Summary

A self starting Vertical Axial Wind Turbine intended for domestic wind harvesting, but could be scaled to any application.

NACA 0015

Instructions

This little turbine has evolved quite a bit to get here...

This design goes back to the NACA 0015 profile used in the first designs, with the addition of a Savonius for self starting. The Savonius size is chosen to run at it's optimal speed when the Gorlov turbine reaches it's optimal speed, preventing unnecessary drag.

Print a top and base, and at least 2 atomic sections.
There are no dove-tail connections yet (coming soon) so be careful when assembling.

The turbine is designed to be threaded onto a 8mm threaded rod. Assemble and glue from the base up, leaving the top section free to rotate in order to get the captive nut in. Glue, allign and push printing filament of your choice through the holes in the blades. Currently configured for 3mm filament, but you can choose any size in the scad file. This will allow other materials like thin aluminium rod etc. to be used.

Given the effect the Savonius section may have on the Gorlov turbine it may be better to print three atomic sections with the support wings. This will make assembly easier, while keeping things balanced.

Almost every aspect of this turbine is now parametric, and while this design uses a Camber of zero, it is very easy to specify the camber for experimentation. A recent study suggested that a camber selection of 2 may aid self starting without the use of a Savonius turbine, but that it will influence the maximum torque that can be harvested.

This version also incorporates a lot of changes to the basic structure to ensure easier assembly and strength thanks to the very nice report written by Imitation on the last published version of the turbine.

It is definitely a work in progress. It is currently only hampered by my unfortunate lack of 3D printer. There are already plans for an integrated base and printable generator on the drawing board... Watch this space for more.

PS: Updated scad file: I had problems with MCAD again - OpenSCAD crashed frequently on my system given the workout I am giving it with this design...

Another update! Thanks to t00tie - fixed a bug where only the default guide hole size propageted in the turbine, even if you set Guide_hole to something else.

Added the Base + Atoms STL requested by eat808.
Added inverted Atom requested by eat808.

Updated SCAD file (mk7)

Updated to mk9 - on request: inner rod size now an easy selection.

Savonius & Gorlov VAWT