Just a thought

[motoman465]

I just had a thought concerning a VAWT such as a Lenz2.  Instead of using square or round tubing to attach the wings to the center hub, why not make something with the profile of an airplane wing?  Could this help to lessen some wind resistance as the turbine is rotating?  Sounds like something fun to play with once it gets warmer, and I get a car, and a new apartment...LOL!  What do you think?

Todd

[Norm]

If you want to have fun build a few VAWTs even

models why wait for warmer weather? When it gets

warmer weather everything starts growing and the

trees get leafs again and blocks the wind.

I build model or small WTs in my kitchen and then

wait for a nice 20mph wind ice and snow 5 degrees

outside then I go out and do some testing and I

tell myself I'm having Fun !   LOL

[finnsawyer]

What you would really want is something streamlined, that comes to a knife edge at both ends.  Maybe you could get hold of struts off of junked airplanes.

[vawtman]

Hmmm...Todd

 Why not make the turbine like an airplane wing only curved for rotation.:>)

 I don't think foiling the rotor will help much.

[feral air]

I was thinking along similar lines a while back and the conclusion I came to was that it wouldn't help, because wings generate lift.

When your turbine gets up to speed the weight on the tower will decrease (as your turbine tries to lift off) but there'd still be drag. I just don't see how it could help propel the turbine. And it may destroy the way the wind moves through the center of the turbine, I dunno.

It would be interesting to see someone test it but I wouldn't want to be first. take it easy

[motoman465]

Thanks for the replies.  Norm, I never thought of using the winter time to play with small models inside.  Sounds like fun!

Todd