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

    Intro

    I have a motor that I wanted to test with Hooptey's Vertical Axis Wind Turbine. He was kind enough to post the SLDPART's so I went to work and modified both the hub and the arms.

    The changes are:

    • Attachment screws changed to 3.12mm locking Torx screws (http://www.mcmaster.com/#99397A626) on both arms and hub
    • Hub gear removed and modified to have 1/2" shaft instead. Shaft locked in by 1/4"-20 x 1/4" coarse thumbscrew.
    • Rain protection built into hub, and optional rain cover
    • Motor mount added

    Testing

    Testing began with the finishing of version 6. It was a massive failure. Not only was wind not very strong, but I did not have blades required (the blinds). Instead I cut out cardboard blades.

    When tested with a leaf blower it became clear that there is a specific angle that must be caught. The arms will have to be changed.

    Another issue could be I need gearing to turn the motor, but there is so little force needed it might not be needed.

    After a little research, it would make sense to do longer blinds, and possibly more arms.

    Parts List

    • 3.12mm locking Torx screws (http://www.mcmaster.com/#99397A626) NOTE: These are what I have on hand, and this might change!
    • Motor:
      • 2” body diameter x 3-3/4” long
      • 1/4” shaft diameter
      • 140 volt 3700 RPM
    • Four (4) x 1/4"-20 x 1/4" coarse thumbscrew

    Change List

    • v7
      • Rain cover eliminated
      • Second tier added, held together by 1/2" garden poll / screw
      • Rear Motor Mount changed slightly
      • Hub Top added. Used for second tier.
      • Main Hub Extender added.
    • v6: Mount added to Rear Motor Mount
    • v5:
      • Rain cover added
      • Hole diameter for motor mounts modified
      • Mount polls made circular, one screw eliminated
      • Rear Motor Mount wire hole added
    • v4:
      • Motor mounts added
      • Minor mods to thumbscrew hole diameter
    • v3 (optional): Hub rain cover added
    • v2:
      • Hub strengthened in middle
      • Thumb screw changed to 1/4"-20x1/4"
      • Arm and hub attachement holes resized for 3.12mm screws (now wider!)
      • Shaft widened a bit to counter ABS shrinkage
      • Infill recommendation changed to 50%
    • v1: Initial release, unprinted