Mini Tesla Turbine for 'Building Bricks'
Print Profile(1)
Description
Please note: Although regular PLA filament for the discs seems to work, I'd recommend PLA Tough, or PETG.
This print includes discs to build a Tesla Turbine using any popular 'building bricks'.
Tesla Turbines are a type of bladeless turbine that rely on a large number of stacked discs, which (in theory) can be very efficient, compared to regular bladed turbines.
Compressed air is fed into the turbine, which sticks to the ‘boundary layer’ of the discs. More stacked discs presents more surface area for the air to stick to, improving torque and efficiency (up to a point).
The air in this turbine is guided around the perimeter of the discs via the housing. As the air imparts its energy to the discs, it slows down, and spirals inwards towards the centre, where it is exhausted via the holes in the disc. The spacing between the discs is important, and these discs have thin spacers built into them.
Instructions
- You'll need to print multiple discs - I'd recommend somewhere between 8 and 40, depending on the bricks design
- The discs have spacers built into them, so they should be simply stacked on top of each other onto a technic axle.
- There are some (optional) spacers included, which can be added to both sides of the discs to reduce friction against the building bricks on either side.
- The housing should be fed with a 2-3mm (inner diameter) silicone tube, connected to your air supply.
- Performance will be greatly improved if you seal off both sides of the discs, as shown in the images (and YouTube video). I simply used bricks to seal it off.
Recommendations
- Although regular PLA filament for the discs seems to work, I'd recommend PLA Tough or PETG.
- If you have a metal axle, I'd recommend using one (though not absolutely needed).
- Silicone lube should be used on the axle! This turbine has a tendency to friction weld parts that aren't lubed.
- Compressed air works well between 40 and 60 PSI. I've tested up to 70PSI, but I don't know how well the discs will hold up beyond this.
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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