A Wind Energy-Powered Charger

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by Kelly S. Isaac

"Breezy" can breathe new life into your dying radio and flashlight batteries.

Imagine using the wind to breathe new life into dying batteries. Most battery chargers require electrical power derived from the burning of fossil fuels. But what if you could capture the power of a breeze and turn it into power that could be stored until later, when you need it? Talk about self-sufficiency and recycling rolled into one! If you like soft energy paths, and want to break the "throw-away" battery cycle in your home, here's a project for you ....

Some Background

The concept of harnessing the wind to do work isn't new. Our ancestors frequently utilized wind power to pump water, saw wood, and grind grains. In fact, the design and implementation of useful windmills dates back hundreds of years. While the burning of fossil and nuclear fuels dominates world-power production, environmental concerns prompt us to now look seriously at "green" energy sources. Wind is clean, free, and abundantly available. So why not simply substitute wind power? Energy experts are quick to point out the fact that our modern per-household power consumption is usually much greater than the wind alone can provide. Does that mean that wind power won't work? Quite the contrary. Rather, our challenge is to "catch, store, and utilize" energy from as many different sources as possible. A little here and a little there saves money, worry, and the Earth.

Building "Breezy"

By following these simple instructions, you should easily be able to construct this windmill in one afternoon, and be recharging AAA through D-size batteries by evening. So gather up your supplies (see Parts List) and follow the instructions below. Breezy's body is constructed of 1" diameter, schedule 21 PVC pipe. Plastic pipe was selected for its ruggedness, availability, and especially, its cost. You may choose to substitute schedule 40 PVC pipe for additional durability, but it is not necessary.

PVC pipe, normally used for plumbing, is easy to cut and put together. Begin by cutting the 1" diameter PVC pipe into the various sizes noted in the parts list. You can mark the appropriate lengths right onto the pipe with a pencil. (Avoid making unnecessary marks that you'll have to clean off later.) Cutting the pipe is simple, and can be done with a hacksaw or handsaw; make the cuts as straight as possible. You may want to use some fingernail-polish remover or acetone (in a well-ventilated area) to clean off the ink labeling from the pipe. The materials needed for Breezy are commonly available, but feel free to substitute materials on-hand where necessary and applicable. For example, you may choose to use different diameters of PVC pipe. If so, you'll have to change the size of fittings.

Also, keep in mind that if you decrease the pipe's diameter, you must scale down the overall size of the entire unit. Next, sandpaper both ends of each previously cut piece of PVC pipe to ensure a clean fit. Then, following the diagram, temporarily assemble the precut pieces of pipe with the appropriate fittings. Start with one side and assemble the sail members. Don't push the pipe pieces completely into the fittings; instead, gently slide each piece part way into the elbow, tee, or end cap with a back and forth motion. Next, assemble the members and fittings of the other sail. Notice from the diagram that this sail frame is oriented in the opposite direction. This is critical in the function of the unit because Breezy's sails work by "catching" the breeze and then letting it "spill" off the back edge of the sail. With both sail frames assembled, it's time to put together the center vertical member and the

top and bottom cross members. (Refer to Breezy Mechanical Detail on page 65). Drill a hole in the "tee" separating the top cross members. This hole should be X" in diameter, and can be easily drilled with 3/4" spade bit. (Separate the tee from the assembly before drilling it.) Also, use a vice when drilling such a large hole; the drill bit might grab the tee from your hand. This 3/4" hole will provide rotor stability by allowing the mast (steel rod) to protrude through it. Center this hole perfectly so the windmill won't be off balance.

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