YouTuber Robert Murray-Smith has presented an interesting 3D printing project that combines the principles of water and wind turbines. The concept is based on the idea that air and water have similar properties as fluids and can therefore utilise similar technologies.
Murray-Smith draws on the design of the Pelton wheel, a highly efficient water turbine from the 19th century. The Pelton wheel utilises specially shaped blades to deflect the water jet through 180 degrees, creating an additional recoil. This technology enables an efficiency of up to 98 per cent.
The new wind turbine design transfers this principle to the air flow. It combines aerodynamic blade profiles with Pelton-like blades. The air first flows over the blades and is then channelled into the vanes, where it is deflected. This is intended to increase efficiency compared to conventional wind turbines.
A special feature of the design is the open top, which prevents pressure build-up inside. Murray-Smith suggests that a cover with an outlet opening could further improve performance. In addition, a guide could optimise the air flow and reduce the counterforce that is common with circular turbines.
The 3D model of the turbine is now freely available on the Thingiverse platform. This enables interested parties to rebuild, test and further develop the design. Murray-Smith emphasises that the actual efficiency of the design has not yet been measured. He suggests that further research in this area could provide valuable insights.
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