Building a Small Wind Turbine: Generator Motor Platform

If you want to create your own small wind turbine to create electricity for your home, you will have to create a strong base platform to support the motor and turbine. The spinning turbine and weight of the motor can cause a great deal of stress on the support base, which can collapse if it is not properly made and installed. Fortunately, this is not a very difficult DIY project, and this simple how-to guide will show you everything you need to know. Let's get started.

Step 1 - Determine Installation Type

Before you begin, you will need to determine if you will be installing the motor platform on top of a concrete slab or a heavy wooden post or table. This will determine the type of anchor fasteners or bolts you will need to buy. Once you make a decision, purchase strong anchor bolts or fasteners for that installation type.

Step 2 - Measuring and Cutting Steel Base Plate

Take your marking pencil, measuring tape, and straight edge and create a square outline on a piece of steel plate. You should use a piece of steel plating that is about 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. After you create the outline with the marking pencil and straightedge, take your hacksaw and began cutting the steel plate. You'll need to place the steel plate in a vise or use clamps to hold the steel plates securely to a stable surface. The size of your steel plate will depend on the size and weight of the motor that will drive your turbine. However, in most cases, a 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 inch steel plate base should suffice.

Step 3 - Measuring and Cutting Motor Mount Plate

Measure the length and diameter of the motor that you'll be using to drive the turbine. The mounting plate for the motor should be about the same length and width. Measure the distance of the holes and transfer the measurements to the piece of metal plate you'll be cutting out for the motor mount. Then, just as you did with the base plate, use your hacksaw and clamps or vise to cut out the piece.

Step 4 - Cutting the Support Pole

Choose a height for your support pole. Generally speaking, the height of the support pole should be high enough that the turbine will not strike the ground when the blades rotate. Also, depending on where you are installing the turbine, you may want to make it high enough so that you can walk underneath the turbine safely.

Step 5 - Drilling Holes

Take a drill and metal drill bits and drill holes in the motor mount and base plates that are about the same size as the anchor bolts or screws you will be using to install the turbine.

Step 6 - Welding the Pieces

Once you have all your pieces cut and holes drilled, you need to use your welding machine to weld the support pole to the motor mount and base plates. Make sure the welds are solid and allow the welds to cool before continuing.

Step 7 - Installing the Motor Platform

Finally, you need to use a hammer drill to drill holes in the concrete, or use a regular drill to drill pilot holes in wood. Then, install your anchors and secure the base to the surface with anchor bolts.