A 3D Printed Vertical Wind Turbine
esposcar90 has developed a compact and innovative off-grid power solution in the form of a 3D-printed vertical wind turbine. This tabletop-sized turbine is capable of delivering 100 watts of power, making it a practical option for various scenarios. The turbine features scoop-like 3D-printed vanes attached to its arms, which drive a central vertical shaft. This shaft, in turn, connects to satellite gears that power a pair of DC permanent magnet motors responsible for electricity generation. The STL gear choices can be customized to suit different wind conditions, offering flexibility to the user. While the exact output voltage isn’t explicitly stated, it’s likely in the vicinity of 12V given the motors used.
This 3D-printed wind turbine represents a versatile and compact off-grid power source, ideal for situations where 100W of power is required. Potential applications range from use by hikers in windy mountainous regions to radio amateurs engaging in SOTA (Summits On The Air) activations. The project offers an intriguing blend of DIY ingenuity and sustainability, catering to those seeking small-scale, eco-friendly power generation solutions.
What we recommend:
If you’re an avid hiker seeking an off-grid power solution for charging your devices even in the dark, consider the ingenious portable wind turbine designed by Adriancubas in the linked article. This lightweight and compact turbine can be folded up to the size of a 2-liter soda bottle, making it a practical addition to your camping gear. Crafted from 3D-printed PLA parts, it harnesses wind energy with a stepper motor, a bridge rectifier, and a capacitor, generating a maximum power output of around 12W. The STL files for all components are available on Adriancubas’ project page, enabling you to build your own wind-powered charger for your next outdoor adventure. Check out the details in the original article.
Read more: Hackaday Prize 2023: A 3D Printed Vertical Wind Turbine
