Shop power

[powerzombie]

I have an idea that I would like to see implemented in my shop soon.

Here's the idea, tips welcome.

I want to use 12v to power halogen headlight and tail light bulbs for workspace lighting.

An automotive headlight throws off a lot of light, and even interior lights and tail lights make adequate work area lighting.

Windmill powered automotive alternator, battery back up (two should do it).

You could even mount a light on a pigtail type cord so you have a moveable "trouble light".

What say you?

[paul]

actually i think it is a great idea. it might even be worth trying with 6 volt headlights that don't require as much energy. please let us know if you try this and how it works. i notice on alot of the boats down here have small wind generators on them for their electrical needs. next time i am at the marina i will take some pictures. the boats are anchored well off shore but at night they seem well lit and even saw a tv going on one of them.

[Desert Rat]

That is a great ideal powerzombie

When I was in the Baja a few years ago I saw some campers along the beach using a home made windmill/alternator to power up there RV's.

I wonder whats the cheapest, easiest to obtain material that would work to make the blades.

[greencat]

Originally Posted by Desert Rat

That is a great ideal powerzombie

When I was in the Baja a few years ago I saw some campers along the beach using a home made windmill/alternator to power up there RV's.

I wonder whats the cheapest, easiest to obtain material that would work to make the blades.

Hi Desert Rat. I came across this home made windmill and solar panel site. Real nice instructions. If you deceide to build it please keep us informed.

How I built an electricity producing wind turbine


He used PVC pipe

[roachhill]

I would lean away from halogens they demand a lot of current that just gets turned into heat. Unless you actually need spotlights I would use RV interior lights to save power. also for wind power you really need to find out if your site is suitable avg wind speed, obstructions, ect. If wind is appropriate look at Mikeswindmillshop.com. I have not tried his turbines yet but the prices look good so I plan to when finances allow.

[galute]

Hello everyone. First I want to say thanks to the Cats for this nice forum.

I use a small windmill to charge batteries at my barn where there is no power available from the grid. Works great. I have a 2500 watt inverter that provides enough power to run all my power tools and a small 110 volt air compressor. Todays technology has really improved to the point that you can use small windmills in areas that just did not have enough wind to power older units. The 12 volt lights in the shop work pretty good. So far I have yet to have a need for more power than my set up provides.

[zero240sx]

the great thing about wind energy compaired to solar energy is that it works through the night....and you can make them out of stuff you can find at a junkyard, or your back yard...if you live around here haha.

[galute]

One thing I forgot to mention with the shop lights. I would use LED's if possible. The trick to making these small windmill's and any solar set work is you gotta be as effecient as possible with every aspect of it.