A spare bicycle wheel and reclaimed aluminum can form the basis of a small vertical-axis wind turbine—but the $30 price attached to this project is a dated 2015 figure, not a current build estimate. Make: described a Lenz2 turbine designed by Daniel Connell, built mostly from reclaimed materials, and reported construction time and efficiency claims that should be treated as the article’s figures rather than independently verified results.
What the project is
Make: featured the Lenz2 vertical-axis wind turbine in November 2015, in connection with the POC21 gathering. The article credits Daniel Connell with the design/version it describes and says he built a dual-post version at the event, where Make: reported that 100 eco-hackers gathered. Read the Make: feature.
The project is notable as an example of accessible upcycling: the article describes a spare bicycle wheel and vanes made from discarded aluminum offset-printing plates, with most of the build using reclaimed materials. It does not establish that every component can be salvaged or that the same materials will be available to every builder.
What the $30 figure includes—and leaves out
Make: called the build a $30 project in 2015, while explicitly excluding the wooden tower from that price. The figure is historical; it is not a current parts list, quote, or estimate for a new build. The article does not break down the amount by component, identify a location or currency conversion basis, or establish the cost of replacing reclaimed materials with newly purchased ones.
#1 Best Overall
- Designed Beginner Kit:6 Pcs mini Generator motor,6 Pcs Motor Mounting Bracket Holder,6 Pcs 2mm Shaft Propeller(3 Pcs 4 Vanes and 3 Pcs 3 Vanes,Color random),9 Pcs LED(Red,Yellow,Green),6 Pcs Quick Connector，Color English Manual
- Different voltage corresponds to different speed, Voltage:DC 3V;Rated Speed:1500 RPM;Voltage:DC 4.5V;Rated Speed:2500 RPM;Voltage:DC 12V;Rated Speed:6500 RPM;Motor Body Diameter:24mm/0.94";Motor Height:22.21mm/0.87";Shaft Size:8.25x2.0mm/0.32"x0.08";Line length:14cm/5.51in
- This is a multi-functional beginner's Kit. It can be driven by wind, gears and pulleys to generate current to light up LEDs. It can also be driven by solar panels or batteries to make various solar and electric toys.
- Using the parts in our kit, you can assemble a simple wind power generation model, which can be used to test whether the motor in the kit is damaged, and it can also explain how wind energy is converted into electrical energy, which is then converted into light energy through LEDs.
- Warning: If you have purchased a rocker switch, please pay attention to the product picture to avoid short circuit caused by wrong wiring. High temperature will cause the battery box to melt. Children should use it under the supervision of an adult. When you are not using it, please disconnect the power supply.
What the article says about time and performance
Make: reported that two people could build the turbine in six hours and described it as reaching 40% mechanical efficiency at the shaft. These are claims from the 2015 feature, not independently verified measurements. The reviewed text supplies no test protocol, wind conditions, or supporting data, so the efficiency figure should not be treated as a guaranteed result or a basis for sizing a system.
Potential uses and what is unspecified
The feature lists pumping water or air, running a cooling system, and charging a battery through a generator as possible applications. It gives no output rating, voltage, generator or battery specification, or performance data under stated wind conditions. Those omissions matter: an intended use alone does not establish that a particular turbine build can deliver the required power.
Rank #2
- FIFTH-GENERATION WIND TURBINE KIT: Updated version of the best-selling STEM kit about wind power and energy, kids can make their own wind turbine to explore this renewable energy source.
- OPTIMIZED FOR INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE: Design includes a new blade hub and gear ratio to enhance performance in outdoor wind and with indoor fan setups.
- WHAT YOU LEARN: Dive into the technology behind one of the most promising sources of clean energy, how it has been used it the past, and how it is used today.
- INCLUDES ELECTRIC MODEL CAR: Use your turbine to generate and store electricity to power a model car in just two minutes—no batteries required!
- GUIDED JOURNEY THROUGH WIND POWER: The 32-page, full-color manual provides illustrated step-by-step assembly instructions and easy-to-understand explanations about the scientific concepts at work.
- Mechanical loads: Pumping or operating a cooling system requires matching the turbine and transmission to the load; the feature gives no sizing information.
- Battery charging: The article mentions a generator but does not specify a generator, battery, or charge-control arrangement.
What to verify before attempting a build
Make: links to an Instructables guide for construction details and an animation, but the guide’s text was not available for review here. As a result, the feature alone does not establish a complete bill of materials, dimensions, assembly sequence, safety provisions, generator choice, charge-control requirements, or measured electrical output. Consult accessible, reliable construction instructions and verify component costs and safety requirements before treating this as a build plan.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Build and experiment with a real, working 3-foot tall wind turbine to learn how wind is one of the most promising sources of clean, renewable energy available today.
- Single-piece blade construction for improved durability and better aerodynamics.
- Generate electricity to charge a battery and power a small model car.
- New weatherproof battery box can be left outside!
- Includes stakes to secure the turbine to the ground.
Rank #4
- Designed Beginner Kit: 6 PCS mini dc motor, 6 PCS Motor Mounting Bracket Holder and 3 PCS different colors 4 Vanes shaft propellers and 3 PCS 3 Vanes shaft propellers
- Parameter: Different voltages correspond to different speeds. Voltage: DC 3V, rated speed: 1500 RPM, voltage: DC 4.5V, rated speed: 2500 RPM, voltage: DC 12V, rated speed: 6500 RPM. Color: silver. Motor Body Diameter: 24mm/0.94"
- Two-way Conversion: When the bearing rotates, it generates electricity, when receiving power, the bearing will rotate. This mini wind generator set enables the conversion of kinetic and electrical energy
- Good Present: This learning toy is good for curious kids, let the children know the driving principle of the motor, how the propeller rotates to produce wind. Cultivate children's practical ability, so that knowledge is no longer theoretical
- Warning: Suitable for 8+ years, please see the picture carefully, use the correct circuit diagram to avoid short circuit, short circuit will produce high temperature and cause the battery holder case to melt and burned, the kids must use under the supervision of adults
Rank #3
- Wind-Powered LED Light Display: This small wind-mill generator powers a 10-meter colorful tape lights used to decorate the backyard. Mount it in an open place and the colorful tape lights will light up with the wind without batteries or external power supply. The brightness of the tape lights varies with the strength of the wind. The stronger the wind, the brighter the lights. Add a touch of dynamic color to your backyard on windy evenings. It needs to be installed in an open area for better performance
- Interactive Backyard Experience: Assemble this small wind-mill generator and fix it in an open space, making wind power practical in your yard. You will watch the strip lit up on every windy night, which is fun
- Durable Construction and Easy Installation: Most of its parts are DIY assembled. It can withstand super strong winds. It can be fixed to your railings, higher places, or other open areas with the complimentary flange and 4 screws. The use of brushless motor makes the windmill rather durable. The blades are made of anti-aging materials of ASA/PC
- All-Weather Durability: It is rain-proof and age-resistant, and can be used outdoors for a long time. Further, it is noise-free. A wind blowing from any direction can be used efficiently as the tail vane enables the blades adapt themselves to different directions
- Simple Assembly and Smart Design: It needs to be installed in an open area for better performance. It is cleverly designed and constructed, and is easy to assemble with straightforward instructions for quick setup
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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