1868 A Simple Wind Turbine That Will Blow Your Mind

Scientific concepts / nature phenomena presented

• Wind energy conversion: Converting airflow (wind) into electrical power using a small turbine–generator.
• Rim-speed vs. hub torque generation
  • The video emphasizes placing/using the generator at the rim rather than at the axle/hub to achieve high tangential (“rim”) speed.
  • The claimed benefit is improved performance when generating under electrical load.
• Savonius wind turbine concept
  • A Savonius-type rotor is used because it is described as the simplest construction and is easy to build and compare.
• Electromagnetism (electromagnetic induction)
  • A wire coil (“snake-shaped” coil) is wound and positioned near permanent magnets to produce voltage as the turbine turns.
  • Neodymium magnets (N35 grade) serve as the magnetic field source.
• Rectification / DC output from AC
  • A diode bridge (rectifier) is used so the generator’s output can be measured/used as a constant-voltage (DC) supply.
• Load testing / electrical measurements
  • A BK Precision load and a resistive load measure voltage and current (milliamps) while the turbine operates.

Discoveries / results reported

• The prototype can light an LED when blown on, indicating operation under low wind conditions.
• Using a fan and an anemometer, the system is reported to produce:
  • a couple of volts
  • 12–14 mA current
  • at wind speed ~1.7 m/s
• The creator claims these observations prove rim-speed generation works under load and supports the design principle “simpler is better.”

Method / build approach (outlined as steps)

1. Design placement

   • Move from an earlier concept: place generator elements toward the rim (not at the axle/hub).

2. Choose turbine–generator type

   • Use a Savonius-type rotor because it is simple and easy to compare.

3. 3D-printed mechanical/electrical layout

   • Print the generator section in three parts to reduce:
     • required support material (less wasted plastic),
     • printing difficulty,
     • build time and cost.
   • Include holes for magnets in the bottom section.

4. Magnet installation

   • Use 1 cm diameter, 2 mm thick N35 neodymium magnets installed into the bottom recesses.

5. Coil construction

   • Insert a thick snake-shaped winding coil into the generator section.
   • The video references a prior explanation (Video 1859) for making these coils.

6. Assembly

   • Glue the top part, insert magnets from the bottom, and place a bearing to retain the rotating structure.
   • Mount the generator structure on a steel rod guide/base plate.

7. Electrical connection and testing

   • Connect generator output through a diode bridge rectifier.
   • Measure voltage/current using a BK Precision resistive load.
   • Measure wind speed using a fan + small anemometer.

Researchers / sources featured (named)

• Savonius (credited as the inventor/type behind the Savonius rotor).