Homemade hydroelectric power station from an old washing machine

From the old "washing machine" you can make a small water system to generate electricity, so as not to pay for the light in the summer. The solution is used in cottages or in their homes located near streams or ponds.

For a small home-made station, the drum from the washing machine as a water wheel is taken as the basis. The blades need a moisture resistant, solid and durable material. In this example, plywood is considered.

First, the blades are screwed onto the metal corners, the distance between them is about 10 cm. Next, a direct current system is assembled, in this case, a bicycle frame is used as the basis. A rubber strap connects the protruding base of the drum and the frame.

The water wheel spins due to the presence of two bearings in the frame. The height of the drum is adjustable depending on the flowing stream of the stream. The more water gets into the water wheel, the faster it spins.

Thus, the rotation from the wheel is transmitted to a DC generator, and from there to a 4.5 V LED.

Further improvement

• The construction of a small dam that will enhance the flow of water, but will not completely block the stream.
• Under the dam, mount a pipe entering a makeshift turbine. Install a casing in the pipe, with the help of which the water flow will be blocked and it will be possible to service the mechanisms.
• The turbine should give out double power in comparison with a water wheel. When replacing a drum with a turbine, the possibility of freezing in winter is reduced.
• Torque from the turbine will go to the generator. As bearings, plywood fixtures will be used. They must be regularly lubricated for continuous use. To prevent the mechanism from moving sideways, you must install a thrust washer.
• Instead of plywood blades, make metal and choose the optimal angle of inclination. The speed of rotation of the turbine and the generated energy will depend on it. The blades must be screwed with rubber gaskets.
• The shaft will consist of pipes transmitting rotation.
• Improve the generator to increase speed. To do this, install the pulley less than on the shaft.

According to preliminary calculations, an advanced generator should produce a power of 600 watts. At the same time, in the house or in the country it will be possible to connect home appliances: TV, washing machine, microwave, refrigerator. The installation can be upgraded to generate kilowatts of energy.