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Using styrofoam blades for a VAWT? | 14 comments (14 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: Using styrofoam blades for a VAWT? (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by SparWeb (sparweb at ANTISPAM_hotmail_com) on Wed May 23rd, 2007 at 12:46:06 PM MST
(User Info)

This can be done.

Here's my design from 2 years ago:

Do a search on foam cutting with a hot wire. There have been many posts here on that topic.
Whatever you do, don't build it with just 2 blades like I did. Or, if you must, use a much sturdier axle than the 1.5" that I used.
Steven Fahey

Re: Using styrofoam blades for a VAWT? (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by Derek (jumpin_12@hotmail.com) on Wed May 23rd, 2007 at 08:42:55 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.FreeEnergySolutions.net

Thanks for the excellent help guys! So it turns out foam blades isnt a new idea... But I'm going for more of a drag type VAWT, but it will be shrouded and ducted to increase the air flowing through the unit. From testing, I think what I'm working on is actually doubling the speed of the VAWT I've made.

Well, I guess one of the next steps is to actually find a place to get styrofoam from. Any ideas there?

As far as the Chinese HAWT with styrofoam, depending on the cost and ease of replacing the blades, even a year of use wouldnt be too bad in my opinion! Even $20 worth of foam wouldnt be a big deal to replace once a year to me. The trade offs of it being light, cheap, and especially safe would be a good thing I think. Attaching the thing, I think I've got some ideas worked out. I'll get a 3D pic made soon to show my idea.

[ Parent ]

Re: Using styrofoam blades for a VAWT? (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by SparWeb (sparweb at ANTISPAM_hotmail_com) on Thu May 24th, 2007 at 12:42:50 PM MST
(User Info)

Hobby stores have small amounts, local hardware stores have large sheets of blue/pink house insulation foam panels, or find an industrial plastic product supplier and they could have lots of choice, too. You can get laminating epoxy and the fiberglass fabric from the industrial plastic supplier, too.

Steven Fahey
[ Parent ]

Re: Using styrofoam blades for a VAWT? (3.00 / 0) (#12)
by pepa on Fri May 25th, 2007 at 07:34:43 AM MST
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hi derek, check at a building supply center for rigid roof insulation, it usually comes in 4'x8' sheets and the thickness veries. i have used this rigid foam insulation up to 8" thick. it will have a slight taper from one side to the other for roof slope on a builtup roof system. the material is very dense, durible and water proof, easy to cut and work with, pepa.

[ Parent ]

Re: Using styrofoam blades for a VAWT? (3.00 / 0) (#13)
by TheEquineFencer (TheEquineFencer@AOL.com) on Sat Jun 23rd, 2007 at 04:09:25 AM MST
(User Info)

It's funny I found this post when I did. I have freind taking classes for his air frame lic. for the FAA. The "foam" used is not the type sold at a hardware store, it's special foam with a differant structure used for airframes. He has made actual scaled down wings using composite materials, the idea is the same though. Monday he's going to ask his instructor to see about getting large sheets and the materials to build some for me. He says the stuff is awsome! You just cut it with a hotwire and lay the resin on and then lay a section of "fabric" on top and roll the bubbles out. If you use regular foam it melts. That's my .02 worth.
F. Moore Farmville, NC
[ Parent ]

Re: Using styrofoam blades for a VAWT? (3.00 / 0) (#14)
by pepa on Sun Jun 24th, 2007 at 02:56:40 PM MST
(User Info)

hi Derek, try a builder supply for rigid roof insulation for built up roofs. i have used it in 4x8 sheets and up to 8" thick. it does come with a slight taper form one 8' side to the other of about 1/2" for slope angle and may have to be special order, but you might find some damageded pieces at a good price. you could also find some of the dock floats in 2x2x4' sizes. pepa

[ Parent ]

Using styrofoam blades for a VAWT? | 14 comments (14 topical, 0 editorial)

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