3D-Printing of a Functional Small-Scale Wind Turbine

Small wind turbine systems with nameplate capacities of 1.5 kW or less are undergoing a surge in popularity. As these systems become more commonplace, they are continually being utilized in applications such as making significant contributions to reducing residential energy consumption and powering onboard communications, navigation, and galley equipment on both ships and sailboats. The scope of this research is to design and 3d-print a functional small-scale wind turbine capable of electrical power generation. This research is intended to (1) design and create via additive manufacturing a functional small-scale wind turbine, (2) perform an analysis of the 3d-printed wind turbine and generate a power curve for the system, (3) assess potential applications for 3d-printed wind turbines, and (4) perform an economic analysis of 3d-printing wind turbines.