Atomic vertical-axis wind turbine.

thingiverse

I made several refinements to achieve this new shape, specifically designed for vertical stacking to any desired height with interlocking pieces that ensure structural integrity while minimizing vibrations. This revised design is merely an upgrade over the previous one, with a new arm being slightly less robust, yet eliminating that particularly vexing overhang. I have put it through rigorous testing now (credit British weather) and confirmed it spins smoothly at decent speeds, although lacking substantial torque. This configuration works well in either two- or three-blade formats. Puzzlingly, three blades don't generate more power than two at standard wind speeds; however, they do possess a significant advantage: They run much smoother. Reduced noise levels and vibrations are a notable feature of this design. An appealing aspect is the capability to print out a two-blade turbine for testing purposes, and if it shakes too much, simply re-purpose the sections for a three-blade configuration. However, there's an inherent drawback to this design: It does not start easily. While perfectly suitable under no-load conditions, once any resistance to movement becomes apparent, it fails to begin turning. A straightforward remedy is to hang it, place it on a smooth rod, or build a pole equipped with bearings for the turbine to sit upon. For your convenience, you can print out a turbine approximately 50% wider than the longest diagonal measurement of your build platform, which marks the maximum practical size feasible through printing techniques. Note that large turbines would significantly increase power output according to fundamental physics principles; nevertheless, smaller, 3D-printed models serve well for garden decorations and prototype testing. In addition, it's worth noting that one cannot realistically expect a high level of power generation from a wind turbine unless its scale is significantly substantial – but for 3D printing enthusiasts, the benefits extend far beyond generating electricity. Your homemade creations can find other uses in beautifying your garden and serving as innovative prototypes. It bears pointing out that even modest designs will always face significant challenges given physics' governing laws. The output from wind turbines is inherently linked to their scale, scaling linearly with each incremental increase in size, rendering any expectation of efficiency without such proportional expansion naive. Currently, video demonstrations for this concept are available via YouTube: Mk7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2KNNG8fuXA Mk10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcxPIb6TwHY