Very often, outdoor enthusiasts do not want to give up the comforts of everyday life. Since most of these amenities are electricity related, there is a need for an energy source that you can take with you. Someone buys an electric generator, and someone decides to make a generator with their own hands. Not an easy task, but quite doable at home for anyone with the technical skills and the right equipment.
Before deciding to make a home-made 220 V generator, you should think about the feasibility of such a solution. It is necessary to weigh the pros and cons and determine which will suit you best - a factory sample or a homemade one. Here the main advantages of industrial devices:
However, industrial designs have one significant drawback - a very high price. Not everyone can afford such units, therefore it is worth thinking about the advantages of home-made devices:
A self-made electric generator at home is unlikely to have high performance, but it is quite capable of providing minimal demands. Another disadvantage of homemade products is electrical safety.
It is not always highly reliable, in contrast to industrial designs. Therefore, you should be very serious about choosing the type of generator. This decision will depend not only on saving money, but also on the life, health of loved ones and oneself.
Electromagnetic induction is at the heart of any generator that produces current. Everyone who remembers Faraday's law from the physics course for the ninth grade understands the principle of converting electromagnetic oscillations into a constant electric current. It is also obvious that to create favorable conditions to supply enough voltage is not easy.
Any electric generator consists of two main parts. They can have different modifications, but are present in any design:
There are two main types of generators, depending on the type of rotor rotation: asynchronous and synchronous. Choosing one of them, take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each. Most often, the choice of folk craftsmen falls on the first option. There are good reasons for this:
In connection with the above reasons, the most likely choice for self-made is an asynchronous generator. All that remains is to find a suitable sample and a scheme for its manufacture.
First, you need to equip the workplace with the necessary materials and tools. Workplace must comply with safety regulations when working with electrical appliances. From tools you will need everything related to electrical equipment and car maintenance. In fact, a well-equipped garage is fine for building your own generator. Here's what you'll need from the main parts:
By collecting necessary materials, begin to calculate the future power of the device. To do this, you need to perform three operations:
When the capacitors are soldered into place, and the desired voltage is obtained at the output, the structure is assembled.
In this case, the increased electrical hazard of such objects should be taken into account. It is important to consider proper grounding of the generator and carefully insulate all connections. Not only the service life of the device depends on the fulfillment of these requirements, but also the health of those who will use it.
Using the assembly diagram of a device for generating current, many come up with their own incredible designs. For example, a bicycle or water-powered generator, windmill... However, there is an option that does not require special design skills.
In any car engine there is an electric generator, which is most often quite serviceable, even if the engine itself has long been scrapped. Therefore, having disassembled the engine, you can use the finished product for your own purposes.
Solving the problem with rotor rotation is much easier than thinking about how to rebuild it. You can simply repair a broken engine and use it as a generator. For this, all unnecessary components and accessories are removed from the engine.
In places where the winds blow without stopping, restless inventors are haunted by a waste of nature's energy. Many of them decide to create a small wind farm. To do this, you need to take an electric motor and convert it into a generator. The sequence of actions will be as follows:
Having made his own windmill with a small electric generator or a generator from a car engine with his own hands, the owner can be calm during unforeseen cataclysms: there will always be an electric light in his house. Even after going out into nature, he will be able to continue to enjoy the amenities that electrical equipment provides.
The answer to the question of how to make an electric generator yourself from an electric motor is based on knowledge of the structure of these mechanisms. The main task is to transform the engine into a machine that acts as a generator. In this case, you should consider the way how this entire unit will be set in motion.
Equipment of this type is used in completely different areas. This can be an industrial facility, private or suburban housing, a construction site, and of any scale, civil buildings for various purposes.
In a word, a combination of such units as an electric generator of any type and an electric motor allows the following tasks to be accomplished:
In the first case, we are talking about a safety option in case of dangerous situations, such as network congestion, accidents, outages, etc. In the second case, a multi-type electric generator and an electric motor allow you to get electricity in an area where there is no centralized network. Along with these factors, there is another reason why it is recommended to use an autonomous power source - the need to supply a stable voltage to the consumer input. Such measures are often taken when it is necessary to put into operation equipment with particularly sensitive automation.
To determine which electric generator and electric motor to choose for the implementation of the tasks, you should imagine what is the difference between existing species an autonomous power supply source.
Petrol, gas and diesel models
The main difference is the type of fuel. From this position, they are distinguished:
In the first case, the electric generator and the electric motor contained in the structure are mostly used to provide electricity for a short time, which is due to the economic side of the issue due to the high cost of gasoline.
