Building a Simple and Cheap Wind Power Generator Using Scrap Microwave Parts!

I'm so excited to share this new video with you guys after so much time of being absent! I hope you were able to learn something from this video and be inspired to pick up some tools!
Please do share, like, and subscribe if you enjoyed what you watched today! It is very greatly appreciated!
This is a bit of a prototype build to learn the basics of building a power generator from scratch. The microwaves are easily available for free in most cases and don't even need to be operational in order to serve as parts! I found the best source to be my local appliance store, as they often take microwaves from homes for disposal during replacement., and were very happy to let me take them for free.
This DIY generator will produce about 15 volts at a moderate turn by hand. Unfortunately I do not yet know the total output wattage that it is capable of, but I will absolutely update you as I get around to testing it all out when it's finally up on a tower!
Having this turbine/solar combo will give me peace of mind and more opportunities to experiment in future videos!
Thank you so much for watching!
Best regards,
-Tate

[@justkelly6992]

As a specialty electrician/technician of many years I remember building solar panels from Patio doors and using junk to make windmills. This is a very well thought out and presented video that makes a scary subject friendly. WELL DONE SIR!!

[@FireCharged174]

Dude, with this guy and Primitive Technology, I'm set for the apocalypse

[@jasonbrowning9832]

I would love to see him to another video. subtracting having to have wind to power it. maybe using super-powered 🧲 to propel it. Maybe using three phase Motors, alternators or washing machine motors I've lots of this stuff just don't know how to put it all together.

[@jcwdenton]

Also check Robert Murray Smith, this british guy literally makes batteries, generators, etc from scrap.

[@rathma242]

youd need some kind of organic farmer with herbal medicine knowledge to make it truly comfy 👍 I like where your head is at.👍

[@JesusHernandez-ll5ok]

Babe the Apocalipsis means the suden erasing of those who have not mend their relationship with the máster of the universe YAHVEH you aint going to need primitive thecnology when God find you 😮😢🥴😵😵‍💫🥺😳😖😣😞😡😰🥶

[@arielhermoso4262]

@@JesusHernandez-ll5ok : Lord Jesus was hinting a possibility of christian believers which will be left behind (Matt. 24th chapter)- two (2) were sleeping in bed, one taken, the other left behind... Two (2) were working in the field, 1. taken & the other left behind... So, pastors in each local church, must teached the Basic Survival Tactics with their attendees.. So many vloggs in You Tube about the topic- can be summarized by concerned pastors- as food for thought & "wisdom, knowledge" equipping - in case of "left behind scenario". About self food production, URBAN FARMING in You Tube will give you lot of idea.. Also, knowledge for: 1) Air filtration system.. 2) Own water supply... 3) Food preservation tech'que... 4) Setting fish/ animals traps for food.. 5) Improvised clothings.. 6) Instant housing creation.. 7) Herbal medicines.. 8) Basic First Aid science.. 9)Basic hygienes science.. 10) Improvised Weapon.. 11) Security & Safety... 12) Basic of martial arts...13) Navigation & travel technique... 14) Basic swimming15) Basic communic'n... 16) Fire starting & cooking... 17) Basic rope tying... 18) Cover & Concealment.. 19) Mental hardening... And others.. God warned: "My peoples are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6 & Isaiah 5:13-15).. Knowledge & wisdom equipping being done by lions , tigers, etc. to their growinf cubs - plus the systematic preparation of ants, for future stormy incidents- believers must learned from them, to lessen the damaged of incoming crisis scenario- like being LEFT BEHIND DURING RAPTURE...

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

After making similar generators, I learned that better coupling between the magnets and coils such as found in permanent magnet DC motors, will enable more efficiency in a smaller package, but what's cool about your design is that it's brushless, and you salvaged your parts from junk microwaves. Thumbs up!

[@korishan]

Nicely done! A few tips to help it be more efficient. * Add more magnets, but not enough to be a multiple of the coils * Having a metal disc that the magnets are mounted to. This will help channel the magnetic flux and increase the field towards the coils * Instead of using zip-ties to hold the coils, you could use side clamps that hold them from the edges. These would probably need to be custom made. But this would allow closer tolerance between the coils and magnets. * Depending on distance, I would recommend leaving the AC output and then rectifying just before your controller. This way you don't loose power over distance. You are only running low voltage, so converting to DC too soon will increase losses. * Paint it some neat colors 😜

[@nunyabiz1780]

can the magnets serve a dual purpose and also reduce friction on the wheel bearings?

