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Ion Wind Turbine Shows Static Electricity in Action

by brazilero2008 on October 4, 2010 Table of Contents Ion Wind Turbine Shows Static Electricity in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Ion Wind Turbine Shows Static Electricity in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Make & Line Rotor Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Prepare Rotor & Flywheel Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Assemble Rotor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Cut, Mark & Punch Rotor Cage Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Construct Rotor Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Assemble Rotor Cage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 8: Balance Rotor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 9: Power Rod Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 10: Fold & Wrap Ionizer Strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 11: Power Rod, Rotor & Cage Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 12: Wiring the Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 13: Attach Flywheel & Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 14: Final Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 15: Powering the Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 16: Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 17: Enhancing the Wow Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

Intro: Ion Wind Turbine Shows Static Electricity in Action

Static electricity is high voltage (HV) at low current. That unexpected ZAP! occurring when you walk accross a carpet and touch a metal object demonstrates HV conduction by ionized air particles. Ion wind turbines use electrostatic forces acting between these particles to produce mechanical movement. I decided to go green by making this desk-top project from mostly dollar-store hardware; re-purposed plastic, cardboard and aluminum disposables from my kitchen recycling bin as well as some curbside junk from the neighbors. The turbine uses foil electrodes that encircle a plastic, tubular rotor. Each electrode has a sharp edge that sprays a wind of positive or negative ions on the rotor's surface. When these electrodes are arranged so they alternate in polarity around the rotor, each electrode repels a rotor segment carrying the same charge and simultaneously attracts that rotor segment carrying charges deposited by the preceding electrode. Many sources of static electricity--from old CRT screens that "crackle and pop" when powered up, to room air ionizers--will spin a reasonably well constructed turbine. You can view an enhanced version of my project in operation here: http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=cXD9W1LtG7A TOOLS The tools required for this project are a(n): marking pencil; felt tip pen; ruler; compass; protractor; utility scissors; metal saw; desktop paper punch; high speed electric drill with 1/32, 1/8 and 1/4 bits; assorted grit sandpapers; sanding block; miniature hobby file and some Gorilla Glue. In addition to the parts listed in STEP 1 you will need a rubber band as well as rolls of paper and cellophane tapes. CAUTIONS Unlike some DIY electrostatic motors that creep along at hundreds of RPM, this bad boy can spool up to thousands of RPM in only seconds when sufficiently poweredso work carefully and dont forget the safety glasses! Also, operate the turbine in a ventilated area if you smell ozone gas. So let's begin...

Step 1: Parts List

Here is a list of the parts (there's plenty of opportunity to improvise if a specific part is not available). A. Rotor Assembly 1. Cylinder (1) 2. Conductive Liner 3. Disks (2) 4. Shafts (2) 5. Collars (2) 3 oz plastic container of Pounce Cat Treats 2-1/4 x 7 aluminum strip cut from soda can 2-1/4 dia disks with 1/8 center hole cut from 1/8 cardstock 1/8 dia x 6 metal rod; #6 x 1-1/2 metal bolt with lock washer & nut #6 de-threaded nylon nuts

B. Rotor Cage Assembly 1. Floor & Roof Disks (4) 2. Bearings (2) 3. Hubs & Insulators (10) 4. Support Columns (4) C. HV Electrode Assembly 1. Power Rods (4) 2. Conductive Jackets (4) 3. Ionizers (4) 4. Connecting Leads (2) 5. Lead Clamps (8) 6. Input Terminals (2) D. Final Assembly 1. Fly wheel (1) 2. Flywheel Spinner (1) 3. Project Base (1) 4. Turbine Shroud (1) 5. HV Rim Insulators (1) 6.Mounting Stand-offs (2) 7. Power Source (1)

3-3/4 dia disks with 1/4 center hole cut from 1/8 cardstock #6 nylon flat washers 1/4 dia x 1/8 flanged, nylon screw insulators (http://www.smallparts.com) 1/4 dia x 2-7/8 wood dowels

1/4 dia x 2-7/8 wood dowels foil chewing gum wrappers 2-1/4 x 2-1/2 strips cut from aluminum pie pans 4 of #20 AWG insulated wire plastic push pins ring connectors w/#20 AWG insulated input leads

2-1/4 dia disk with 1/8 center hole cut from 1/8 cardstock metal tip from ballpoint pen 1/8 cardstock cardboard peanut container (4" dia x 3-1/8") plastic, snap-on, peanut container lids empty plastic or styro thread spools DIY ionizer or commercial unit (example:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

http://www.techkits.com

Step 2: Make & Line Rotor Cylinder

Construct rotor by removing the top and bottom ends of a cat food container to form a 2 long cylinder. Remove label and sand edges with fine paper until level. Cut aluminum strip to specified size and line inside of cylinder. Trim width as needed to minimize overlap. Strip will serve as a conductor to attract ions to the rotor and also provide a seat for the rotor disks.

