Build your own Savonius VAWT (Vertical Axis Wind Turbine)

Build a cheap VAWT from a broomstick, 4 bearings, 2 buckets and some pipe.

Step 1: Get some 25mm ID / 50mm OD bearings

Go get at least 2, or ideally 4 ball bearings with a 25mm (1inch) inner diameter, and a 50mm (2 inch) outer diameter. I bought mine for aout 6 Australian Dollars each at my local bearings store.

Prise the side seals off and scoop out all the grease, then rinse the bearings out with some diesel or turpentine to make them spin easier, then pop the seals back in. They should spin easily now.

Head down to the hardware store and find a cheap broomstick handle that just fits inside the bearings. Dont worry if its a tight fit.

While you're at the store buy some 50mm (inner diameter) PVC tube and 2 large buckets (I found about 20 litres ideal).Also uy some long screws - I used plaster screws at least 50mm long.

Comments

[embeddedprogrammer]

Does the removal of the grease effect the longevity of the bearings?

[mstehmeier]

yes, it will greatly shorten the lifespan of the bearings and the removal of the seal will allow alot of dust and grime to get in. i would recomend keeping the grease in there, any additional friction caused by the grease will be small and easily overcome by the wind

[obudho]

I would like to use such an equipment to pump water from the lake to a garden near by. Any person with good design on how to go about this

[baudeagle]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Waterladder_pump.JPG

[sam D]

Yes. Search "savonius pump" on Google.

[obudho]

hi, can the equipment be used to pump water from a 10ft well?

[ecoego]

any update or news? I'm curious how much power you are getting out of just one of these. What will you be powering?

[sam D]

Hey there, I am now just moved my workshop to a 5m by 9m shed. Expect an update soon! I am going to build a little genset of about 10 watts. But you can check out my other vids on youtube - I have been playing with adaptive blades.
http://www.youtube.com/user/samdekok72

[boricua17]

does the bottom piece screw down to the broom too? also when you screw the blades on top those screws are short that way they don't touch the bearing? when you screw the blades on the side it doesn't go all way there?

[boricua17]

how long does the screws has to be for the side....

[sam D]

75mm (three inches) is a good size. take care.

[mhkabir]

Good luck on the generator.PM me if you have any Qs about the generator.I have have designed a few wind mills using the higth power WindBlue alternators and have 2 DIY ones from scratch and am now currently working on a micro hydro power project. I'll Even design a template if you want!!But, any requests, please after 19th August!!(will be busy until then)Also I added your 'ible to Green DIY, my group.

[nickjohnson]

those gaps between the boards in your workbench must drive you crazy!

[sam D]

Really handy for punching out nails and holding stuff. At first I thought so too - but like most ikea things you just gotta work em out. Cheers!

[nickjohnson]

I thought the whole point of the overlap between the two halves was that air would flow from one cup to the other. With that pvc pipe in the middle, you can't get any air flow.

[sam D]

Hmm, not easy to see from the photos I'll admit - but there IS about a 50mm standoff on each due to not screwing the screws all the way in. Study the photos and read the text and you'll get it. You can make the gaps as large or small as you want by adjusting how far you plunge the screws in to the central mast. Let me know if its still confusing and I'll email you photos. SD

[dustyplans]

I gotta Try this>>> did you ever settle on a generator???

[sam D]

I think i'm gonna direct drive a invention i've made for tumble drying clothes outside, rather than take electricity from it.

But if you went a little larger with the blades you'd easily drive one of these:
http://www.thebackshed.com/Windmill/WhatFP.asp
(LG nowsell an equivalent and the brand new spare is only 90 dollars australian!). Lots of other info on google:"Smartdive alternator" search.

Would love a pic if you build one!

[FireBAT]

Just wondering- what do you think about using motorcycle headset roller bearings for the lower bearings? They have cylindrical rollers instead of balls, and should act as a thrust bearing. They're tough, and weather-resistant. They can be a bit expensive compared to standard bearings, though.

[stubell]

how are you all viewing the movie?

[wazzup105]

I used gom-player. VLC works as well.

[V-Man737]

Favorited.

[dchall8]

The reason you don't see more vertical turbines is the bottom bearing is hard to maintain. It gets dirty easily, needs lubrication and eventually replacement. The horizontal turbines are way above the dust zone and don't have the same forces acting on them. So...don't skimp on your lower bearing if you want this to last.

[sam D]

The lower bearing could easily have a thrust bearing substituted - but this unit weighs 9 kilograms all up - so the vertical thrust is radically different to a metal unit. Both the lower bearings should carry 50% of the vertical load each. You could add more bearings I guess. Also, note that the lower bearing is fully encased by the 50mm polytube, and still has its seal fitted.It would take about 10mins to change out however.

[killerjackalope]

The trick would be to have a large and sturdy sealed bearing race, that is then placed inside the turbine... So the turbine has an overhang below the bearing, keeping way more dust off it...

[sam D]

The bearings are fitted inside the tube, and still have their seals fitted. Thanks for the feedback though.

[killerjackalope]

As long as they're strong enough to take the weight and are well supported you shouldn't have any troubles... Also get them for at least double normal operating speeds, in case of storms and gusting that should help save you the bother of repairing them or replacing them, plus they'll last a long time that way...

[faroun]

Exccellent work, you kept it simple and most will love it. i was looking at the umbrella at first on your movie...lol.. keep working on it you will find ways to improove on it. great howtos and pictures. regards faroun

[plane phanatic]

Nice work. This is a great way to get some extra electricity, by harnessing power from renewable resources such as the wind. Keep up the good work! 5/5 stars