The Wind in My Backyard

I've decided that I should build my own wind generator and ride the wind in my backyard. I've researched it and I have the expertise and some of the parts it's going to take. The most important part, naturally, is a generator. Just so happens that I've been storing an old electric lawn mower motor for nearly thirty years. I hooked a voltmeter to it, gave it a spin, and Voila! 12VDC!.

Next step is to build the propeller blades, the mount, the inverter, the battery bank and the electrical controller. I'm going to pay a visit to the local junk yards for most of this stuff. The most difficult thing I can think of is getting the assembly elevated higher that the peak of my house. But, I sure that will be accomplished with a little help, of course. Once it's up, it's play time!

What do I mean by that? Well, here's an idea. The system, which includes the wind generator, the controller, the battery bank and the inverter, plus a few safety devices, can power a number of low frequency of use devices and low power devices. There are plenty of them in most households. For example, there are the so-called "Vampires", devices that constantly consume small amounts of electricity. These small amounts add up over time. Some vampires in my house are the doorbell and the electric garage door openers. One big vampire is the dehumidifier. Other low frequency of use current suckers includes the sump pumps, the water softener, the motion sensing lighting, and the water pump.

Naturally, I'll calculate the electrical load of each of these and make sure that my system can handle the demand. There are probably many more vampires that I haven't thought of. Help me out, if you will.

I have one thought that I could really use some help on, though. In the basement I have a stripped-down 220V water heater. The outer case and insulation have been removed, although the electrical heating elements remain intact. It's 40 gallons and I use it to warm the cold well water before it enters the propane water heater. I'm going to come up with a 220V inverter of suitable size and connect it to the battery bank along with the 110V inverter.

Curious? Here's the idea. If I warm the water, even a few degrees, using electricity from the generator, I save propane and warm the air in the basement. I expect the free electricity to keep the basement and therefore the house above a little warmer. If that's true, then I will reduce the amount of fuel oil I'll require. If that's true, then I save MONEY, reduce my carbon footprint and stay warm as long as the wind is blowing in my backyard.

The key, of course, is the ability of the wind generator system to handle a 220V load for a reasonable amount of time. What do you think?