Hello, This is Ehsan, and i am doing my 10th grade, from india and I was wondering if anyone could help me. I`m doing a science project and was hoping to build a windmill that would generate enough of a current to light a small light bulb. Does anyone think that`s possible, and if so for under 50 bucks, how?
Can You please let me know about it as soon as possible? Its URGENT. Thank You.
Can I suggest you look at the energy groups.
Esp alt.energy.homepower.
This kind of application is a regular item there. I'm sure it can be done. If you want to be really energy conscious use a cfl lamp too.
Graham
You can check out sites like:
A stepper motor out of a dead floppy-disk drive makes a nice little AC generator, enough to light a couple of LEDs if spun gently. Connect a pair of LEDs in parallel, back-to-back, and connect them to various pairs of wires from the motor, spin by hand, and see what works. That should cost almost nothing. If you can get that to work, then you can build a simple wood, plastic, or fabric windmill to spin the motor.
John
How many US college EE sophmores (or even seniors) would attempt this?
I haven't tried this myself, but I bet a bicycle generator and a propellor would light up a couple of LEDs....
Another poster suggested using a stepper motor. I am going to try that myself. It seems like a good use for old drives...
Andy
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