7 Foot Axial Flux Wind Turbine

Step 16 Excuse me while I kiss the sky

Now the tower is lifted and shifted into position. We lowered it down onto the base and attached the first set of guy wires. We then tightened them up with a come along, going evenly around the tower and ensuring that it was level. Once the guys were attached, it was time to attach the blades and tail. I was fortunate enough to get a ride in the bucket truck to do this. It could also be done with a safety harness and someone who wants to climb the tower, but it would take a bit longer and be a lot more treacherous.

I made sure I had the electrical brake on while I assembled the turbine. The last thing I wanted was the machine to take off with only two blades attached! Luckily, the weather held out and it was a nice calm day. I was able to attach the blades and tail with no major problems.

Sadly, I have no pictures of the tower being put in place because I was too busy helping.

After everything was up, I drove a ground rod in the soil next to the tower and ran a piece of wire to the tower to electrically ground it. Driving a ground rod is hard work, luckily I had help. Then I covered the wire and ground rod with a bit of dirt to make it look better.