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If you're a practical type, who would rather build a wind turbine than buy one, this is for you! In partnership with an experienced team of turbine builders and engineers, we can now offer residential turbine-building courses starting at £200 for a weekend. They are usually held in rural Lincolnshire, but also at other locations around the country from time to time (please ask for latest details). About the turbine The course is based around a turbine design developed by Hugh Piggott of Scoraig Wind - a powerful machine with a 2.4 metre blade diameter. The blades are hand-carved from wood (usually Ash). The alternator is built from scratch using permanent magnets and hand-wound copper coils. 10 coils are then cast in resin to form a 'stator'. The permanent magnets, 24 in total, are set on two discs either side, infront and behind the stator. The rotor and alternator are attached to a welded steel mounting which sits on top of the tower (if you didn't quite follow that, don't worry - all will become clear on the course!). Course format Everyone attending the course will get direct and significant hands-on experience carving turbine blades, wiring copper coils, soldering the stators, constructing the magnetic plates and welding the metal frame. By the end of the weekend you will have gained a good working knowledge of how to make a 'Hugh Piggott' turbine.
Lectures during the weekend include in-depth knowledge of wind power and aerodynamic theory and include hand-outs to take away with you.
On the Sunday you will erect a working wind turbine (ideally the one that has been built that weekend) and look at ways to monitor its performance. Price & timing  The £250 fee includes two nights camping and food for the weekend. Discounts may be available for certain groups. For those not wanting to camp there are some other alternatives both on and off site. Each weekend course begins at 7pm on the Friday evening (although we recommend you arrive around 5pm to set up tents and have dinner). Activities run from 9am - 9pm on the Saturday and 9am to 4pm on the Sunday. Visit www.scoraigwind.com for more information and to book your place.
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