2079 DIY Windstalk Energy - A Kind Of Bladeless Wind Turbine

[@Kezat]

With the fair bit of intermittent torque this makes it may pair well with some type of mechanical storage, lifting weight, pumped water, wound spring and such. When energy is needed you can get a constant(ish) speed output as the stored energy is released. Love the videos as always Robert.

[@simontopley4771]

Yes i was thinking this too, akin to winding up a clock spring, but yes weight or water might be the best for generating.

[@knightscape]

Showing the design process is awesome, thank you.

[@breaking_bear]

Great proof of concept with the one way ratchet moving the generator! If you do 2 one way ratchets, then it can push the generator motor when it moves in either direction!

[@HalEvans]

Great proof of concept and as always, taken as just that. I'm minded of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge failure! Maybe 'tuning' the exciter rod to its natural frequency could be an immediate efficiency gain (and of course that could be dynamically controlled to match wind speeds). Additionally, mounting the push button at the centre of percussion may see a radical improvement too.

[@johnbarry8185]

Rob, rotate the gears 90 degrees, and place them higher on the stalk, with the rod attached to the 'gear grabber' thing. Then, no matter which way the wind blows, the gear will turn.

[@travismoore7849]

If you had enough flexible piezo strips you could just use a carpet of them to bend in the wind to make electricity.

[@kingofnothing2260]

Yes but not as efficient as other options for the same space. Best to use in conjuction with other things to increase their efficiency

[@billycairns9395]

Brilliant, love your videos...😊

[@Furby_assassin]

Put something like the self winding watch at the bottom of the stalk. So the rocking motion winds it up

[@elalcalde3362]

It would be neat to see those push button generators attached to bamboo. Stick a plate on the top and you could get some movement. Thank you for all of the great ideas and videos!

[@gingerdude94]

I love this channel, it's absolutely fascinating ❤

[@ToninFightsEntropy]

That's awesome! Some clever trickery to gear it faster could go a mile! One thing I was trying to do (completely inspired by your videos by the way!) was a bit of a combo, using a Darwin turbine on the top end of a stick leaning out at 45 degrees. I figured a tiny generator in the bottom tip of it could be set in a sorta-hollow planetary gearbox to that gets spun much faster than the fan in the hole that spins it, and that this action plus the weight at the end of the stick would make it bounce quite reactively, and keep trying to hang down despite the stick angle changing, and that I'd use the angle change between the leaf and the stick to turn another mini-generator in a planetary on top, or somehow add to the other one..

[@alankoester3344]

Very interesting concept. I'm no engineer so please take my observations with a pinch of salt. What struck me though was how much more movement there were in the plants in comparison to your experimental device. Which leads me to think that there is even more energy available in such buffeting in nature that could be harnessed if we can properly emulate the movement of plants in 5he wind. All the best with your research and please keep us posted.

[@pbsluvr312]

i saw a low-resolution clip of a very similar device that fluttered in the wind and was connected to a voltage coil except it was essentially a vertical string with a wind catching central "blade". It seemed quite effective.

[@user-hf3ym7lh4d]

Remarkably similar to the rope tied to a tree driving a ratcheting saw blade which ET used to phone home. Not even joking, watch it again if you don't remember the mechanism. Seems like attaching to trees really would be a resourceful way of accomplishing this at scale.

[@salimufari]

Since you started this project series I've been looking at the Venetian blind slat for inspiration on this same idea. They twist & flutter in lighter wind or bend & recoil in a bit more forceful winds.

[@baraBober]

This device should probably be used to store energy into a spring or lift a weight

[@gshingles]

One of those designs you showed looked like it might sway in any direction. Maybe by attaching a cable to the top of the mass that sways it will be pulled when it moves off axis, then a spring returns it as it centers again? A chain on the end of the cable could wrap around the magic winder.

[@fablegarmeth6897]

The timelapse in tinkercad was much appreciated

[@SumNumber]

If you make a regular fan , mounted 90 degrees to ground level and couple that to a gear that coverts that fan motion to up and down and attach that to the wheel mechanism it will perform much better . Interesting idea. :O)

[@Modded42]

Just a thought I bet I describe rubish. If you can change the button mechanism to take a pull motion, with say up to 5cm movement to turn. The use a peice of string to pull it. Attach the string to a long bit of "stalk" at the bottom through a stationary iris. Ball pivot the stalk say 10-15cm above the iris. That way no mater the direction of the wind when it moves it pulls the string through the iris, that pulls the changed button mechanism and spins the disc. I hope that makes sense to someone! I know the idea would work, but it would take some strong spring to make sure the string part didnt get too slack and pulled the stalk back to its zero position.

