This course is full. However please still contact us if you are interested and you can be placed on the waiting list and informed of our next London course dates.
- 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?
9-10th May, 9am-5pm.
Organic Lea, Walthamstow, N. London
We are very lucky to be using this is a lovely venue for a course. The woodwork and electronics will be done on benches in one of their giant greenhouses with metal work taking place in an adjacent workshop.
If there is sufficient demand we can run a theoretical session on the Friday evening, please let us know if you are interested in this when you book your place.
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.
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 £225. 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 our shop or email info@v3power.co.uk to book your place. For more information email or call 07969 783353.
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?
The best four days of the whole year. The turbine looks magnificent. Amazing instructors
Camilla Chlebna, Bicester public course, 2014
A great practical experience, it was really good fun and I learned loads!
Tommy B, Exeter student course, 2015
I would highly recommend V3 Power to anyone looking to build a Hugh Piggott wind turbine
Adam Perrin, Engineers Without Borders, 2013
