Modified Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (1/4" Motor Shaft)

thingiverse

This wind turbine project involved modifying Hooptey's Vertical Axis Wind Turbine design using a motor for testing purposes. The changes made include switching attachment screws to 3.12mm locking Torx screws on both arms and hub, removing the hub gear and modifying it to have a 1/2" shaft, adding rain protection to the hub, an optional rain cover, and a motor mount. Testing began with version 6, which resulted in failure due to weak wind and unavailable blades. A leaf blower test revealed that there is a specific angle required for optimal performance, necessitating changes to the arms. The possibility of needing gearing to turn the motor was also considered, but it might not be necessary due to the low force needed. Further research suggested longer blinds and possibly more arms would improve performance. The parts list includes 3.12mm locking Torx screws, a specific motor, four 1/4"-20 x 1/4" coarse thumbscrews, and various other components. Each version's changes are listed, with v7 eliminating the rain cover, adding a second tier, and modifying the rear motor mount and hub. V6 added a motor mount to the rear motor mount, while v5 introduced a rain cover and modified the hole diameter for motor mounts. V4 included motor mounts and minor modifications to thumbscrew hole diameter, and v3 (optional) added a hub rain cover. Version 2 strengthened the hub in the middle, changed the thumb screw to 1/4"-20x1/4", resized arm and hub attachment holes for 3.12mm screws, widened the shaft, and recommended 50% infill. To print and assemble, use 50% infiltration with one shell for the main hub, top hub, hub extenders, arms, front motor mount, and rear motor mount. Assemble by attaching each arm to the hub using three 3.12mm Torx self-threading screws, placing hub extenders between the outer two arm screws on each arm. Motor enclosure is placed within the motor mount pieces, with the front motor mount attached using included motor machine screws. Polls are then connected to the front motor mount using a 3.12mm Torx self-threading screw, followed by attaching the rear motor mount in the same way as the front. A gardening pole (1/2") can be attached to the rear motor mount using the same type of thumbscrew that attaches the shaft to the hub.