[@nunyabiz1780]

Don't you need an even number of magnets to do N-S and not have 2 of the same next o one another?

[@korishan]

@@nunyabiz1780 For this type of set up, you usually have +1 the number of coils, so that there is never 2 coils with magnets directly under. I'm not sure of the physics behind this, but there are formulas that can get you the best number. So if there are 10 coils, you have 11 magnets. I'm not sure if 12 or 13 would be any better/worse.

[@korishan]

@@nunyabiz1780 Using the magnets as bearings would only be possible if you used specifically that kind of bearing. I suppose you "could" put towards the center of the hub magnets facing same pole above on the stator and below on the rotor, this would cause a repulsion and lift the stator up a bit. That opposing force has to go somewhere, so there'd be force on the other side of the bearings. Magnetic bearings would truly be the only way to go to keep friction to a minimum

[@russellzauner]

nah id just go with the magic omnidirectional wind tower and focus on the impeller/turbine on the inside

[@fetus2280]

Ive been wanting to do something like this myself . I live where there is a Constant wind from the west so its Perfect for me where i reside ...Hence the wind farms and solar are here in droves . Between you and a few others on the YT, i think ill be able to do it up and it be Worth While . My plan is to Charge and keep topped off a battery bank UPS because we have power outages all the time and worst is we get the really quick Off/On which has cooked a few things on my network and computer parts . Dont want that to happen anymore .. and im "frugal" so this is right up my alley . Great video mate . Cheers.

[@TimeSurfer206]

It took me a few moments, but then I realized the Coils are set up in a strictly traditional "Wye" or Y, arrangement, no doubt to better deal with differing coils. Well done, Sir, and an inspiration.

[@alansharp62]

Well done for making the wind turbine for virtually no cost

[@Laran24]

Your projects , the easy way you explain (step by step ) how to build them. Just massive thumb 👍! I'm waiting for more !

[@ACupOfDuck]

Exactly what i needed! Have plans to make something to convert wind to power as an backup (and for fun). This explains quite a lot and is perfect!

[@MAZEMIND]

Good to have you back.

[@imnon1660]

This looks like it could very easily be adapted to be a waterwheel generator, very impressive.

[@Greenmachine305]

Excellent presentation. Very clear and concise. Anyone could successfully build one using the information you provided.

[@jayjenkins6021]

Very impressed. Absolute genius. Good ol American ingenuity. It works, rough around the edges, you have inspired me!

[@markholmes1346]

Really cool, thanks for sharing your knowledge! ✌🏼🙏🏼

[@MrGordy61]

When I look into solar systems, and look out the window it is cloudy and windy. But when I look into windmills it is dead calm and sunny ;-) So yah I need both too.

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

This is very cool! I can’t wait to see the gasification projects. Your other ones turned out great. Keep it up and it’s great seeing you post again. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@iron.emu111]

Great to know you're still making videos! Love the stuff I've seen so far. Great musical taste, too.

[@darkknight145]

Measuring voltage is only a small part of the equation. You need to measure the power output to show useful results.

[@careylogan7639]

Your presentation deserves a subscription. I started building my VAWT out of a satellite dish but just could not get it balanced well enough to operate at higher speeds. Another reason that keeping it small may be better. Heaven knows I have plenty of bicycle parts and wheels. I thought I was smart, but I learned a lot from you today. I may want to go and watch the rest of your videos. given the number of subscribers to videos produced makes me believe that the content of your other videos is worthwhile watching. The fact that Survival Lily comments says it all. Keep up the great work!!! Looking forward to more amazing content. Thx Bro

[@jamess1787]

We're not all vicious. Appreciate the videos, everyone you make is mint. Well done and quality content. Cheers.

[@daveharr7969]

You’re a good teacher. Thanks

[@alvinhyman6838]

First time seeing your videos. Very simple and effective build from scraps. Bonus for that alone. I read through some of the comments about making it more efficient. Ignore them because this is a true DIY for anyone. This setup is so simple and works at a relatively low wind speed and as built will out produce many of the "factory" built Chinese stuff sold on Amazon! Great video all the way!

[@barthanes1]

I get the greatest pleasure from making useful things out of trash. I recently made an live bait aerator completely out of salvaged materials. Sweet project man.

[@TheCynedd]

This man is fantastic! I love his videos.

