This is a fairly inexpensive way to generate power from intermittent wind. This isn't going to power your computer, but it is an interesting concept. I would like to see hundreds of these used to generate power at a more usable level.
Read more about an Intermittent Wind Generator
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 28, 2008 01:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Green |
Permalink
| Comments (2)
| Email This |
| Digg this!
Oldest comments listed first.
Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!
Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.
$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)
Check out more videos from MAKE.
 |
MAKE on Facebook Visit our Facebook page and become a fan of MAKE! |
 |
MAKE on Twitter Follow our MAKE tweets! |
 |
MAKE on Flickr Join our MAKE Flickr Pool! |
Gareth Branwyn
Editor-in-Chief
Phillip Torrone
Senior Editor
| Web | Twitter
Becky Stern
Associate Editor
| AIM | Twitter
Marc de Vinck
Contributing Writer
| AIM | Twitter
John Park
Contributing Writer
| Twitter
Sean Ragan
Contributing Writer
| Twitter
Matt Mets
Contributing Writer
| AIM | Twitter
Dale Dougherty
Editor & Publisher
| Twitter
Shawn Connally
Managing Editor
| Twitter
Goli Mohammadi
Associate Managing Editor
Kip Kay
Weekend Projects
| AIM | Twitter
Collin Cunningham
Contributing Writer
| AIM | Twitter
Adam Flaherty
Contributing Writer
| AIM | Twitter
John Baichtal
Contributing Writer
| AIM | Twitter
More contributors: Mark Frauenfelder (Editor-in-Chief, MAKE magazine), Kipp Bradford (Technical Consultant/Writer), Chris Connors (Education), Diana Eng (Guest Author), Peter Horvath (Intern), Brian Jepson (O'Reilly Media), Robert Bruce Thompson (Science Room)
Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!
Click here to advertise on MAKE!
Weekend Project: Making the Weekend Projects
Take a look "behind the scenes" as Kipkay shares what goes into shooting the Weekend Project videos and shares some tips to help you be a better movie maker. To download the Making The Weekend Projects video click here...
More...
Help | Write for MAKE | Contact Us | Subscribe | Advertise with Us | Privacy Policy| About MAKE | FAQ
© 2010 O'Reilly Media, Inc.
All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing on makezine.com are the property of their respective owners.
RSS
The electricity required to produce the aluminum used in the device is more than the device will ever produce.
Not saying this is a bad idea, just be sure that when you are dealing with a micro-producer that you take into account the real costs of the system and whether the design goals are actually met.
Reply to this comment
I like that idea. If I'm reading this right, gravity pulls the magnets back down after a gust of wind pulls the magnets up. Wouldn't it be better to use a weak spring of some kind, both above and below the magnet to make the output more consistent? The kite tugs the line, compresses the spring and pulls the magnet across the coils. When the gust dies down, the energy stored in the springs (compressed spring above, stretched below) causes the magnet to oscillate a bit back and forth. Hopefully long enough for another breeze to come by and start it over again.
Reply to this comment