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2011.09.29 - Added CAD files for custom fabrication of the metal parts.
2011.03.30 - Added a printable magnet layout template.
2011.02.02 - The Zoetrope construction guide is published.
The Zoetrope
The Zoetrope is an open source, vertical-axis wind turbine made from common materials.
Status: Complete
Construction Guide CC-BY-NC-ND
Images CC-BY-SA
Binaries: Construction Guide (PDF) Construction Guide (DJVU) Magnet Layout Template (SVG) CAD Files for Metal Parts (SVG + DXF)
Fig.1 - The Zoetrope framed by autumn colors.
Fig.1 - The Zoetrope framed by autumn colors.




Fig.2 - Images from the design and construction phase.
Fig.2 - Images from the design and construction phase.

Some decent wind turbine action. NOTE: Tightening the guy-wires would reduce or eliminate the "wobble" seen in the video, but would not help with the shaky camera work.

Close-up of the alternator. The air-gap was later shortened.

The coil winding apparatus in action.

Q & A

How much power does it produce?

As with all wind turbines, the power output depends on how fast the wind is moving (and many other factors). Many commercial turbines like to state their absolute maximum power rating before they fail or begin "braking", despite the reality that they would only produce that amount of power in a typhoon.

How much does it cost to build?

That depends on the tools and materials you may already have, the current price of magnets, the place where you live and many other factors.

You should have done this or that to make it better/more efficient/more attractive.

We hear that quite a bit. First, that is not a question. Second, ponder for a moment the concept of having a limited budget and limited time to execute a project. Now reflect on the generosity and kindness it took to make the things that were learned during that project publicly available for free.


References - One of the more popular DIY wind (and renewable) power sites; an excellent source of information. - A purveyor of a good selection of materials for building wind turbines. - Site with information concerning different designs of vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT).