{"id":524571,"date":"2010-04-12T05:14:40","date_gmt":"2010-04-12T09:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ecofriend.org\/entry\/amazing-diy-projects-to-create-electricity-at-home\/"},"modified":"2010-04-12T05:14:40","modified_gmt":"2010-04-12T09:14:40","slug":"amazing-diy-projects-to-create-electricity-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/524571","title":{"rendered":"Amazing DIY projects to create electricity at home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/the-green-twist-machine_1_9sqew_69_lTZvK_5638.jpg\" alt=\"the green twist machine_1_9sqew_69\"\/><\/p>\n<p>We all need electricity to power the infinite set of energy-sucking appliances that we depend upon so much. However, the rise in the cost of electricity has made homeowners think about means to fuel their technology-driven lives with alternative sources of energy. Though there are a variety of renewable energy generators available on the market, there are several DIYers who use their skills to create energy generators at a fraction of the cost of market available products. Check out a list of 12 such projects that can allow you to generate free electricity at home after the break:<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 250W Wind Turbine:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/gen2_cGzk2_5638.jpg\" alt=\"gen2\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Created by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thekevdog.com\/projects\/wind_generator\/\">Kevin Harris<\/a>, a college student, this DIY wind turbine features a simple design and easily available products to generate an output of 250W. The designer wanted to keep the cost as low as possible, for which he used materials like PVC pipes and a simple DC electric motor. This easy-to-build wind turbine was built at a total cost of just $150.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/gen1_loBzg_5638.jpg\" alt=\"gen1\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Pedal Gen:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/diy-electric-bike_ilbhb_69_tf7f9_5638.jpg\" alt=\"diy electric bike_ilbhb_69\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ecofriend.org\/entry\/eco-gadgets-diy-exercise-bikes-keeps-you-fit-and-generates-electricity\/\">Pedal Gen<\/a> is a modified bicycle with its front wheel removed and the rear wheel attached to a simple electric motor. The bicycle can be used as any other conventional exercise bike, but here apart from burning your calories, it generates renewable electricity as well. The designers believe that an average human can generate a constant 100W of power in 20-minute sessions, which if stored in a battery can be used to power three 11W CFLs in just one hour. This DIY won\u2019t cost you more than $10 if you already have an old bicycle in your garage.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Battery made from old aluminum cans:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/diy-battery_xdw1e_69_FUADn_5638.jpg\" alt=\"diy battery_xdw1e_69\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Created from easy to find materials like an old aluminum can, saltwater and charcoal, this <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/Aluminum-Can-Saltwater-and-Charcoal-Battery\/\">DIY project<\/a> has been made to reduce the number of batteries that are discarded every year and to generate a few volts of electricity as well. The battery can churn out a maximum of 0.5V at 3.6mA, which should be good enough to power a few LEDs in your backyard or charge your music player.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/diy-battery_2_c9ogi_69_4ptUK_5638.jpg\" alt=\"diy battery_2_c9ogi_69\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Aermotor Replica windmill:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/mini-windmill__5784_Bw589_5638.jpg\" alt=\"mini windmill__5784\"\/><\/p>\n<p>This homemade <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ecofriend.org\/entry\/diy-a-mini-windmill-for-your-backyard\">Aermotor Replica windmill<\/a> by Jim Duda is a pretty nice project that will introduce you to the power of off-the-grid efficiency. Made from salvaged materials, the wind turbine automatically adjusts itself to wind direction to generate the maximum possible output.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/mini-windmill1__5784_6x1kT_5638.jpg\" alt=\"mini windmill1__5784\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Green Twist Machine:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/the-green-twist-machine_1_9sqew_69_lTZvK_5638.jpg\" alt=\"the green twist machine_1_9sqew_69\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Created from an old table and a salvaged electric motor, this machine is a DIY <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ecofriend.org\/entry\/eco-gadgets-diy-hand-cranked-spin-art-machine-generates-electricity-too\/\">spin-art system<\/a> which also generates renewable electricity from the creator\u2019s electronic gear. The system can power radios, lights, cellphones, PMPs and other similar devices as well. The designer states that the spinning operation generates up to 5-volts DC, 190mA of electricity.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/the-green-twist-machine_2_qgeze_69_jW6oG_5638.jpg\" alt=\"the green twist machine_2_qgeze_69\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/vertical-axis-wind-turbine_bqzoj_69_EMUTg_5638.jpg\" alt=\"vertical axis wind turbine_bqzoj_69\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Vertical axis wind turbines have always been applauded for their noise and vibration free operation. While commercial turbines might cost you thousands of dollars, this amazing DIY will set you back by just $200. Made from PVC pipes and other <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ecofriend.org\/entry\/eco-diys-vertical-axis-wind-turbine-made-from-pvc-pipes\">recycled materials<\/a>, the turbine can generate about 100W of electrical power at 35kph wind speeds.