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Last edited by linus ernix
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1.Introduction

⚠️ Caution: The windkit is still in development. Prototype not field tested yet!⚠️

⚠️ Project is not yet recommended for reproduction!⚠️

Welcome to the step by step construction and assembly guide of the windkit. Please read the following lines carefully to get an idea of what it means to build your own windkit.

Level of difficulty

The windkit is a electromechanical machine that needs advanced skills and understanding, or the will and dedication to learn these skills and gain these understandings. You will need skills in the following fields:

Wood work

  • Handling wood working tools and machines such as japanese saw, wood chisel with hammer, spokeshave, plane, hand-held circular saw as well as jigsaw, file and sand paper

  • Carving the three rotor blades from wooden planks

  • Cutting the wind vane from plywood board

Metal work

  • Handling metal working tools and machines such as wrenches, metal saw, metal file, cordless screwdriver or upright drilling machine, angle grinder and welding machine

  • Cutting and drilling different flat metal parts and pipes

  • Welding the nacelle

Electric installation

  • Handling electrician tools such as multimeter, wire stripper, crimping tools and soldering iron

  • Remove insulation from cables, crimp connectors, connect cables via different connectors

  • Soldering the coils of the stator to one coil array

Synthetic resin

  • Weighing, mixing and handling of epoxy resin and hardener

Time required

Building the windkit is not an afternoon or a weekend job. We recommend: Don´t set yourself a tight deadline when building your first windkit. This way you will learn the most and reduce the risk of errors or even accidents.

Very rough estimate of the overall time required to build a windkit:

  • Overall time estimation: 100 hrs

  • Get the components: 16 hrs

  • Building the three rotor blades: 36 hrs

  • Building the alternator: 24 hrs

  • Building the nacelle: 8 hrs

  • Building the wind vane: 8 hrs

  • Assemble the windkit: 8 hrs

How to start the project

  1. Find a friend or friends who want to build the windkit with you.
  2. Get familiar with the bill of materials (BOM) and the tools required.
  3. Get familiar with the section Get the components.
  4. Browse through the section Let´s build to get an idea of the manufacturing steps.
  5. Browse through the section Let's assemble to get an idea of the assembly.
  6. Order the necessary components (see Get the components)
  7. Follow the step by step guide of Let´s build and Let's assemble.
  8. Enjoy: The journey is the goal.