How to Make a Homemade Generator

A generator is a stand-alone system that converts energy from sources such as wind, the sun, and gasoline, into electricity that can be used to power electronic devices-without needing to draw energy from a utility company. Using a homemade generator is a great way for you and your business to stay financially independent, especially in a volatile and unpredictable economy.

One of the easiest ways to make a homemade generator is by adapting an existing motor to receive energy that is generated by renewable resources or fossil fuels, rather than attempting to build a motor from scratch. Design specifications, required materials, energy sources, and the amount of electricity the generator produces varies depending on the type of generator built.

Materials you'll need:

Research materials

Power source

Building plan

Electrical wires

Inverter

Transformer

Outlet box

Battery

Step 1: Research energy sources to determine which option is best for you. The type of generator you select may depend on variable conditions such as what power sources are available, such as wind turbines or solar panels, how much energy needs to be generated, and personal preference for using renewable energy sources or fossil fuels. The U.S. Department of energy provides an overview of all energy sources.

Step 2: Select the right energy source for your needs. Power sources may include photovoltaic modules, hydroelectric turbines, gasoline-powered small engines, biodiesel motors, and wind turbines.

Step 3: Buy, download, or design a building plan and wiring plan for your generator. An electrical contractor can help ensure the building and wiring plans are suitable for your energy needs.

Step 4: Develop your construction and assembly plan-of-action. Lay out all your materials in your workspace to get an idea of how much space you will need to build, store, and then operate your generator efficiently. The generator should be installed leaving enough space around it to account for moving parts, if necessary.

Step 5: Assemble your power source, which may be solar power or a wind turbine. If building a gas-powered or biodiesel-powered generator, obtain an appropriate supply of gas or biodiesel.

Step 6. Connect your power source to the generator using the specific connection requirements for your generator, which may include a system of gears and wires.

Step 7: Attach an inverter to your generator. An inverter converts direct current (DC) from the power source to alternating current (AC), which can be used to power consumer electronics. The kind of inverter that should be used is determined by the power source.

Step 8: Install a transformer to the generator system. The transformer will increase the voltage output from the generator (optional).

Step 9: Wire your generator system to an electrical outlet box or battery. The outlet box or battery will provide a direct connection from your energy source, through your generator, to your electric devices.

Warnings about making your homemade generator:

Use caution when working with electrical currents, as they could cause injury or death.

Make sure your workplace is clean and dry.

If necessary or desired, ground all wires to increase safety.

Tips for making your homemade generator:

Use your homemade generator year-round or periodically such as during electrical power outages.

Homemade generators can be used in conjunction with electric utilities.

If you are using a renewable energy source to power your generator, such as a wind turbine, and are also connected to the power grid, you may be able to sell any unused energy produced by your energy source to the electric utility.

References for information about your homemade generator:

U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Sources http://www.energy.gov/energysources/

Office of Safety and Health Administration: Glossary http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/glossary.html

U.S. Energy Information Administration: Planned Nameplate Capacity Additions from New Generators, by Energy Source http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epat2p4.html

U.S. Energy Information Administration: Distributed Generation in Buildings http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/otheranalysis/aeo_2005analysispapers/dgb.html

U.S. Department of Energy: How Wind Turbines Work http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/wind_how.html