Wind Turbine Set

thingiverse

A collection of innovative Savonius wind turbine designs is now available for experimentation. The set features two distinct configurations: a 2-vane model with an open center, and a 3-vane design with both open and closed centers. I developed these variations to explore diverse approaches in wind turbine engineering. Each design is tailored to fit snugly on an 8mm rod without the need for bearings, allowing them to spin freely under minimal load except for friction. To further optimize performance, I experimented with incorporating a wing profile onto the outer edge of one variation, aiming to generate lift and enhance energy transfer from the wind. However, this effort ultimately failed to yield significant improvements in efficiency. Based on thorough testing, I found that the 2-vane design with an open center performs most effectively. This configuration is capable of self-starting from a wide range of angles but not all. In contrast, the 3-vane open design shows promise but falls short of its counterpart's performance. Notably, neither closed-center design proved superior to their open counterparts in any aspect. To facilitate comparisons between designs, I positioned each model at a consistent distance from a box fan and employed a laser tachometer to measure their rotational speeds under identical conditions.