Stackable Upgradeable Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

This designed was inspired by the wind turbines in the Dyson Sphere Program video game. It uses partly 3D printed bearings and is meant for decorative purposes, although it can be attached to a magnetic rotor to generate a modest amount of power. The design is stackable and allows for later upgrades, with each added segment twisting by 10° in order to complete a triple helix. The Darrieus blades have small holes in the edges to allow the use of bits of 1.75mm filament as dowels to strengthen the bond between segments.

A video of the VAWT in operation can be found here: https://youtu.be/tNboyPBhghc

The following parts need to be printed for every segment:

1x Inner_35mm.stl

2x Outer.stl

1x BallCage.stl

1x Stopper.stl

1x OuterSpacerMk4.stl

3x SpokeMk4.stl

3x DarrieusBladeMk4.stl

Apart from the PLA, the model also requires the following parts for every segment added:

3x M3x40 countersunk screws

3x M3x16 round head screws

6x M3 nuts

6x 11mm stainless steel balls

The following are only needed once, irrespective of the number of segments:

34mm steel pipe for the mast

1x M3 Nut

1x M3x50 screw for the stopper.

Author's 3D printing Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/3DPrintNoob

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Creality

Printer:

CR-10S

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

varies

Infill:

20

Filament: any PLA

Notes:

Rafts are not required but are highly recommended. If the parts are printed in the default orientation, only the Darrieus blades require a minimal amount of supports, set to "touching the bed only".