Summary

DIY Lamp Post + Vertical Axis Wind Turbine + Generator (optional)

Light up the yard with the power of the wind -OR- power the light using an outside source and just enjoy the turbine. The best part is that the light and turbine blades are interchangeable to suit your style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iL0DKgiJng&sns=em

Instructions

Print the following components:

1 x Base
1 x Pole
1 x CenterConnector
1 x BearingRod
1 x Spool (generator option)

Choose your blade and print 4 copies:

TurbineFrame - this is frame for experimenting with your own paper blades
Blade0 - 0 deg revolution, NACA 0015
Blade1 - 15 deg revolution, NACA 0015
Blade2 - 45 deg revolution, NACA 0015
Blade3 - 90 deg revolution, NACA 0015

Choose and print your light:

Light1 - Octagon to square light (print Light1Cap as well)

Components to Buy:

1 x Standard skateboard bearing (ID=8mm,OD=22mm,Depth=7mm)
1 x Spool of 36 gauge magnet wire (generator option)
16 x Neodymium Magnets (1/8" cube, N52 strength)
LEDs of your choice

NOTE: Generator option is still in the debugging phase. Using 100 turns per spool with a 500 ohm resistor resulted in about 100 mV pk-pk. This means that the number of turns needs to increase and/or the magnetic field needs to be stronger (for example, putting ferromagnetic cores, like nails, in the spools or changing the configuration of the magnet and coils)

General Assembly (see pictures):

Connect pole to base
Press fit BearingRod into bearing
Press fit bearing into CenterConnector
Press fit magnets into CenterConnector
Coat the outside edge of the magnets with super glue for better hold (optional)
(Generator option) Wind magnet wire onto the pins of the Spool making sure to alternate winding direction for each pin.
(Generator option) Insert Spool into the top of the Pole and press fit it in place.
Feed any wires you have through the central square shaft
Insert CenterConnector assembly into the top hole of the Pole
Adjust height of CenterConnector assembly relative to the Pole and the top of the BearingRod
Press fit the light the top of the Bearing Rod
Insert Blades into the CenterConnector assembly

VAWT Lamp Post