The advantage of a diesel engine is that significantly less fuel is required to maintain and operate it. Additionally, a self-contained diesel electric generator and an electric motor in it will operate for a long period of time without interruptions due to great resources engine.
The gas device is excellent option in case of organizing a permanent source of electricity, since fuel in this case is always at hand: connecting to the gas main, using cylinders. Therefore, the operating cost of such a unit will be lower due to the availability of fuel.
The main structural units of such a machine also differ in design. Engines are:
The first option is installed on devices of lower power and dimensions, while the second is used on more functional devices. The generator has a node - alternator, its other name is "generator in generator". There are two versions of it: synchronous and asynchronous.
By the nature of the current, they are distinguished:
To understand how to make an electric generator from an asynchronous electric motor, it is important to understand the principle of operation of this equipment. So, the basis of functioning is to transform different types energies. First of all, the kinetic energy of the expansion of gases arising from the combustion of fuel is converted into mechanical energy. This happens with the direct participation of the crank mechanism when the engine shaft rotates.
The transformation of mechanical energy into an electrical component occurs through the rotation of the alternator rotor, as a result of which an electromagnetic field and EMF are formed. At the output, after stabilization, the output voltage goes to the consumer.
The most common way to accomplish such a task is to try to organize the power supply through asynchronous generator... A feature of this method is the application of a minimum of effort in terms of installing additional nodes for the correct operation of such a device. This is due to the fact that this mechanism operates on the principle of an asynchronous motor and produces electricity.
We watch the video, a fuel-free generator on our own:
In this case, the rotor rotates at a much higher speed than it could produce a synchronous analogue. It is quite possible to make an electric generator from an asynchronous electric motor with your own hands, without using additional nodes or special settings.
As a result circuit diagram the device will remain practically untouched, but it will be possible to provide electricity to a small object: private or Vacation home, apartment. The use of such devices is quite extensive:
To organize a truly autonomous source of power supply, an electric generator without a driving motor must operate on self-excitation. And this is realized by connecting capacitors in sequential order.
We watch the video, the generator with our own hands, the stages of work:
Another way to get things done is to use a Stirling engine. Its feature is the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical work. Another name for such a unit is an external combustion engine, or more precisely, based on the principle of operation, it is rather an external heating engine.
This is due to the fact that a significant temperature difference is required for the device to function effectively. As a result of an increase in this value, the power also increases. An electric generator powered by an external heating Stirling engine can operate from any heat source.
To turn the motor into an autonomous power supply, the circuit should be slightly changed by connecting capacitors to the stator winding:
Asynchronous motor switching circuit
In this case, a leading capacitive current (magnetizing) will flow. As a result, the process of self-excitation of the node is formed, and the value of the EMF changes accordingly. This parameter is more influenced by the capacitance of the connected capacitors, but we must not forget about the parameters of the generator itself.
To prevent the device from heating up, which is usually a direct result of incorrectly selected capacitor parameters, you need to be guided by special tables when choosing them: 
Before deciding where to buy an autonomous electric generator without an engine, you need to determine whether the power of such a device is really enough to meet the user's needs. Most often, home-made devices of this kind serve low-power consumers. If you decide to make an autonomous electric generator with your own hands without an engine, buy necessary elements can be in any service center or a store.
But their advantage is their relatively low cost, given that it is enough to only slightly change the circuit by connecting several capacitors of suitable capacity. Thus, with some knowledge, you can build a compact and low-power generator that will provide enough electricity to power consumers.
To make a wind generator with a power of up to 1 kW with your own hands, there is no need to purchase special equipment. This problem is easy to solve with an asynchronous motor. Moreover, the specified power will be quite enough to create conditions for the operation of individual household appliances and connect street lighting in the garden at the dacha.
If you make a windmill with your own hands, then you will have a free source of energy that you can use at your own discretion. Any home master able to make their own wind generator based on an asynchronous motor.
The generator set, which will generate electricity, includes the following main elements:
The operation of homemade wind turbines carried out by analogy with wind turbines that are used in industry. The main goal is to generate alternating voltage, for which kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy. The wind sets in motion a rotor-type wind wheel, as a result of which the received energy goes from it to the generator. Moreover, usually the role of the latter is performed by an asynchronous motor.
As a result of the creation of a current by the generator, the latter enters the battery, which is equipped with a module and a charge controller. From there, it is sent to a DC voltage inverter, the source of which is the power grid. As a result manages to create alternating voltage, the characteristics of which are suitable for domestic use (220 V 50 Hz).