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Foot-powered Generator:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/power-generating-shoe_Orc34_5638.jpg\" alt=\"power generating shoe\"\/><\/p>\n<p>We all love listening music in our PMPs, but charging them isn\u2019t an eco-affair unless you have the ability to design something as innovative as this foot-powered iPod charger. This <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/Power-Generating-Shoe\/?ALLSTEPS\">device<\/a> has been made using a spring, some wood, a small piece of re-bar, some thick wire, some small screws, and a cell phone charger. After attaching the system to the sole of your shoe, all you have to do is to walk to juice-up your iPod\u2019s battery.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/power-generating-shoe-2_es3Yk_5638.jpg\" alt=\"power generating shoe 2\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Beer Battery:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/beerbattery_ugVvq_5638.jpg\" alt=\"beerbattery\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/lifehacker.com\/software\/friday-fun\/how-to-make-a-beer-battery-307756.php\">Beer batteries<\/a> create energy from bacteria that feed on waste water. These microbial fuel cells can be easily made at home and generate a few watts to power your cellphones and other electronic devices, without sourcing any energy from the grid. Though the setup might look dirty, the end result is mostly clean electricity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Wind Turbine from ABS Pipes:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/flyingagain_moaVr_5638.jpg\" alt=\"flyingagain\"\/><\/p>\n<p>After purchasing some remote property in Arizona, Mike was in need of a system that can generate a few hundred watts of electricity. After reading information on some other <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.makezine.com\/archive\/2007\/01\/how_to_build_an_electrici.html\">DIY wind turbines<\/a>, this DIYer started building his personal turbine with a small generator, blades made from ABS pipes, a mounting that keeps the turbine turned into the wind, a tower to mount the turbine and batteries to store all that charge. With some components purchased from EBay, this DIY wind turbine was built at a cost of just $140.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/flying1_seMzQ_5638.jpg\" alt=\"flying1\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/messy_fHbgK_5638.jpg\" alt=\"messy\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Pedal-Powered Generator:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/pedal-powered-generator_yfAqL_5638.jpg\" alt=\"pedal powered generator\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Using the simple principle of an exercise bike, DIYer David Butcher has constructed what he labels the \u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/blog.makezine.com\/archive\/2006\/03\/build_a_pedal_powered_gen.html\">Pedal-Powered Prime Mover<\/a>\u201d. This pedal generator keeps David fit and charges batteries that run an inverter to produce 100V AC. This electricity can be used to power LED lights, computer monitors or a TV as well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Electricity from walking:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/electricity-from-walking1_636M4_5638.jpg\" alt=\"electricity from walking1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Based on the use of a few <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/Electricity-from-walking\/\">piezoelectric<\/a> devices, this project lets users generate electricity whenever pressure is applied on the piezoelectric crystals that are deployed over the crystal lattice. The system can generate an output of about 14V, which is much more than what your cellphone or iPod will require.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/walking_nYcr9_5638.jpg\" alt=\"walking\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Steam-powered Battery Charger:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instablogsimages.com\/images\/2010\/04\/12\/a-steam-powered-battery-charger_69_qa8I9_5638.jpg\" alt=\"a steam powered battery charger_69\"\/><\/p>\n<p>If you are not yet ready to catch the solar era of eco-friendly gadgets, then try this out \u2013 a steam-powered battery charger that will give more meaning to the junk lying around in your home. The project makes use of a \u201cLook Out\u201d brand boiler from the 40s, a 6 HP steam engine from 1903 and a self-made magnetic alternator that uses all that steam to generate electricity to power your batteries. This <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ecofriend.org\/entry\/green-diy-a-steam-powered-battery-charger\/\">magnetic alternator<\/a> charges a 48V battery bank at 120 rpm and at 200 rpm it generates 2000 Watts of power, which is pretty good considering the hardware that is involved in the DIY.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all need electricity to power the infinite set of energy-sucking appliances that we depend upon so much. However, the rise in the cost of electricity has made homeowners think about means to fuel their technology-driven lives with alternative sources of energy. Though there are a variety of renewable energy generators available on the market, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":229,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-524571","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524571","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/229"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=524571"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524571\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=524571"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=524571"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=524571"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}