[@cameronlea7633]

I find myself thinking this would work really well with low volume pouring water like say a drain pipe, and a single stiffer spring. Turn the thing horizontal and let the water hit the plate, imparting torque. then when the water bends the rod far enough it would be released from the stream and the spring would pull the lever up turning the generator.

[@firepuncher1]

I immediately thought about keeping it this simple but using the ratchet to operate a winch for raising a weight that trips a release at the top and the weight then drives a generator on the way down and starts again at the bottom. A lot of these running with different gearing, heights, timing etc would make quite a tech art installation

[@BB-sm8ey]

I've been playing with a design to do this with tree trunks in a forest for the last few years, on and off. The trunk is the rod. A static climbing rope runs down to a bicycle crank (with a weight to return the crank to position using the free wheel) with a generator attached to the rear hub.

[@davidl.howser9707]

Hello Robert, Such fun. Mate would you possibly reconsider T&T KZbin video 2037 the "The Foot Fall Generator" with a Pinnate multi leaved branch end trimed then pushed into the top of the "Foot Fall Generator" to best capture those buffeting winds there in the UK? Thank you so very much for this latest video which may also benefit from a Pinnate multi leaves branch pushed into the top. Set up onto a stool platform. Here in the States our Black Walnut Tree's Pinnate leaves bow in the wind when buffeted most gracefully. Continue to Enjoy each Day. : ) Cheers !

[@ChristopherSchreib-yn1vu]

Why not create a ‘Smart’ unfolding FAN at the top of this thing, that widens the fan to exploit low speed winds, and folds up to a smaller area in higher winds, so it would be safe to use in all kinds of weather, without breaking?

[@xmysef4920]

Awesome video Rob! I was thinking though, maybe you could make the plate at the top move or rotate even, to make the movement more alternating and shaky? Just a thought haha

[@johnwynne-qx6br]

Good idea, slightly off balanced rotor.

[@ShafaqIftikhar-pw9ld]

Love the idea. Thankyou for the upload Robert!

[@sindhflood7521]

Exillent idea 💡

[@AnEngineers3DPrintVerse]

Man I loved the production of the tinkercad tutorial on this. I wonder if the generator would be improved if you used a flexible filament like TPU.

[@Gomorragh]

the ratchet needs a 2 direction part where its powering from both motions

[@gerryplayz4532]

I think the wind plate could be angled so that it catches less wind when it blows back and more when it's forward, I'm thinking of the ratchet connected to push rods attached to branches?

[@dansmif]

I wonder if this could be combined with a flywheel. If the jerky intermittent input could be used to keep the flywheel going it should smooth out the gaps.

[@TheIBwithMr.D]

I hope IB students can get some value from this, certainly very interesting! Thank you.

[@PETERJOYCE-u6q]

It looks a good concept to use with wave action Rob.

[@MrFujack103]

Also silent which I think a lot of the should be aimed at for use in an urban area and some of the stuff you’ve shown so far. I wouldn’t want outside my window!

[@AndreaDingbatt]

I've got a Tree that is getting blown about in a Gale at the moment and a Church across the road from me!! I don't really notice either the Bells or the tree until someone else points them out!! But NIMBY is Rife around the world and I have even heard someone complain to the next door neighbour,,,a Farmer,,, that his Sheep's Baa -ing was too Loud!! (I kid you not!!) ❤🌎🕊️

[@OldManSparkplug]

insightful look into your tinkerCAD process, loved that. For a proof of concept I'd say you were successful and you already mentioned probably the biggest improvements you could make. Great video.

[@breaking_bear]

If wind buffet was related to Warren Buffet, perhaps the efficiency of wind turbines would be rectified.

[@peterfelecan3639]

Looking at the vegetation wobbling in the background we realize that the space for improvement is quite huge. Bionics is tempting but not easy.

[@alanwoollett2628]

Surely if the top of the wand was able to turn in the direction of the wind this would improve its efficiency?

[@ATop1x]

Id love to use this mechanism to harness wave energy. Possibly turn it 90 degrees attached it to a float?

[@deanc6539]

So I'm thinking that one of the bladed wind turbines with a vertical transfer rod to push the pin might generate greater speeds for the clutch. I'm really enjoying the whole series and can't wait to see what you come up with next.

[@technocracynow9339]

I would use a mechanism like in a pull back / wind up toy car to get more rpm.

