CD Tesla Turbine (v3)

thingiverse

This is a printable Tesla Turbine which utilizes compact discs (or DVDs) as turbine blades in a compact design. It features a configuration suitable for ten discs, each requiring a small triangular notch cut into its inner hole to mesh with corresponding grooves on the shaft. The grooves are angled to compress the discs as it rotates. Unlike designs that drill holes through the discs for outflow, this one incorporates a hollow shaft that functions as an outlet channel instead. Initially, I aimed to create this turbine 100% printable and assembleable without extra materials, but insufficient clips caused leaks in the first test run. To solve this issue, superglue sealant was applied to create a secure fit, as shown in the accompanying video (http://youtu.be/p5A7_m81X90). The main objective is to pair this turbine with a cordless drill as a generator, despite uncertainty about its potential torque. The 25:1 gear ratio does contribute positively though. An inspection of the center shaft indicates insufficient flow area, causing high internal pressure and leaks through the bearing. This design relies on custom-made components, such as the gear bearing (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:53451) and differential bearing (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:59075), developed by Emmett, in addition to a modified garden hose fitting (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10189). The latter has been augmented with a hose barb designed for a 3/8" inner diameter hose. Instructions Printing is facilitated without supports required. The inlet manifold prints vertically with its flat side down and the hose barb facing up, while the shaft features a female hex end oriented downwards. Once printed, cut off the tabs on the main case parts. Prepare to print ten spacers for assembly with the turbine blades. Begin by attaching a spacer onto the shaft, oriented towards the male hex end (the small bearing side), followed by a triangle-notched CD disc, another spacer, and then another CD, repeating this process for all ten discs. The large outlet case in the center has been modified to increase the flow area. For connecting your faucet or hose, use a suitable washer inside the hose fitting. Note that the pull starter may not be required for proper functioning, depending on your housing seal tightness level. A critical note: the input side of the differential bearing needs to have a small hole and set screw installed; if this is omitted, it can rotate excessively when under load, compromising efficiency.