Ugrinsky Wind Turbine Generator

Overview

Complete design of Ugrinsky Vertical Wind Turbine Generator.

The Ugrinsky Wind Turbine is a vertical-axis wind turbine designed for strong low-speed performance and reliable torque. One of its standout features is its low startup wind speed- it begins rotating at around 5 mph, which is excellent for a compact vertical turbine.

In testing, the turbine easily drives a 3V-6V DC motor at wind speeds of about 15 mph. I may add an adapter for a 24V generator motor in the future to increase power output. At the moment, the turbine powers a 5W LED strip, and I am considering adding a few 18650 batteries for energy storage.

Assembly is relatively straightforward and should take no more than a couple of hours. For the best results, use a FILE SET after printing to smooth the mating surfaces and improve the fit between attachable parts.

The most challenging step is likely installing the main gear and securing it inside the platform, as the available space is quite limited. Although the bearings are designed to be protected from water, it is still recommended to apply a few drops of oil for additional protection and smoother operation. Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the gears before assembly, and avoid pressing the motor gear too tightly against the main gear. Maintaining a slight clearance will reduce friction and help ensure smooth operation.

Motor Selection

3V-6V DC motors could be low-RPM and high-RPM versions. I used MABUCHI FF-180SH. The design includes separate motor holders for each type. If you are using a low-RPM motor, use the Low RPM Motor Holder, where the motor is driven directly by the main gear mounted on the turbine shaft, without any intermediate gearing. And that is the best in terms of performance.

DC-DC Converter Selection

If your motor with your average wind speed generates voltage around 2V-5V then you should use DC Step UP converter. If it generates above 5v with your average wind speed, then you need to use DC Step down Converter.

In my setup, I recently switched to LOW RPM holder and installed DC Step UP Converter. Now my LEDs light up even with 7 mph speed. Before it has to be at least 12 mph. So, you really need to check how much voltage you generate with your average wind speed.

Number of Turbines and sizes

The number of turbine modules you install is entirely up to you. The design supports 2, 3, 4, 5, or more turbine sections. My current setup uses 4 of 70% version turbines. Currently only 3 options are available, turbine scaled at 70%, 100% and 145%.

Platform Side Clamp

The platform includes side clamps that slide into the left and right sides of the platform using interlocking puzzle-style connections. These clamps allow the entire turbine assembly to be securely mounted to a balcony railing or any other vertical square-profile structure.

To tighten the clamps, I used the same 1/4"-20 UNC threaded rod as the main assembly. The threaded rod passes through the clamps and is secured with nuts, allowing the clamps to firmly grip the mounting surface and keep the platform stable during operation

If you have any questions about the assembly or operation of the turbine, feel free to leave a comment and I'll do my best to help.

Parts

• Generator - I used a standard 3v - 6v motor - MABUCHI FF-180SH. They are used in toothbrushes, RC cars and electronic toys.

• Option 1: Voltage Converter DC-DC Step Down - USB buck converter 24v to 5v from Aliexpress

• Option 2: Voltage Converter DC-DC Step UP - USB buck converter 2v to 5v from Aliexpress

• Shaft - Threaded rod 1/4"-20 UNC OR M6 - any hardware store like Home Depot

• Nuts (shaft) - 20X 1/4-inch or M6 hex nuts, washes

• Bearings - 2X Bearings Outer Diam 22mm, Inner Diameter 8mm, Height 7mm

• Bolts (turbine)- 2X M3 Bolts for each turbine

• Heat Insert Nuts (turbine) - 2X M3 for each turbine

                      HIGH RPM                                                                                                LOW RPM

The platform clamps include built-in nut pockets that allow you to embed nuts directly into the printed part. To do this, pause the print when the layer reaches the height of the nut pocket, insert the nut, and then resume printing. The printer will encapsulate the nut inside the part, creating a cleaner and more secure assembly.

This step is entirely optional. If you prefer, you can simply place the nut on the outside of the clamp after printing and assemble it that way. Both methods work well, so choose whichever is more convenient for you.

DC-DC Step UP converter

There are many of them, this one is just very cheap. Pick any that converts 2-4V to 5V. This converter usb-c port is used only for charging batteries. It is not V out. So, you will need a USB port and solder it to converter to pins VOUT+ and VOUT-.

DC-DC Step down buck converter

You can connect two in parallel if you need more USB ports. Apart from connecting LED strip, you can also charge your phone from this USB module. In general, it is recommended to solder a capacitor in parallel to 5v output line, since such modules might have some minor voltage pulsation.

Updates

06/14/2026

• Added motor holder for LOW RPM 3V DC Motor

07/07/2026

• Added Turbine scaled to 100% (first turbine was 70%)

• Added Turbine scaled to 145% (requires M4 screws/heat insert nut)

• Added Platform/lid with increased height to fit bigger motors

09/23/2026

• Updated 3v motor shaft adapter. Previous one had a wrong shaft pocket diameter