[@ChristieNel]

Here's an idea for an improvement. Once it reaches the end of its stroke, it should rotate such that it not only stops catching the wind, but using the wind to propel it the other way. Like how a sailboat tacks and jibes. Using an airfoil would be superb.

[@raywhatsthisfor1283]

Getting colder over in the UK??? look at his fancy coat!?!?🤔😉😂 Thank you for all the work over the years!!! Seriously, you really do open the eyes of some people..with all the ideas that you come up with!

[@ThinkingandTinkering]

wow - cheers mate

[@magnetsplace]

Is there a way you could also share your files in an editable format, like openscad? STL is a hard format to tweak the design unless you hold a degree in how to use a program like Blender with it's almost vertical learning curve.

[@Gvtteddybear]

Maybe connect this up to a water spiral pump?

[@the_tom]

That way it would work well in the sea.

[@stewartpalmer2456]

You mentioned gearing. With the amount of torque you are getting, you could definitely get some speed.

[@bobbyjohn2768]

Hey Robert! Comment on the plasmoid thunderstorm generator. Thanks.

[@salilsahani2721]

Thank you Sir :)

[@mrab4222]

If the wind's strong enough, the stalk will be held against the stop. In such cases, would putting a vertical pipe upwind cause vortex shedding and make the stalk buffet?

[@oknemohcrapalain8035]

Interesting to see how you draw the parts for your printer. What is the software?

[@Coxeysbodgering]

Multiple flags at off sets would hopefully give you more back and forth for the push button input. As an alternative what a bout the ocilatation "charging a clock like spring" which releases when full to do the work and the ocilatation recharging the spring (s) save move a couple of degrees then haltin for there to be enough inertia in the right direction

[@petebaron4643]

VERTICAL AXIS windmills should catch wind in any direction, and they're less lethal to birds.

[@qastielsolaris6322]

it would be interesting to make the blade look like a tall plant leaf, have several of them, and put the mechanism down in a plant pot. aside from the sound, it may be mistaken for a plant. hehe ;)

[@Liam_Patton]

I'd have it geared up to crank a mainspring, and then have a little flag ding up when it's fullt cranked so you can manually retrieve said spring, dump it into your flywheel/storage system, and put it back out like a crab trab. Wind traps that gradually build up and can be picked.

[@AlanSams]

I am trying to help you. Flip your device upside down raised up on posts with floats on the posts the generator inclosed above and stem with paddle in the tide surf. It's a freebie.

[@jakezgab8576]

I think the rubber band should be a bit tighter to resist the wind for the action reaction more sensitive response.

[@peterbagshaw5863]

Would you be willing to look at the BLOOM BOX and perhaps share your thoughts on its concept and even consider replicating it ? Thanks for Sharing

[@gordonfreeman3565]

Maybe use a 2-axis gimbal, like a RC transmitter joystick, with your magnet wheels taking the place of the potentiometers, or more likely driven from that point so you can move the actual wheels away to orient them with more space. Then, instead of trying to generate from the intermittent torque, use the one-way mechanism to raise a weight via a reverse escapement (like a grandfather clock thingy). When the weight is full wound, release it and let gravity do its work, dumping the energy into a capacitor bank (or whatever). Assist this dump with a flywheel, via a freewheel system (like bike pedals), and then the cycle repeats itself...

[@pault5188]

How about, moving magnets at the bottom (or half way up) travelling through a series of 360° surrounding copper collector coils (at least 4?). Half wave rectifiers mean which ever coil is stimulated, it will deliver a DC current into a capacitive load ..

[@justtinkering6713]

As always the protestor to motion is Lenz. Damn Lenz.

[@colleenforrest7936]

I LIKE it! I wonder if it would be worth putting layers of wheels, or a wheel on both ends would give you more energy or more loss? Would depend on the wind spread I guess. Maybe you could add in more gears on windier days. I'm also thinking of something that would help pull the stalk back faster, an additional spring. Also good for windy days. There's some spring in the shaft, but I think additional spring that didn't fight the initial push would also help this generate. So you wouldn't want to, say, compress a string or stretch a rubber band unless the wind was some amount to be determined stronger than the natural spring of the rod... 🤔

[@breaking_bear]

Hey, did you know you made a "thought swatter" from the movie "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"? Hilariously uncanny similarities!

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Damn, You are Right!! Lmao!! 🤣

[@danob9869]

@Robert lay the disk flat and ad 2 more flagthingys in different direction

[@bettyswallocks6411]

This is crying out to be adapted for dogs - the happier, the better.

