Author Archives: hugh

About hugh

I live off-grid in NW Scotland and have spent my life playing with wind turbines. I also love small hydros. Hands on renewable energy is my thing and I like to learn and to share my experiences.

Recipe Book updates

Posted on 26/05/2011 by hugh

I have been active updating my Recipe Book lately. Check out the updates page for details

Posted in Books, construction | 11 Comments

PDF book about electricity supplies in Africa

Posted on 26/05/2011 by hugh

Energy for Radio – A Guide for Practitioners Michael Bycroft “Energy for radio” is a guide to energy management for community radio stations. It supports radio managers and operators as they tackle the energy issue at their station, helping to … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, developing world | Leave a comment

20 – 23 May 2011, Holland

Posted on 08/05/2011 by hugh

How to build your own wind turbine workshop A 4 day workshop is going to be given starting from 20 May in Helvoirt, The Netherlands. During this hands-on workshop a 3 [m] rotor diameter wind turbine will be made by … Continue reading →

Posted in construction, courses, developing world, People | Leave a comment

Alliance for Rural Electrification article

Posted on 04/05/2011 by hugh

Jay wrote an article about the new association “WindEmpowerment” for the Alliance for Rural Electrification Newsletter

Posted in developing world, Notices, People | Leave a comment

Intelligent Charge Controller for Turbine or Solar Use

Posted on 23/04/2011 by hugh

The Karasouli ICC is a new small low cost charge control and datalogging device for small wind and solar applications.  I mention it here because I hope it will be useful to readers – I have no commercial interest. These … Continue reading →

Posted in People, products/technical, UK small wind scene | Leave a comment

Windpower Workshop video

Posted on 19/04/2011 by hugh

In this video I am talking about the new edition of my book “Windpower Workshop” The video was shot and edited by Centre for Alternative Technology.  Thanks.

Posted in Books, construction, People, Video links | 4 Comments

Small wind turbine workshop in Belgium with Tripalium Jay Hudnall

Posted on 09/04/2011 by hugh

Wind turbine construction workshop course at Périple en la Demeure in Belgium with Jay Hudnall of Tripalium / Ti’eole and Vincent Judalet from ÉolSenegal.   Périple D is both a school and a brewery – a good combination for our purposes. … Continue reading →

Posted in construction, courses, France, Video links | 2 Comments

One way to limit the current

Posted on 20/03/2011 by hugh

Good night Hugh, I write from Spain in particular from Albacete Villarrobledo a small village, where a friend and I started three years ago more or less the construction of wind turbine with your purchase from ti.Desde manual then several … Continue reading →

Posted in construction, People | 2 Comments

Damaged 2.4 metre machine on Scoraig

Posted on 19/03/2011 by hugh

Here are some photos of a machine we took down today after some strong winds.  It actually lost a blade, which is rather serious damage.  The plywood has deteriorated a bit.  This machine was built in 2006.  It’s a 24 … Continue reading →

Posted in construction | 2 Comments

Bicycle wheel alternator video

Posted on 13/03/2011 by hugh

A bicycle wheel is fastened to a vertical wood post. Neodymium magnets are bolted to the rim of the wheel. Tape is placed between the spokes to create the “windmill vanes”. As the magnets pass a coil of copper wire, … Continue reading →

Posted in construction, Video links | 7 Comments