[@robburbrink8277]

11 months since this video, I need more content! Please make more and thank you for the effort. Love your stuff!

[@west5701]

Love your content

[@randomn6473]

Thank you! I love that you love it!

[@davidmoore657]

The best single video i've ever seen on KZbin!!! The imaginative project is well executed! The explanation and presentation are clear and concise. Unless i missed it, harvest the diode after discharging the capacitor. A good source of diodes are coffee makers. Attached across the heating element are a pair of diodes already connected together.

[@sebarr48]

I love the Altoids tin. I’ve used one for a portable acupuncture needle case for years. 👍🏻

[@robsdeviceunknown]

Pretty amazing my man. I have no clue when it comes to electronics but i love it. I actually NEED t olearn more about this stuff as a Prepper.

[@jwrhynejr.6689]

Thanks Tate!! I dismantled a few microwaves for scrap value. Now I got a real purpose to harvest the magnets & coils!! AWESOME!

[@TopCat2021]

Glad to see you back, Nice build and great video.

[@denisdecharmoy]

Thanks man from wonderfull Durban, South Africa. Great job. Blessings Denis

[@nickhole_harryson7772]

You and Mr Teslonian are top notch with this kinda stuff..truly amazing

[@CajunWolffe]

Clever, to say the least. Great video. I've used old car alternators and PVC pipe, which works great. I had a 3-blade and 5-blade hub I could change quickly depending on the wind. I used it at a beach house near Galveston until I sold it a couple years back. I had my rectifier 50 feet away in the battery room and used a 12ga extension cord. One thing AC has over DC. She made an impressive 500 watts in decent wind avg was around 350 watts.

[@SurvivalLilly]

Awesome build. Why are wind turbines always 3 phase AC? Is it not effective to make them DC right away?

[@honeybadger6127]

it's hard to beat the efficiency of 3 phase power at a native power output, then rectify it to DC. If it was to put out DC natively, it would need a commutator and carbon brushes (way more complicated)

[@freedomseeding]

Pulse high freq

[@SaltGrains_Fready]

IT is DC right away as it feeds through the rectifiers.

[@jafinch78]

Technically you can design to have as many phases as you wanted. Not sure the logic. The only thing that comes to mind is like with generator welder machines. You can have separate phases for the generator and welder or if with an inverter to create pure sine wave output or I guess not pure sine wave, you can rectify and combine the phases. You can also use the separate phases potentially for directly charging batteries as well so different functions. I think when you get into the rectification and inverting, technically the DC-DC converters also act like H-Bridge designs in one way, so might be easier to step up and down without the old 50-60Hz transformers so can use High Frequency smaller size and maybe also lighter weight tranformers for stepping up or down, so like dealing with variable frequencies easier? I dunno. Could DC directly, though the main stream original logic is the transmission of the power. Might be better to run longer distances AC and then step down and rectify where being used so higher voltage and lower current transmission?

[@mrdamiencom]

Because of how kinetic (movement based) generators work. Magnetic fields only make current (electricity) in coils while the magnetic field is changing. If the magnets simply stay beside coils and don't move there is no change in the magnetic field -> no current. You cannot move a magnet closer indefinitely. It will hit the coil. So to keep the field changing the magnet must then move away. That closer-further pattern is responsible for the alternating current. Only solid-state (no moving parts, like solar) generators make DC directly.

[@Ishkatan]

Thanks for the Microwave disassembly warnings!

[@grndhg86d]

Excellent video, and thank you for sharing this.

[@spacedman42]

Junkers paradise... repurposing unused stuff for something better is the way to go, awesome work.😊

[@tapllarrow3984]

This channel is awesome and I learned a bunch from it. Sucks that you're not in a spot to make videos all the time. Keep up the good work dude

[@simonlinser8286]

this is really cool. thanks. ive been wanting to build one myself. you rock man taking apart those transformers is a lot of work, and i messed up the coil the 2 times ive tried

[@stillfrugal6618]

Awesome build and video. Not hard to follow, by any means. The wiring diagrams are a great plus to your video. Please do keep including them while showing the visual. The danger warnings are also very prudent. I have been looking to build a tulip shaped generator. It seems to be a very efferent shape for a non-directional blade, since one blade curves the wind into the back side of the other. Which, in turn, helps push the other blade against the wind force coming at it. So, now I know what to get, configure and use as my power generating platform. Your 3-phase set up is very simple and a very awesome set up. Thanks for the ideas and YES do keep creating your ideas and videos.