A controller is used to convert AC voltage to DC voltage. It is with its help that the batteries are charged. In some cases, inverters are capable of performing the functions of a source uninterruptible power supply... In other words, in the event of problems with the supply of electricity, they can be used as a power source household appliances batteries or generators.
To make a wind turbine, it is enough to have an asynchronous motor, which will have to be redone. At the same time, you will have to stock up on a number of materials:
The generator has the following characteristics:
Most often, do-it-yourself installation of the generator is carried out using a three-blade wind wheel, reaching a diameter of about 2 m. The decision to increase the number of blades or their length does not lead to an improvement in performance. Regardless of the option chosen regarding the configuration, dimensions and shape of the blades, preliminary calculations should be performed first.
During self installation you need to pay attention to such a parameter as the condition of the soil of the site where the support and stretch marks will be placed. The mast is installed by digging a hole no more than 0.5 m deep, which must be filled with concrete mortar.
Network connection carried out in a strictly defined order: the batteries are connected first, followed by the wind generator itself.
The rotation of the wind turbine can be carried out horizontally or vertical plane... In this case, the choice is usually stopped on the vertical plane, which is associated with the design. It is permissible to use the Darrieus and Savonius models as rotors.
The design of the unit should use sealing gaskets or a hood. Thanks to this decision moisture will not harm the generator.
For the location of the mast and support, a open space... Suitable for a mast is a height of 15 m. the most widespread are masts, whose height does not exceed 5-7 m.
It is optimal if a self-made wind generator performs the functions backup source nutrition.
These installations have restrictions on their use, since their operation is possible only in those regions where the wind speed reaches about 7-8 m / s.
Before you start creating a windmill with your own hands, they perform accurate calculations. In some cases, difficulties arise with the processing of asynchronous motor units;
A wind turbine cannot be created without electrical modules, as well as a series of experiments.
Although, always you can purchase a ready-made asynchronous generator, you can go the other way and save money by making it yourself. Difficulties will not arise here. The only thing that needs to be done is to prepare the necessary tools.
These are all the operations that must be performed when setting up an engine-based generator. Then you can proceed to its installation. Be aware that using a device equipped with a squirrel cage rotor will generate a high voltage current. For this reason, you need a step-down transformer to achieve 220V.
It is not always advisable to buy a factory generator. Sometimes it is easier to use the materials and tools at hand to make it yourself. Devices with a capacity of up to 1 kW will be enough to connect street lighting in the country or any other household appliances. You can build such a generator from an induction motor.
Making an asynchronous generator with your own hands has many advantages. It is a free source of electricity that can be used for a variety of purposes. In addition, even a novice master can do such work.
Structural diagram of an electric generator will consist of several key elements:
The principle of operation of home-made 220 V alternators is no different from devices that are used for industrial purposes. Both of them convert kinetic energy into electrical energy.
In do-it-yourself structures, the wind force turns the windmill, which is attached to the rotor. Thus, kinetic energy is transferred to the generator. He also produces electricity. A converted induction motor is often used as a generator.
The electricity generated by the generator is transferred to the batteries. The latter must be equipped with a charge control module. From the batteries, electricity is supplied to the DC inverter. Thus, you can create an alternating voltage. It will be suitable for domestic use, that is, with parameters 220 V and 50 Hz.
To convert AC voltage to DC voltage, you need to install a special controller. It is thanks to him that the batteries are charged. Sometimes inverters can function as an uninterruptible power supply. That is, in the absence of centralized electricity or interruptions in its operation, an asynchronous alternator can be used for household purposes, powering various devices operating at 220 V.
To make a motor-generator with your own hands, it is enough to have an anti-synchronous motor. The rest of the materials can be found on the farm or in specialized radio markets.
You may need the following tools and materials:
First you need to decide on the desired final result. The characteristics of the electric motor acting as a generator may be different, and it depends on how much electricity the device will generate per unit of time.
For the production of an average amount of energy the generator should have approximately the following characteristics:
As a rule, for making a wind generator from an asynchronous motor with your own hands a wind turbine with three blades is applied, which reach two meters in diameter. If you increase the number of blades or their length, then the performance will not improve. Before choosing a device modification, type, characteristics, dimensions, it is necessary to carry out the correct calculation.
