Lenz Turbine – 3D‑Printed Aerodynamic Wind Spinner

The Lenz Turbine is an aerodynamic wind spinner inspired by the geometry of Lenz‑type induction turbines. Designed to rotate even in light wind, it delivers smooth, continuous motion thanks to its curved blade profile and balanced mass distribution.

The project includes two 3D‑printed parts and two standard mechanical components , making it easy to assemble and ideal for decorative, educational, and STEM applications.

🧩 Required Components

3D‑printed parts (included)

- Turbine - Support base Non‑printed components

- 1× ball bearing Ø22 mm with Ø8 mm inner hole - 1× shaft Ø8 mm, length ≥ 40 mm - Optional: 1× small DC motor to use as a generator The optional motor allows the turbine to produce low‑voltage DC electricity , making it suitable for demonstrations of renewable energy, micro‑generation, and basic electronics.

⚙️ Key Features

- Geometry inspired by Lenz turbines - Spins smoothly even in low wind - Fully support‑free design - Compatible with standard 22×8 mm bearing - Shaft interface: Ø8 mm - Optional DC generator setup - Stable base (Ø205 mm) - Optimized curved blade profiles (R5, R8.23, R87.5) - Perfect for balconies, gardens, classrooms, and STEM demonstrations - STEP files available for customization 📐 Technical Specifications (from the engineering drawing)

Turbine

- Outer diameter: Ø175 mm - Central hole: Ø9 mm (fits Ø8 mm shaft via bearing) - Main radii: R5 – R8.23 – R87.5 - Key dimensions: 7 mm, 22 mm, 50.6 mm, 72.5 mm, 134 mm Base

- Outer diameter: Ø205 mm - Internal diameters: Ø26 mm – Ø22 mm – Ø9 mm - Height: 11 mm - Characteristic thickness: 14.91 mm 🛠️ 3D Printing Guidelines

Recommended materials

- PLA → easy, clean finish - PETG → better outdoor resistance Suggested settings

- Layer height: 0.2 mm - Infill: 15–20% - No supports required - Moderate print speed for optimal blade quality Orientation

- Turbine : hub facing downward - Base : flat on the build plate 🔧 Assembly

- Insert the 22×8 mm bearing into the turbine hub. - Insert the Ø8 mm shaft (≥40 mm) into the bearing. - Mount the shaft onto the base . - (Optional) Connect the shaft to a small DC motor to use the turbine as a generator. - Test rotation with a gentle blow or light wind. - Install outdoors for best performance. ⚡ Optional: DC Power Generation

By connecting the rotating shaft to a small DC motor , the turbine can generate low‑voltage direct current . This makes it ideal for:

- Renewable energy demonstrations - Classroom experiments - Small LED lighting tests - STEM projects involving electricity and motion 🎯 Ideal Use Cases

- Garden or balcony decoration - Physics and technology school projects - Aerodynamics demonstrations - Renewable energy experiments - Kinetic art installations - Makers seeking a clean, functional, elegant design 🏷️ SEO‑Optimized Tags

Lenz turbine wind spinner 3D printed turbine kinetic sculpture outdoor spinner vertical axis turbine bearing spinner STEM model aerodynamics demo support free print DC generator renewable energy model