Step 3: Prepare Rotor & Flywheel Disks

Covers from 3-ring binders are perfect sources for 1/8 cardstock used for this project. First, remove the plastic sheathing from the binder. Cut and drill three disks as specified for the rotor and flywheel. Insert the #6 x 1-1/2 metal bolt through the holes. Clamp disks firmly against the bolt head with a lock washer and nut. Chuck assembly in an electric drill. Using a sanding block and medium grit paper carefully grind disks to a diameter of 2-1/4. Rub a thin layer of glue on the surfaces and edges of the disks to strengthen the cardstock. Allow disks to dry and sand lightly with fine grit paper until surfaces are smooth.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

Step 4: Assemble Rotor

Press fit one disk into each end of the cylinder; they should fit snugly and rest against the aluminum liner installed in STEP 2. The outer disk surfaces should be flush with the edges of the cylinder. If the disk diameter is too small, just wrap some paper tape around the circumference to achieve the necessary diameter. Trim excess tape until disk surfaces are level. Bond the liner to the inner cylinder wall with a small amount of glue. Do not glue the end disks in place at this time you will need to balance the rotor later. Place the third disk aside for later use in STEP 13. Cut the rotor shaft to size and slide it through the disk centers. Make shaft collars by removing threads from two #6 nylon nuts with round hobby file until they fit snugly over the shaft. Slide one collar to the end of the shaft and secure with glue. Place this assembly and remaining collar aside at this point.

Step 5: Cut, Mark & Punch Rotor Cage Disks

Cut and drill center holes for the four disks to make the cage floor and roof. Remove 1/8 from the edges of the disks to make a flattened base for mounting your turbine. Sand edges until level. Mark placements on one of the disks with a protractor to accommodate four support columns and four power rods. The placements must be equally spaced at 45 degrees and 1/4 from the circumference. Use this disk as a template for the three remaining disks. Make the eight placement holes in each disk with a paper punch. Verify alignment of the holes as well as the flat edges of all disks. Apply glue sparingly to join two disks to make the cage floor. Repeat this step with the two remaining disks to make the roof.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

Step 6: Construct Rotor Bearings

Construct left and right rotor bearings from nylon insulators using a #6 nylon flat washer which is centered and glued to the flanged side of the insulator. Carefully enlarge the center hole of each disk pair with a hobby file. Press fit the bearing assembly through the hole so the flange seats firmly against each disks surface.

Step 7: Assemble Rotor Cage

Assemble rotor cage by placing two insulators over each column with the flanged side facing outward and 1/4 of the column protruding past the flange. If necessary, wrap a layer of cellophane tape around each column to keep the insulators from slipping. Insert columns into the 12, 3, 6 and 9 oclock positions with respect to the flat edge of the floor disk. Before inserting columns into the corresponding roof holes, insert the axle assembly in the cage so the axle passes through both floor and roof bearings. Attach and adjust the roof so that both disks are parallel and rest solidly on the insulator flanges. Push the axle through until the shaft collar rests against the roof bearing. Slide the remaining collar on the opposite end of the axle. Hold everything together temporarily with a rubber band.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

Step 8: Balance Rotor

Adjust the movable collar to allow rotor to spin freely when the cage is placed on its side. If the rotor stops in the same position, disassemble it and apply paper tape to the rotors inner wall to counter balance. Once the rotor is balanced, glue the end disks to the plastic cylinder. However, do not glue support columns to the floor and roof disks at this time.

Step 9: Power Rod Construction

Because the turbine runs on little current, all metal surfacesexcept the ionizer edgesmust be smooth to reduce corona leakage. Begin power rod construction by drilling a 1/32 center hole about 1/2 deep into both ends of each rod. Wrap the rods with chewing gum foil to make conductive jackets. Ensure that all edges are smooth.

Step 10: Fold & Wrap Ionizer Strips

Make a 1/8 lengthwise crease on both sides of each ionizer strip and fold inwards. Wrap a strip around each power rod so the fold is on the inside of the foil roll.

