What it does
Fractal Wind Wings - The Flexible Three-Dimensional Wind Turbine uses flexible curved power generation blades that can be 3D printed and is specially designed for outdoor camping power supply, making maintenance simple and efficient.
Your inspiration
We have observed significant defects in the existing power supply solutions for outdoor camping scenarios: With the popularization of outdoor activities and the enhancement of environmental awareness, traditional power sources such as lead - acid batteries or small fuel generators have significant limitations: they are bulky, heavy, complex to maintain, and rely on fossil fuels, which is not conducive to sustainability. The key inspiration for the solution idea comes from the Sierpinski triangle fractal theory, and its advantages are mainly reflected in its parametric and modular characteristics.
How it works
1.Installation process First, tighten the locking devices to fix the blades into a curved surface and secure the blades to their brackets. Second, unfold the lower retractable bracket and assemble it with the power generation components. Finally, combine the blade brackets with the retractable brackets. 2.Startup and power generation When the wind speed is high enough, the wind will push the blades to rotate, driving the motor inside the generator to spin and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy will be stored in the lithium battery for users to use at any time. 3.Storage and portability When not in use, the blades can be folded into a flat plate, and the entire generator can be disassembled into several small parts and carried in a backpack. This not only saves space but also reduces weight, making it very suitable for outdoor camping. It can charge small electronic devices, providing reliable power support.
Design process
We completed the design from the target surface to the actual blade through the following steps: (1) Establish a digital twin model of the preset surface: Triangulate the target surface to generate a triangular mesh with a topological structure. (2) Calculate the Gaussian curvature of the surface: Use the Boundary First Flattening algorithm to flatten the surface into a plane, and generate a fractal plane through curvature changes. (3) Fractal hierarchical design: Based on the Sierpinski triangle fractal theory, set the smallest equilateral triangle as a first - level unit. Four first - level units form a second - level unit, and so on. By adjusting the gaps between units, achieve dynamic changes between surfaces. Use 3D printing technology to actually manufacture the model. In this process, select appropriate printing materials and precision to ensure the accuracy and stability of the model. Subsequently, conduct a fit analysis between the printed flexible surface and the original target surface.Compare the printed flexible surface with the original surface in terms of morphology and geometric accuracy, record the deviations. This provides a reliable basis for subsequent optimization and application, ensuring its feasibility and reliability in practical applications.
How it is different
Traditional small wind turbines use metal blades, which have the problems of heavy weight and fixed volume, making it difficult to meet the portability requirements. Our design uses 3D-printed flexible surfaces to replace metal blades, significantly reducing the weight and volume. Especially when not in use, the blades can transform from a curved shape to a flat shape, facilitating storage and carrying. This feature is very suitable for outdoor camping scenarios. We applied the principles of fractal geometry to conduct a hierarchical design of the blade unit. By using 3D printing to create rigid structural units to form a flexible surface, it can freely transform between a flat and a curved shape. Moreover, through ANSYS simulation, we found that the performance of this fractal blade is basically the same as that of the original tulip-shaped blade.
Future plans
Currently, the conversion rate of the flexible blade generator is basically the same as that of the original tulip-shaped blade. In the future, we will continue to conduct in-depth research on the mechanical properties of flexible materials and optimize the 3D printing structure design to improve the conversion efficiency. We hope that through continuous technological innovation and market promotion, the small wind turbines based on 3D-printed flexible surfaces will become an indispensable part of people's daily lives, and contribute to the achievement of the global "carbon neutrality" goal.
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