DIY Generators

I have been interested in creating my own energy for a while and after helping build the bicycle powered generator I started to think, what other motors can you use to make energy especially ones that end up being thrown away.

One route seems to be making generators out of stepping motors (printers, scanners, floppy drives etc) which run at a low speed which are good for wind power. The only problem is that  Stepper motors output an A.C voltage which is of little use for our battery charging application. So you need to build a rectifier to turn the A.C into DC.

Instructions:

Stepping motor, 8 diodes, battery pack AAA
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-Coffee-cup-model-wind-charger/?ALLSTEPS

http://www.thebackshed.com/windmill/assemblyMini2.asp

http://www.instructables.com/id/Bike-Generator/?ALLSTEPS

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-build-floppy-drive-wind-generator/

http://solar.freeonplate.com/floppy_windmill.htm

http://www.instructables.com/id/Wind-Generator-from-old-scanner/?ALLSTEPS
Shopping list:

-8 x 1N4001 Rectifier Protection Diode

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-x-1N4001-Rectifier-Protection-Diode-/310399628812#vi-content
 

 How it works:

http://hackaweek.com/hacks/?p=595

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Another route is to use pre existing DC motors found in electric scooters then use a charge controller to power either a battery or as well as an output e.g. light, appliance etc.












Instructions:

good instructions on how to build and where to run drive via chain drive


http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

http://www.c-realevents.demon.co.uk/steppers/stepmotor.html

http://www.reuk.co.uk/Electricity-with-Stepper-Motors.htm

Shopping list:

-1 x 24 VOLT 250 WATT ELECTRIC E-SCOOTER MOTOR 24v 250w

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24-VOLT-250-WATT-ELECTRIC-E-SCOOTER-MOTOR-24v-250w-/180837266199?pt=UK_Toys_Games_Outdoor_Toys_ET&hash=item2a1abdb317

-1 x 1N4001 Rectifier Protection Diode

-1 x 30A Solar Regulator 360W Solar Panel Charge Controller 12V /24V 30I

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30A-Solar-Regulator-360W-Solar-Panel-Charge-Controller-12V-24V-30I-/120953586302?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item1c2965427e