Step 11: Power Rod, Rotor & Cage Assembly

Enlarge the remaining holes in the floor and roof disks slightly with a round file to accommodate the jacketed rods. Position the rods so that the folded edges of the ionizers face the rotors surface. Assemble the rotor-cage assembly using glue to secure the columns; but do not glue to power rods in place. Secure ionizers to the rods with glue allowing about a 1/8 gap between each electrode edge and the rotor.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

Step 12: Wiring the Turbine

Select two rods at one end of the cage that are mutually opposite. Join them together with a connecting lead and two clamps by removing sufficient insulation from both lead ends. Wrap several turns of the bare wire around the metal shaft of each clamp. Place a ring connector with lead wire under the head of one clamp. Press clamp shafts firmly into the center holes that you drilled in the rods in STEP 9. Repeat this procedure for the other end of the cage. Insert remaining clamps into the free end of each power rod to secure them in the placement holes of the disks. Adjust the electrode-rotor gap by turning the clamps to achieve the correct distance

Step 13: Attach Flywheel & Spinner

Secure the flywheel and spinner on the rotor shaft with glue.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

Step 14: Final Assembly

Your turbine is almost ready to roll :>). Just peel off the label and carefully remove the bottom of the peanut container with a can opener without damaging the container rims. Insert the entire rotor-cage assembly from the bottom so that the top lip of the container serves as a backstop. Cut out a 3-1/2" diameter circle from both snap-on lids and use them to insulate the container rims from the HV leads and clamp shafts. These lids will also keep the turbine in place. Decorate the flywheel with a felt pen and glue two thread spool stand-offs to the container. Mount the everything on a cardstock base. I attached rubber feet and input terminals to the base for a more finished appearance.

Step 15: Powering the Turbine

I powered my turbine with a DIY, 12-stage, Crockcroft-Walton multiplier. However, a blinged-out power source isn't essential; almost any commercial electronic ionizer rated at 6 kV or better is adequate. Even a large diameter CRT can provide momentary power for the turbine. Tape a large sheet of aluminum foil to the screen, fold the edges to reduce corona leakage and attach an insulated wire from the sheet to one of the turbines inputs. Connect the remaining terminal to a suitable ground.

File Downloads

Table 1.pdf ((595x842) 2 KB) [NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Table 1.pdf']

Step 16: Troubleshooting Tips

The following variables will affect your turbines performance: (a) electrode-rotor gap, (b) bearing friction, (c) rotor balance and (d) inter-electrode distance. The first three items are very important if you select weaker power sources for your turbine. Irregular gap distances will produce uneven electrostatic forces on the rotor causing the shaft to rattle in bearings with too much wiggle room (if the bearings that are too tight, to rotor will bind). Of course, an imbalanced rotor also will limit performance. Because the average breakdown voltage of air is ~3 kV /millimeter, non-insulated or closely spaced electrodes can arc causing a sudden power loss and a drop in speed. A mini flourescent backlight from discarded handheld computer makes a great indicator of corona breakdown. Glue the lamp along the length of the shroud and attach one lead to ground; leave the other end unconnected as an antena. The lamp will flicker if arcing occurs within the turbine.

Step 17: Enhancing the Wow Factor

Consider mounting your project on a wood cigar box with oversized rubber bushings as stand-offs to absorb turbine vibration. Place your preferred power supply inside the box and wire in an ON/OFF switch. Next, spray the shroud with high-gloss, metallic paint and replace the cardstock flywheel with a small, plastic fan blade. Identify your project with rub-on letters. For extreme performance, replace the nylon bearings with oiled, stainless steel flat washers and add an extra pair of ionizing electrodes to increase torque. When this maxed-out version was connected to an industrial ionizer (12 kV DC at 1.0 milliamp!) it sounded like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skgFyaGE5hA&feature=related The input voltage of this enhanced design should top off at 12 - 13 kV. Higher voltages will eventually arc and could permanently toast your turbine :>O. That's all for now. Thanks for your interest in this project!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 52 comments

janesycamore says:
This is a total macguiver (sp) pwn! 5 STARS!

Mar 4, 2011. 10:59 PM REPLY

brazilero2008 says:
That was one of my fav shows too! Thanks for the stars :)

Mar 10, 2011. 2:33 PM REPLY

paqrat says:

Oct 12, 2010. 9:10 PM REPLY I apologize if this question sounds stupid. I prefer to think of it as ignorant. Why is a power source needed if the whole thing runs on static electricity?

brazilero2008 says:

Oct 13, 2010. 5:31 AM REPLY Think of the project as a simple motor. It requires a power source to spin the rotor. The source is a high voltage transformer/multiplier combo (just a mini, DIY room air ionizer) mounted inside of the base. Alternative power sources can be used. The rotor will move (slightly) from static electricity produced by walking across a carpet and touching one of the input terminals when the other terminal is grounded. Van de Graaffs, Wimshursts, etc . would be much better power sources.

paqrat says:
Thank you. That does clear that up. :)

Oct 18, 2010. 3:25 AM REPLY

BIGHAIRYDUDE says:
So what exactly does this accomplish does it just move air? what is it powered by because i know it cant just be from air can it?