Each of the devices must be connected to the mains in a certain order. First comes the batteries, and then the wind generator. The shaft of the electric motor can rotate either horizontally or vertically. As a rule, they are installed in an upright position, this is due to design features... To provide protection against moisture, the generator is equipped with gaskets or a cap.
To install the mast, you must choose an open place where there will be a maximum amount of winds. The mounting height of the generating set must be large enough. The converted asynchronous device is ideally installed at a height of 15 meters, but in practice, no one uses masts over 7 meters.
It is better not to use the device as the main source of electrical power at home. Such a low-speed device should be installed for insurance against situations with power outages or to save family budget because the bill for centralized feed is significantly reduced.
It should be noted that this type of unit cannot be used in all regions. The minimum wind speed for expediency of use must be constantly kept at around 7 meters per second. If this figure is less, then very little electricity will be generated.
Before installation, the necessary calculations are carried out. In some situations, it can be difficult to handle the nodes of the asynchronous engine. A wind turbine cannot be manufactured without the appropriate modules, as well as preliminary testing of the device. It is impossible to connect such equipment.
Of course, you can buy a factory-made asynchronous generator, but the option of self-production is much more economical and does not take much time. In the process, no difficulties should arise even for an inexperienced person.
Some tools need to be prepared to redesign an AC brushed motor. You need to do the work in accordance with certain rules:
The generator can be taken from other devices, for example, from a VAZ car. After that, you need to proceed to its installation on the mast. It should be remembered that in the case of using a rotor operating in squirrel-cage mode, the device will generate a high voltage current.
To obtain 220 volts, you must equip the device with a step-down transformer. The device does not need to be connected to the mains as it operates on a self-energized basis.
Thus, making a generator from an induction motor is not a difficult task, even for a novice master. If we take into account all the capabilities of the device, then we can conclude that in certain situations it will help with power outages, and when a very powerful wind generator is installed, it will be the main source of energy in the house.
All household appliances that are used today for household chores are powered by electricity. That is, it turns out that the electric current becomes the main mechanical work devices. But this addiction has back side- it is possible to obtain electrical energy from mechanical energy. And many craftsmen use this by creating a generator from an asynchronous motor with their own hands.
Everyone who has a house outside the city is faced with the problem of inconsistent power supply. Let's face it, this is the number one problem in suburban settlements. Generators that run on gasoline or diesel fuel help to get out of this situation. True, such energy devices are not a cheap pleasure, therefore many summer residents assemble generators with their own hands, using an asynchronous motor for this.
So, as mentioned above, an asynchronous motor can operate in the generator mode only if it creates a rotor torque and correctly select and connect the capacitor group.
As for the torque, there is a huge number of structures and devices that can create this torque. Here are just a few examples.
There are three main ways to get electrical current through an induction motor.
Attention! All experts assure that perfect option the use of an engine for mechanical energy is one in which the so-called eternal idling... That is, the rotation speed does not change and is constant. In addition, you will have to increase the rotational speed of the electric motor shaft, which will differ from the nominal with an increase of 10%.
You can find out the nominal rotation speed on the tag or in the passport of the device. Its unit of measurement is rpm. If you did not find this indicator, then you can determine it if you turn on the motor in the supply electrical network, having previously installed a tachometer on the shaft.
Now for the capacitors and the motor connection diagram. First, there is a certain dependence of the capacitance of the capacitors on the power of the generator. Here it is in the table below.
Secondly, the capacitance of the capacitors on each motor overlap is the same. Third, keep in mind that high capacitance can lead to overheating of the electric motor. Therefore, strictly adhere to the ratio in the table. Fourthly, the installation and assembly of the capacitor group is a responsible business, so be careful. Isolation is very important in this matter.
Advice! It is necessary to connect capacitors to each other according to the triangle scheme. And the windings are star-patterned.
By the way, below is a diagram for turning on an electric motor as a generator.
And one moment. A generator from a squirrel-cage induction motor produces a very high voltage. Therefore, if you need a voltage of 220V, then it is recommended to install a step-down transformer after it. Single-phase electric motors of low power, which are used in household appliances... Of course, they will also be low-power, but using them to turn on a light bulb or connect a modem will not be a problem. By the way, novice home craftsmen begin their activities as an electrician with just such small appliances. Their scheme is simple, the details are available, and the assembled device itself is practically safe.
Making a generator from a conventional asynchronous motor with your own hands is not a problem. It is important to comply with all the requirements that we have described above. A little inaccuracy and things can go wrong. In any case, it will no longer be possible to get a current of 220 volts, and if it does, the unit itself will not work for a long time.
