This is an old project I wanted to share with you. I created a VAWT (vertical axis wind turbine) but unfortunately never finished it. After a proof of concept, other priorities came along :-) I learned a lot from doing this project though. So maybe it can inspire other people to do the same.
Most of the work went into finding the optimal design for the alternator which I built from scratch. The goal was to get 12Volts at around 100 rpm and a maximum power output of about 250-500 Watts (at higher rpms!).
My son might continue the project for school. Will keep you posted if he does :-)