[@marakiwyinager581]

you are outstanding person. perfect and excellent did. i love to see such simplified things which a big company makes complicated.

[@farzadaf]

Loved it. Very clever.

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for the awesome content and great video!

[@azafreak]

Booyah! Great to have you back!

[@marcothehammer]

Great post! I'm looking forward to more!

[@Useitorloseit1]

Cool! Love to see some ducting that directs air to the power side of impellers and guards return side of the impellers.

[@doesstuffoutside]

Happy to see you back. This is great content.

[@NeonblueIndustries]

Great video and build Man! Thank you! Love the Altoids tin! If you get the torque right and have adjustable stator Gap, up could USE the E core from the Microwave Oven with some Neodymium magnets!

[@FixitEasyDIY]

Very useful. thank you brother 🙏🙏

[@tim9430]

Great job. You've gotten the gears to turning in my brain. Thanks much! Subscribed.

[@samuelyesudass6094]

Great idea! I will make use of it.

[@flip387]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing!

[@josephanthonypuccio4704]

Well done Lad!

[@drewaksparky1013]

Great project idea. Didn’t know there was coils inside the microwave. And I can find the materials I need w/o buying anything, awesome. Pretty sure there is a button on the multimeter that will light up the background. Be looking for further content for ya young man, keep up the great work.

[@Glaze887]

what a cool and amazing wind power generator you made Amzing job

[@mosesarzu7670]

Nice build,men!!

[@C3Rl3]

that blade brace idea is amazing

[@maxsmith8196]

Oh boy it’s been so long already! Great video, cheers man!

[@Teknopottu]

Great project and video describing it! Are we going to see some power readings? Trying not to be vicious but voltage only tells it is generating something. It may be just couple watts with average wind but so it is with commercial wind turbines of this size too. Everything generated with repurposed DIY stuff is a win!

[@rm6857]

I would say 1amp max

[@Teknopottu]

@@rm6857 1 amp on average wind would be pretty good for that size. Hard to say what the maximum generation could be, depends on the strength of the storm.

[@michebasta3371]

Great job!!!!!! Thank you so much man this knowledge will power us through the years ahead 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@adamrouse16]

Educational and fun to watch. Useful tips and warnings. Good video.

[@frankprit3320]

Very, very cool. you've inspired me to have to build one of those. thanks!!!

[@deandennis2838]

Great inexpensive design. I’ve got solar already but am going to build my version of this over the winter. The concept is going to be identical but the actual build will be based on what I have in my scrap yard.

[@SystemsPlanet]

Best video I've see that shows a solid DIY build that is capable of being useful

[@simonlinser8286]

holy crap i just realized why motors have to be made of copper, because if it was ferrous it wouldn't move because it would get stuck near the magnets... aluminum with copper plate works too. crazy. i can't believe i never thought about it that way

[@MikeySmithJones]

Nice. Gonna make a smaller one with an even smaller children's bike. I want to put mine about 20 feet in the air. :) Awesome details. Watching a ton of these videos and this one offered some good details. THANKS!!!

[@brutuslaurentius8729]

Fantastic video!

[@mybackhurts7020]

I live in the Mojave Desert we get so much wind up here sometimes of the year it’s just constantly windy I’ve always wanted to build One or two or three maybe enough to power the lights in my garage😅

[@xjaimevila]

This is the physical shape that I had in mind to explore. I was thinking you could make a tower of 2 or 3 of these stacked on each other and wired together to make a strong charger. Less space is needed then the large propeller format. Nice vid. 🏆

[@LuckyLambikins]

Very cool stuff! This is the first vid I found from you. Will be watching more.

[@kimberleyryan6751]

Amazing. Love your videos, they're so practical and helpful. Thanks so much for sharing you're amazing knowledge, ideas and practical know how. Very skilful, you're a legend!!

[@AuditorsUnited]

not to state the obvious but you would be better with higher voltage use extension cords to bring it to where you plan to use it and invert or convert it to your desired power... higher voltage travels farther

[@Teknopottu]

It was so close to the generator surely for ease of demonstration 😉

[@Engineerd3d]

Nice turbine!

[@xptechmikie]

This was an excellent, excellent, excellent, video presentation. You have a good heart.

