Generator

Magnetism is caused by moving charges. By moving the magnets in circles in between the coils of wire, the change in magnetic field needed to induce voltage in the coils is created. This results in AC output. This change of mechanical energy into electric energy is what makes the wind turbine a generator. Notice that I said "generator" and not "motor." There is a distinct difference between these two: motors take electrical energy and turn it into mechanical, while generators take mechanical energy and turn it into electrical. 

Materials used:

4 90-degree elbow PVC fittings, 3 PVC T-fittings ~5 ft. of straight PVC pipe, One large T-fitting with a diameter of at least 2 in. This will house the coils and shaft. At least 2 dowels, 3/8" diameter each (or whatever size you can drill a hole for) 2 PVC end-caps for the generator housing. Solid. You'll drill appropriately sized holes depending on your dowel size later. A small wooden wheel, like you might see on a toy car, to serve as the hub. This is what the propeller blades will be attached to on the outside of the pipe. Several small wooden disks to put your magnets on to. At least 12' of copper wire Some cardboard or other light-weight material to build your blades with. Electric tape, hot glue, sharpies, and any other small supplies you might need when building. Various power tools, most importantly a drill, and a voltmeter.

Side shot of our generator

Here is the inside shot of our generator

 Here is a sketch of the magnet placement and orientation, coils

Here is a sketch of our turbine/generator

On our first try, our generator induced a voltage, so not much difficulty was had there. However, making the generator was more difficult. At one point, someone took our 'magnet wheel' so we had to make a whole new rod, which was more annoying than hard, but it made us take longer to create the generator. We also had trouble putting the generator together. We knew what it had to look like, but we tended to make things more difficult for ourselves by focusing on potential problems that we had not yet encountered. I think it would have gone a lot faster if we had just tested it a bunch before deciding if something was a problem or not.

1.     Resistance

On the wire connecting the coil to the alligator clips

Friction inside the rotating piece

2.     Magnet Placement

The closer the magnet without touching the coil the higher voltage output induced

3.     Coil Strength

The thicker the coil, the stronger the coil. 

The thicker your coil is the higher voltage output it induces.