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Make a Wave Powered Generator
Find out how to build your own mini wave power generator
In our articles on wave power (1) we have only covered large scale generators built on an industrial scale. In this article we will present a simple miniature wave power generator which is easy to build and demonstrates many of the concepts used in commercial wave power generators.
Build a Wave Power Generator
The parts list you will require for this wave power generator is very short and construction is simple - far simpler than making a wind turbine (2) for example. You will need:
10 x very strong Neodymium magnets (3)
8 1n4001 Diodes (4) (to rectify the AC generated into more useful DC - see Make a Bridge Rectifier from Diodes (5))
You can also buy suitable bridge rectifiers (6) instead of buying the diodes and making them yourself.
2 x 1000 uF at 16V capacitors (7)
35 SWG enamelled magnet wire (8) (insulated, 200m reel)
1 metre steel ruler
Plastic drainpipe (ca. 20cm x ca. 6cm diameter) - £2 for 1m, or ask a plumber for an offcut
Various wooden pieces and fixings - scrap wood is fine, for example old crates etc.
The generator created generates approximately a current of approximately 20mA at 5-6V DC, but can easily be extended upon to make a more powerful and useful device.
Full Plans for the Mini Wave Power Generator
If you are interested in finding out how to make your own experimental wave powered generator then you will enjoy the following at the Creative Science website: Starting to Experiment with Wave Power (9).
Web Link References
(1) http://www.reuk.co.uk/wave.htm(2) http://www.reuk.co.uk/DIY-2kW-Wind-Turbine.htm
(3) http://www.reuk.co.uk/Neodymium-Magnets.htm
(4) http://www.reuk.co.uk/buy-1N4001.htm
(5) http://www.reuk.co.uk/Make-A-Bridge-Rectifier-From-Diodes.htm
(6) http://www.reuk.co.uk/buy-MB356.htm
(7) http://www.reuk.co.uk/Smoothing-Capacitors.htm
(8) http://www.reuk.co.uk/Enamelled-Magnet-Wire.htm
(9) http://www.creative-science.org.uk/wavegen.html
Article from REUK.co.uk:
http://www.reuk.co.uk/Make-a-Wave-Powered-Generator.htm
Published: 19th August 2008
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