From the alternator downstream, the next bit is either a voltage multiplier or a charge controller containing one.
A simple multiplier can be DIY-ed - the Cockroft-Walton scheme is a repetitive pattern of diodes and capacitors which doesn’t even require a PCB to manufacture. You input low-voltage AC and get out higher-voltage DC (if necessary, dangerously high voltages can be also produced).
As for charge controllers that actually regulate the charging voltage: that requires PWM or MPPT, and isn’t DIY friendly. Controllers that simply terminate the charge and dump the energy into a heater somewhere in a water tank, can be DIY-ed with a ready-made microcontroller (Arduino) or microcomputer (Raspberry Pi) board, if it has or the user adds an analog-digital converter.
However, since price competition on the electronics market seems to be working, the price of buying things is generally less than the hassle of making them. So, unless some fancy behaviour is needed that the store-bought alternatives don’t offer, most people buy and few hack their own. :)
P.S.
Speaking of turbines, I built an experimental version with big stainless food bowls, aluminum profile for making furniture and a pushbike motor. The mast is not raised yet, so it’s early for me to cheer. :)
From the alternator downstream, the next bit is either a voltage multiplier or a charge controller containing one.
A simple multiplier can be DIY-ed - the Cockroft-Walton scheme is a repetitive pattern of diodes and capacitors which doesn’t even require a PCB to manufacture. You input low-voltage AC and get out higher-voltage DC (if necessary, dangerously high voltages can be also produced).
As for charge controllers that actually regulate the charging voltage: that requires PWM or MPPT, and isn’t DIY friendly. Controllers that simply terminate the charge and dump the energy into a heater somewhere in a water tank, can be DIY-ed with a ready-made microcontroller (Arduino) or microcomputer (Raspberry Pi) board, if it has or the user adds an analog-digital converter.
However, since price competition on the electronics market seems to be working, the price of buying things is generally less than the hassle of making them. So, unless some fancy behaviour is needed that the store-bought alternatives don’t offer, most people buy and few hack their own. :)
P.S.
Speaking of turbines, I built an experimental version with big stainless food bowls, aluminum profile for making furniture and a pushbike motor. The mast is not raised yet, so it’s early for me to cheer. :)