Upcoming public courses:
1st Feb 2020 – Public – Demand Energy Equality, London – info here
14-15th March 2020 – Public – Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales – info here
24-25th October 2020 – Public – Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales – info here
Overview
Build and test a wind turbine!
Get hands-on with our unique wind turbine making experience! We bring all the tools, materials and expertise; you come away with practical skills, an understanding of how and why wind turbines work, and a huge sense of achievement.
Drawing on 10 years’ experience teaching people how to build small wind turbines, we’ve developed a new accessible, inclusive experience for anyone and everyone! The wind turbine design has many component parts which each participant has a hand in building before they are all assembled together. This engages every individual and brings the group together to share in the fantastic sense of satisfaction of turning a pile of raw materials into an electricity-generating machine!
Please contact us for more information or to make a booking.
What Happens?
Together we build a machine to turn the power of the wind into electricity using simple materials and a range of hand tools. All participants carve a wooden blade, turn their own copper coil, and manipulate powerful magnets. As a team we assemble all the components to finish the turbine. Finally we test it outside or using a fan and participants can see their work turned into fully charged batteries!
Why do it?
The turbine design is a great way of demonstrating the basic underlying scientific principles behind energy generation and the associated simple electrical theory behind wind turbines. We also explore the role of renewable energy in society. The practical tasks are achievable regardless of skill and experience allowing participants to feel unintimidated and capable. The range of tasks means everyone stays interested and engaged!
Who’s it for?
We include individual, paired and group activities. It’s ideal for a community group, bunch of friends, a team-building exercise, or anyone else looking to get their hands dirty! One of our expert facilitators works with a group of up to ten participants to build one turbine – with a maximum of three facilitators (up to 30 participants) working simultaneously in one location.
How long does it take?
The full workshop is held over a series of six sessions, these can take place over a single day or in a combination of shorter periods. We are flexible and can adjust the timings to suit the needs of your group.
Please note!
The turbine we will make is similar, but not the same as the Hugh Piggott machine as we will not be casting the alternator in resin, this means that the turbine we make, whilst working as an electrical generator, is not be suitable for permanent installation. However the skills and theory taught will leave participants with a better understanding of how wind turbines work and how to make one themselves should they wish.
How much does it cost?
| Two Day | One Day | Half Day | Quarter Day | Travel from & to Nottingham (our base) | |
| <10 participants | £800 | £500 | £300 | £250 | 70p per mile |
| 11-20 participants | £1400 | £800 | £550 | £400 | 95p per mile |
—– We will provide a custom quote for more than 20 participants —–
Please contact us for more information or to make a booking.
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. 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