[@MultiVoiceofreason]

I think you should have the fulcrum a lot lower to utilise more of the movement

[@daveh6356]

Rather than convert the oscillation to rotation - would a flux-cutting generator specifically for the oscillator not be more efficient? A (heavy-ish) magnet on pendulum affair potentially allowing for bi-axial swing.

[@garyl6031]

Why not use the motion to wind a spring that will then drive a transmission attached to a generator? That way you can regulate the speed of the generator and store any excess input energy.

[@wesdblack]

Good stuff! I've been looking at the "Skybrator" generator for a wee while now, which is sadly not nearly as robust as it was hoped. My 2c: Keep It Sensibly Simple (KISS). Seems the system works when the resonant frequency of the moving part matches half the frequency of the Karman vortex shedding, that is a vortex curls off at the end of one wobble, then another when the moving arm has moved to its other extreme. This depends on some fluid dynamics of wind, and the diameter of the arm vs its mass, length and "springiness", hence its resonant frequency not unlike ye olde schoolboy trick of making a wooden ruler make a funny noise when placed on a desk with one end overhanging the edge, giving it a flick then sliding it around to make the pitch go up or down depending. Look out for that plant there! Many folk accidentally perforate their eardrums near them!

[@wesdblack]

To extract energy, I'd use a wide circular plate at the base of the vertical cylinder, and a piston set vertically underneath such that whichever direction the cylinder tilts, the plate causes the cylinder to lift, pulling the piston and hence moving the hydraulic fluid that's piped to a fluid turbine attached to a dynamo. This is in a way just like pulling a pint at a pub. A stiff return spring around the piston helps right the cylinder and baseplate again. Can then also have multiple nodding-windmills feeding the same fluid lines and dynamo. Have valves to ensure single-direction flow.

[@MiltonPapa]

Leaves rise up and down horizontally.. Like a wing, wouldn't that work slightly better and in a more fluid motion..? That way rows of wings like airplanes placed in a grill each one can be reversed to create lift. Up down yeah...

[@stephenwoolsey9034]

Is this anything like the energy generators that float on ocean surf? I am new on your website but I am enjoying the heck out of it. all the best from Missouri USA.

[@Mmcl9837]

That's a fantastic green jacket you had on outside.

[@Mmcl9837]

Also. I've been inspired by your videos for a while now. I'm using a lot of the ideas you discuss to make a wind powered sand battery / heater! Thanks for sharing knowledge and great ideas so consistently.

[@htmagic]

RMS, now charge a bank of supercapacitors. Amazing! Cheers!

[@IsaacLoven]

Very cool. What is the efficiency vs turbine

[@Nobe_Oddy]

NEAT-O!!

[@blairleighton3343]

Or you might just connect it to a tall tree.

[@mikeshawbrook-selfreliance]

Robert, what software are you using ?

[@TheBaconWizard]

TinkerCad I think.

[@historyisfake9153]

Piezo?? X

[@wilebgingy669]

NightHawkInLight video on improving experimental data sets if you havent allready i think it would be cool if you tryed it on one of your older projects like the ink or the graphite type projects technically could work on any project

[@bryanb5895]

Doesn't look like it could generate much power

[@justtinkering6713]

Hang it upside down magnet at the top. Coil above that. On my channel.

[@realdbcooper3423]

why not do a wobble plate,

[@hyconiek22]

I'm waiting for many of these fans driving one shaft and through it a generator

[@paulmurgatroyd6372]

So many designs for wind generation and we get stuck with those oversized, over-priced, over-complicated windmills.

[@gavinlynas2833]

Your design doesn't do this idea much justice. This is an extremely high leaverage/ high torque but low movement method. There needs to be high gears connected to spin that generator extremely fast. The drawback being that that would require a lot of torque but that's no problem because the sky paddle is basically a massive lever. The longer the lever the greater the force, the higher gears can be used, the more power generated. The shaft has to be stiff as possible so all the leverage goes in the bottom. Some sort of mechanism that would turn the paddle sideways at the end, bypassing the wind and allowing it to return to its start position, then turn back facing again, would be ideal.

[@hirnlager]

make diy wind ;)

[@sargonchlimon4472]

Hello sir what about if you use a flag 🤔

[@justtinkering6713]

First

[@fusion82]

🏅👍

[@shahidawan2763]

I will just stick with regular wind turbine

[@pathfinder6993]

The "exciting" background music is distracting from, not adding to the content