[@Eagle621]

Excellent presentation. Better than any physics prof I ever had. You really cut to the chase without all of the BS other content providers say just to fill up time. In in the process of building your horizontal flow gasified. This turbine is next! Cheers from the Tennessee mountains 👍

[@andrewlarson2753]

Great job, love this kind of content

[@dougpine4746]

You did a nice job its simple and cheap easy to maintain. If you need more power make more turbines.

[@nonyabusiness9747]

Amazing brauh

[@saradolphin3242]

I liked it! Plan and Simple!

[@TheRealDahli]

Great video brother, very informative. Please drop another video like this.

[@mikeconnery4652]

Also good descriptions on how it's made.

[@morganroberts1111]

Thanks mate...great idea.

[@sgladiadis]

Awesome job. Love it

[@dannystrachan475]

Extra magnets could be sourced from old speakers, they are similarly shaped and easier to find than microwaves. Nicely done.

[@homeistheearth]

I really like this design, exactly what you can build for cheap, what i would like to know is how much this microwave parts can put out in matter of watts as the wind blows, its always how you can use it, 15 volt is plenty, if its ac you could transform it to move it far and then transform into what you can use, for ex here in Denmark it often blows alot in the winter when its cold, if such turbine could make 1 kw, it could deliver a big part of the energy. I like the Eco friendly parts which are almost all recycleable easy.

[@PterippiGaming]

1 kW is unlikely. I'd put this one in the ballpark of 100 to 200 W if you have a 5-7 m/s wind. It looks massive, but it is not efficiently built with those huge air gaps and complete lack of magnetic steel. This is one thing I do not like about videos like this is that people measure an abstract value that sounds cool, like 15 or 16 V in this case but this one is completely pointless. It is a cool project. But it is not really practical if it is not your hobby.

[@bumbarabun]

"15 volt is plenty" 15 volts without load is nothing. Just a number which does not mean anything.

[@garymucher4082]

I wonder if you were to built a wind shield that can turn for the direction of the wind to allow only the wind hit the cupped side of the turbine blades and not the back side of the turbine blades as well, if it would spin a little faster... IDK, just a suggestion. Thumbs Up

[@lastwymsi]

THEYRE ALIVE! Welcome back

[@newsomeassoc]

Good stuff man!

[@enamsatuu8988]

WOOW NICE JOB.......

[@WynterLegend]

That's pretty dope, man. I might try this myself, with a smaller, more mobile build.

[@BenMogendi-fp4mb]

Really very creative and clear explanation

[@th3r0d]

Thanks for the build and the vid. I enjoi'd it

[@Fatpumpumlovah2]

love how the meter stayed at 14 volts after you stopped its rotation. 10 thumbs up on that one. you should patent it.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

That's pretty neat! This style/ design of turbine is far safer and efficient than the windmill style too.

[@quantumleap8888]

It is refered to as a V.A.W.T. for vertical axis wind turbine.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@quantumleap8888 👍

[@MrGordy61]

I'll maybe grant you some on the safety issue. BUT there have been a lot of these VAWT's built over many years and they are NOT as efficient as the horizontal shaft designs. There is a reason the commercial companies stay with the HAWT design, the whole face of the blades gets hit by the wind. With a VAWT half of the face is turning against the wind making itself regulating RPM wise, so slower RPM's also reduce efficiency. I'll add that over the years I belonged to several DYI wind groups. Many of those members have taken down there mills because solar and batteries have dropped so much in price and the much lower maintenance needs of solar.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@MrGordy61 Drag reduction and mitigation of resistance on the backface of the blades is an issue yeah, but they still work very well and can rotate at much higher rates of overall energy production, even for small units. That, and yes with the safety thing, they're far, far better for local ecosystems.

[@Teknopottu]

@@DJTheMetalheadMercenary True words. Higher drag makes vertical turbines self braking so very high winds do not tear them apart.

[@davidredfearn664]

That is one awesome unit! One thing that could be done is to use a rear wheel on the bottom to use the sprocket for another form of motion like a gas or steam engine geared down to spin the turbine when the air is still.

[@JonasVonTheTuber]

Nice one, great idea and spare parts 🎉 I would love to see this with different loads attached to see what power this can output and maybe a graph showing this. Also is it working on the ground on windier days?

[@OregonMike]

Glad to have you back. How it the box van?

[@ZoranTulendic]

Well done! Keep up the good work!

[@pcpatel01]

wonderful project congratulations