Misc. I want to know the material used to make this turbine

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the construction of a homemade Archimedes turbine, specifically focusing on the material used for the turbine blades. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is identified as a potential material, as mentioned in a video that demonstrates the turbine's construction. There is curiosity about the turbine's efficiency and power output, with skepticism regarding claims of a 3500W capacity. Observations indicate that the turbine can generate enough electricity to power a small fan and an incandescent bulb, suggesting practical functionality despite doubts about its maximum output. Concerns are raised about the lack of performance measurements in the video, which could provide more insight into the turbine's efficiency. Additionally, alternatives like aluminum and polypropylene plastic are discussed for their respective properties, with an emphasis on the need for a flexible material that can be easily shaped for the design. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of material choice in turbine construction and the desire for more detailed performance data.
T C
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TL;DR Summary
In the attached video, you can see how an archimedes turbine has been built. I just want to know what kind of material is used to build the fins mainly.

After seeing this video, I have decided to make a homemade version of this machine. The axle and other parts can be taken care easily, but I want to know what kind of material is being used to make the blades of this turbine. These part is the most important part while making the turbine.
 
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T C said:
TL;DR Summary: In the attached video, you can see how an archimedes turbine has been built. I just want to know what kind of material is used to build the fins mainly.

I want to know what kind of material is being used to make the blades of this turbine.
Polyvinylchloride.

(as stated in a 3 second pop-up at the bottom of the screen @0:37 thru 0:39. There are other pop-ups later in the video.)
 
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jedishrfu said:
why not ask the youtuber who posted the video?
A few have already asked, but the youtuber hasn't replied at all.
Tom.G said:
Polyvinylchloride.
Thanks!
 
T C said:
TL;DR Summary: In the attached video, you can see how an archimedes turbine has been built. I just want to know what kind of material is used to build the fins mainly.

I have decided to make a homemade version of this machine.
The design is certainly pleasing to the eye but how does the efficiency compare with the existing, readily available turbines. What sort of electrical power output would you expect? I can't believe that the 3500W refers to the model in the video.
 
sophiecentaur said:
The design is certainly pleasing to the eye but how does the efficiency compare with the existing, readily available turbines. What sort of electrical power output would you expect? I can't believe that the 3500W refers to the model in the video.
My only intention is to know what kind of material has been used to make the blades. I can't answer those questions. Only way is to make one and find out what has been said is true or not. But in the video, you can see that the electricity generated is enough to ran a fan, which I can guess is of 70 W capacity together with an incandescent bulb (probably 100 W capacity). So, not bad for a machine of this size. IMO 3.5 kW is a high level of exaggeration. FYI, this type of turbine is called Archimedes wind turbine and you can check their performance on net.
 
T C said:
My only intention is to know what kind of material has been used to make the blades.
The video seems to show some welding going on and I could see heat problems when fixing the metal bracing strip along the leading edge of the plastic but you will have given that video more attention than I have so you may be re-assured by what's shown. Aluminium sheet would weigh a bit more than plastic but it would suit welding better.
It always worries me when people make videos of electrical equipment without quoting measurements. A DMM could easily be attached and that would provide actual performance figures. The film maker certainly went to a lot of trouble to build the model but, as an engineer, I'd need some persuasion to spend time on building one without some idea of likely performance.


The turbine is certainly nice to look at and its association with a historical Greek makes the project more appealing as a demo, fixed in a windy part of the garden.
 
sophiecentaur said:
Aluminium sheet would weigh a bit more than plastic but it would suit welding better.
I don't want to copy this design and what I want to make doesn't need any kind of welding. My point of interest is the flexibility of the sheet so that I can be bend and shaped in a desired way.
 

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