made electric generator?

I will like to know how I can make a home made electric generator. I know you can buy them today for cheap but I tought it would be a fun project.

admin answers:

I’m not sure from your question what you want to make, the generator itself or a system that generates power?

The generator itself would be very difficult for home production. Take apart a car alternator or starter motor (which would work as a generator) and see whats involved. Using these same items to generate power from another source such as wind is perfectly reasonable to do with directions how available on the Internet.

Having said that, if you just wanted to make something that worked but wasn’t actually practical, take a look at the link http://www.howard.k12.md.us/res/MakingStuff/motor.html
This would work as an ac generator if the ends of the wire wound on the cork were connected to some type of collector ring and brushes and the needle turned by something

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