How to Build a Homemade Water Turbine Generator

The average backyard engineer can build a water turbine in about a day.

1. Remove the front wheel from the bike. Turning the axle nut in a counterclockwise direction will loosen it for removal.

2. Remove the chain from the bicycle's pedals. Rotating the chain while pushing it off center will accomplish this.

3. Weld or mount the car generator or alternator to the underside of the pedals, so that when the chain is wrapped around the alternator's pulley, it is centered. Replace the pulley with one of the pedal's gear sprockets, or weld the sprocket into place on top of the pulley, being sure to center it and checking its gear-teeth clearances. When the chain is wrapped around the sprocket, the alternator should turn with the rear wheel.

4. Raise the bike's seat all the way up. Usually it has a screw plate that can be loosened and adjusted.

5. Saw several dozen plastic balls into halves.

6. Screw the plastic ball halves or small plastic cups onto the bicycle's rear wheel, spaced about two inches apart, and all in the same direction. The "cups" should go in a clockwise direction to match the alternator.

7. Place the bike into a creek or source of moving water upside down so that the seat is in the water. The cups should be facing the water current so that they push the wheel. If the water current is strong enough, the wheel will keep turning and will generate 12 volts of electricity at a few amps. Wire the alternator to charge batteries on shore or to power equipment.

Tip

Hard plastic ball halves will withstand stronger water currents than drinking cups.

Warning

Do not let the alternator become submerged. Once the bike is in the water upside down, the alternator should be above the water line.