VAWT (Wind Turbine) Mounting System

This project is a 3D-printed mounting system for the Robotobi's VAWT (Ø133mm). It serves as the base for my vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) on my balcony.

For details on the VAWT, see: Robotobi - Vertical Axis Wind Turbine VAWT Ø133mm

The upper bearing is protected from direct rain by the top cap. The lower 608 bearing, however, is not protected; the design of the lower mount does not allow for a cap that reliably prevents water ingress. I currently don’t have a better solution for this. If I come up with one, I’ll post it here. However, I don’t believe a 100% waterproof solution is feasible, so the lower bearing will likely wear out over time.

Print Settings (varies by part)

• Layer height: 0.2–0.3 mm (0.4 mm nozzle)

• Perimeters: 3–5

• Infill: 10–20% gyroid

• Solid layers: 3 top and 3 bottom

• Supports: Top-Cap = yes, rest = no

• Material: PLA/PLA+

Bill of Materials (BOM)

3D-printed parts (Robotobi model):

• 3x Wing_133mm_4X.stl

• 1x Upper_support.stl

• 2x Center_support.stl

• 1x Lower_support.stl

Additional parts:

• 1x Rod, 22.5 mm x 1000 mm

• 1x M8 threaded rod, 500 mm

• 2x M8 nuts, Nylock/self-locking

• 2x M8 washers

• 2x M8 spring washers

• 2x 608 bearings

• 3x M4x40 screws

• 3x M4 nuts

• 6x M4 washers

Findings & Observations

• Vibration & Noise: If the VAWT is mounted to something metallic (like my large balcony railing), good mechanical decoupling/damping is essential. Otherwise, vibrations from the VAWT are transmitted to the metal railing, acting like a strong acoustic amplifier.
  

• Bearing Tension: The M8 nuts must not be overtightened, as this can cause the system to bind and only rotate in stronger winds. However, they also must not be too loose, as this can lead to a knocking noise in moderate winds (at least in my case; the cause is still unclear).
  

• Pigeon Deterrent: Unfortunately, it does not deter pigeons!
  

• Material Durability: The VAWT + Mounting is currently made from PLA/PLA+. These materials are not permanently weather- or UV-resistant, but for my initial test, this is sufficient. Prior to this VAWT, I had a smaller wind turbine made from PLA+ for over a year. It also withstood several moderate storms without issues.

Notes & Recommendations

This design is a working prototype and not yet final. The main issues to address are the binding bearings and the knocking noises, which will require a redesign of the bearing assembly.

You should decide for yourself whether to disassemble your VAWT during storms or extreme weather conditions. Also, verify the load-bearing capacity of the structure to which you attach your VAWT.

Happy Printing