This video and blog post is about a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) made from mostly a wood called Western Red Cedar. It has contains images from the first attempt 2 years ago and video update of of the second attempt with modified blades/airfoils.
The parts where various materials for around the shop:
- Two rare earth ring magnets (ebay), thin vinyl sheet for the blade scoops and assorted screws.
One of the blade scoops was on the VAWT was damaged slightly when it "moved" by a family member.
Future plans: Brace the struts, upgrade the shaft, create a better mount and somehow add a generator. Hopefully with the second tower in the making, I get the chance to test it out.
Shaping the blades
Adding struts to the hub
Right angle bracket for the blade
Close up of cedar strut. Cut from the thicker section of a 1 x 8 cedar siding plank
Shows how it was joined
High tech level system for blades. Sits on a spine of a VHS tape case.
Birds eye view of the blades shape and mounted
Sandwiched the struts between the plywood cable spool
Shelf bracket for more support
Top of dismantled cable spool
Another shot of the shelf bracket. Wanted to allow space for blade angle, etc.
Shaft, locking collar and magnets inserted on the shaft. Ah, yes, I did add an extra bearing just underneath the reducing bear. Maybe a bit of my over engineering!
The reducing bushing fits nicely into the floor flange. Tighten and you have the plywood, struts all wedged together. Plus the shaft and slide inside.
Erected on tilt up wind turbine tower.
Not too high, but I wish it was! My noisy neighbour would report me for some height violation bylaw.
At least it looks scary...
Can't really see it from the road. The trees really kill the wind.
Adding the airfoils to create a Lenz style of airfoil
This video and blog post is about a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) made from mostly a wood called Western Red Cedar. It has contains images from the first attempt 2 years ago and video update of of the second attempt with modified blades/airfoils.
