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.

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

Dakar meeting on locally built small wind turbines for rural electrification

Posted on 02/03/2011 by hugh

This conference took place on 7-11th February, in Dakar Polytechnic. Partners (see web links at end of this post) CIFRES, research center attached to the Supérieure Polytechnique de Dakar Tripalium, French small wind homebuilder’s association blueEnergy, NGO based in Nicaragua … Continue reading →

Posted in developing world, People | 3 Comments

French TV interview

Posted on 02/03/2011 by hugh
Posted in France, People, Video links | Leave a comment

Apprendre à fabriquer une éolienne avec Hugh Piggott

Posted on 19/02/2011 by hugh

Lundi 4 au vendredi 8 avril 2011 Stage hébergé et avec la participation de Périple en la Demeure à Limerlé, Belgique TRIPALIUM est une association qui a pour but de diffuser les moyens et les savoirs faire techniques nécessaires à … Continue reading →

Posted in construction, courses, France, Notices | 1 Comment

Bath University Wind Turbine Build

Posted on 17/02/2011 by hugh

Engineers Without Borders at Bath University are doing a workshop with V3 and publishing a blog about it here Ben Lane writes: I am currently a masters student at the University of Bath and we are currently in the middle … Continue reading →

Posted in construction, courses, People | 1 Comment

MST Wind Turbine School – Itapeva Brazil

Posted on 04/02/2011 by hugh

These guys are using my older 2005 design but they are passionate about the project.

Posted in construction, courses, developing world, Video links | 1 Comment

The ‘Turbike’ built in Ireland for 12V battery charging

Posted on 03/02/2011 by hugh
Posted in construction, courses, Video links | Leave a comment

Things that don’t work – Mick Sagrillo on the popular idiocies of modern small wind.

Posted on 22/01/2011 by hugh

This presentation by Mick Sagrillo is from 2009.  It’s a good summary of what is wrong with rooftop wind and is backed up by actual production data.  If you are enthusiastic about rooftop windpower then you ought to look at … Continue reading →

Posted in People, products/technical, Rooftop madness, wind systems tutorial | 4 Comments

Sustainable energy workshops in East Sutherland

Posted on 12/01/2011 by hugh

John Whitfield is offering short, commonsense workshops on microgeneration at Culgower in Sutherland.Check out his web page for more.

Posted in courses, People, UK small wind scene | Leave a comment