To book a place please visit the Brighton Permaculture Trust.

• Get hands-on experience and learn transferable skills in welding, wood carving, and working with magnets & resin
• Learn how to build and install a Hugh Piggott wind turbine from scratch using basic materials
• Experienced tutors who have been running courses building Piggott turbines since 2007
• A practical fun course for all experience levels

When and Where?

2nd-3rd September 2017, 9am-6pm Saturday & 9am-5pm Sunday, Brighton Earthship, Stanmer Park, Brighton, BN1 9PZ.

Public transport is either the 78 bus from The Old Steine or one of a number of buses from Churchill Square to Sussex University followed by a 15-20 minute walk through the park. Alternatively you can get the train to Falmer and a 20 minute walk.

Housedean Farm is the nearest campsite and is about an hours walk or a 30 minute cycle, alternatively Brighton has lots of accommodation on offer.

What do participants learn?

• How to carve wood with spokeshaves, draw knives, mallets and chisels to create blades with an accurate aerofoil.
• How to use an angle grinder, arc welder, drill, and tap and die set to build a steel turbine mounting.
• How to construct an alternator which includes soldering, coil winding, working with strong permanent magnets and casting in resin.
• How to build and assemble a Hugh Piggott wind turbine!
• About on-grid and off-grid electrical systems.

What happens?

Between eight and twelve participants guided by two or three instructors spend two days building a 1.8m diameter 350W Hugh Piggott wind turbine. All the participants spend time working on each of the three main parts of the build (wood, metal, and electronics) rotating through the different bases on the first day. On the second day we then come together as a group to assemble the machine. Each morning we also have a short theory session where we talk about the background behind the design.

During the course we endeavour to create an inclusive atmosphere. We do not assume any previous knowledge or experience and make sure any participants who are new to wind power theory and/or using the various tools are supported. Participants more familiar with either element are able to develop practical skills and we are always on hand to answer and discuss more in ­depth questions.

What does it cost?

The course costs between £155 and £275 depending on circumstance. We build one turbine on the course, if you would like to have the turbine at the end of the course you can pay an extra £400 in advance to cover the materials (first come first served!).

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, participants will need to bring their own lunch. There is also a usable kitchen at the venue.

Please visit the Brighton Permaculture Trust website to book your place.

 

 

 

 

Who are V3?

V3 Power is a workers cooperative based in Nottingham. We have been running courses building Hugh Piggott wind turbines since 2007. The turbine is a robust design that can be easily repaired, maintained and serviced and is an excellent example of appropriate technology. It is used in rural electrification and development projects across the world.

What do they say?

Thank you for an excellent course, the whole thing was impressively well organised and I had both a powerful learning experience and a really enjoyable time. It may be a few years yet before I am able to build my own turbine, but it will happen eventually thanks to the knowledge and skills you shared. I will be recommending the course to friends
Kate Jones, Bristol course 2015

Thanks for a fantastic week. The teachers were amazing, it was great being able to try out so many different things, and the turbine looks magnificent
C. Chlebna, Oxford course 2014