Dynamo powered VAWT / water wheel

thingiverse

This text was updated on 18/04/13 with the correct disk brake pattern on top/base STL files. Please re-download the correct file if you downloaded before this date. The author proposes a simple dynamo-powered windmill idea, but it remains untested. Using two SP dynamo hubs with sealed bearings, 9mm rod, wood, and a 3D printer, a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) or water wheel can be created to power a 12V battery and USB system. The fan body is mounted on the disk brake mount on the dynamo hub, with the 9mm rod passing through and locked down using dual locknuts. The bearing in the hubs takes the load while the rod remains stationary, allowing the fan to move the outer part of the hub around the bearings. One hub and fan are mounted at the bottom, and another at the top, with additional middle fans added as needed to generate the required power. A spacer STL can be used to add extra support with additional bearings if necessary. The author is considering adding a bearing retainer into the spacer STL. Circuits are available for boosting output up to 10W from each dynamo, resulting in a maximum of 20W. Easy lighting circuits and charger systems are also provided. However, the author acknowledges that this is still just an idea and testing is required to determine the wind speed, stack height, and fan size needed for optimal power generation. The design was created for the author's soon-to-arrive UP printer and measures 130mm round by 100mm high. Warping remains untested. The author suggests building a water wheel instead of a wind turbine and encourages others to test and report their results.