Oct 9, 2010. 6:14 PM REPLY

brazilero2008 says:

Oct 10, 2010. 9:24 AM REPLY The rotor that spins the fan blade is powered by electricity. In this case, high voltage at low current which we often experience as static shocks during cold, dry days. Is this process reversible? In other words, can a 'bine generate static electricity from the wind? I tried spinning the blade by hand as fast as possible (to imitate a strong breeze) when the 'bine's inputs were connected to a sensitive ammeter nothing happened... There are better ways to generate HV static anyway.

xarlock667 says:

Oct 11, 2010. 12:00 AM REPLY You are doing it wrong, the motor was not designed to produce electricity. Instead, take a generator and connect the shafts to each other. You are not producing electricity because you have no magnets to move the electrons. Draw your power from the generator. On a side note, how much torque does it produce?

brazilero2008 says:
Don't have actual torque values; but It should turn the shaft of a small DC motor.

Oct 11, 2010. 10:06 AM REPLY

xarlock667 says:

Oct 11, 2010. 7:22 PM REPLY A simple test is the measure of how hard it presses at a set distance. Place a lever on the shaft and place it on a scale, measure the slack, then power the motor up. You now know how much torque it produces.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

BIGHAIRYDUDE says:
o.k so if you were to do a science fair project on this what would you test... maybe air temperature?

Oct 10, 2010. 3:49 PM REPLY

kevgreenan says:
could one go about making this out of CDs?

Oct 11, 2010. 2:55 PM REPLY

nel1160 says:
wauuuuuuuuu

Oct 11, 2010. 1:30 PM REPLY

dewilkins says:

Oct 11, 2010. 11:38 AM REPLY Very interesting! This project brings to mind an electrostatic air filter I once had that used the power of the fan driven air movement to ionize the filter (due to the arrangement of various materials in the filter itself.) It worked reasonable well but was extremely hard to clean - so we went back to microporous disposable air filters. I am curious if one or more of these electrostatic air filters could be modified to produce a power input to your turbine when exposed to the wind. One could, for example, replace the panels in the back fence with a grid of the appropriate materials and use the accumulated power to run a bug zapper.

brazilero2008 says:

Oct 11, 2010. 11:53 AM REPLY W/o knowing more about this particular air filter design you mentioned I'm on thin ice here; but an output >6,000 volts at 5 uA should turn the rotor.

9ale7 says:
wooow !!! people... take it easy !!! HAHAHAHa, take this: after i red ur commentz, i well sheck mi sbelling nd make shore (( IT IS THE )) write sbelling. :P just kidding

Oct 11, 2010. 10:13 AM REPLY

potterrandy says:

Oct 11, 2010. 9:51 AM REPLY More simply put this is a homemade motor, in two phase, that consumes high voltage at lower amperage with a fan attached, and if it were reversed to generate, it would have to be going a whole lot faster to make anything happen. Oct 10, 2010. 11:54 AM REPLY

9ale7 says:
nice project, and one thing to say, I would like to see you'res in action, a video would be nice :)

shaawn says:

Oct 11, 2010. 4:09 AM REPLY Just a little grammer note - if you don't mind : YOUR'S - is the spelling you want -- you've been using (you'res) which usually reads: you are(s)

LittleMonkeyMojo says:

Oct 11, 2010. 8:20 AM REPLY Actually "yours" is the spelling you want. Your is already possessive so no apostrophe is required. "Your's" would translate to "your is" which is not grammatically correct and doesn't make sense.

dustinnewton says:
Grammar, not grammer. A, not e. Hopefully, some helpful info.

Oct 11, 2010. 7:26 AM REPLY

9ale7 says:
Woow is that youtube video you're end project?! looks amazing :P

Oct 10, 2010. 11:57 AM REPLY

kmpres says:

Oct 10, 2010. 7:53 PM REPLY Very interesting, simple, and nicely written! I can imagine myself shipwrecked on a deserted isle with nothing but a book, a pack of chewing gum, a beer can, and a pocket knife and making this. Getting it to do something useful, like powering a low voltage dynamo for running a cheap transistor radio or something would be the next leap in ingenuity but you only need brain power and the will to survive for that. -- Not now, Gilligan! Oct 10, 2010. 11:21 AM REPLY

maryfinny says:
the blind leading the blind Consider what it has already done such as inspired thought and communitation questions w/wo answers

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

entertainment yes and even dissapointment Bill K

brazilero2008 says:

Oct 10, 2010. 5:31 PM REPLY Concerning "inspired thought & communication," the late Dr. Oleg Jefimenko, the modern day father of electrostatic motors, rarely received enough credit for his ingenious ideas.

guitarpicker7 says:
bogus from the beginning - learn what STATIC ELECTRICITY means

Oct 10, 2010. 8:48 AM REPLY

Patrik says:
No, not bogus at all. Google eletrostatic motor .

Oct 10, 2010. 9:40 AM REPLY

You've probably seen electrostatically charged particles being repulsed by an electrode with the same polarity, and attracted by an electrode with the opposite polarity. This motor works on electrostatic attraction and repulsion, just like a regular electric motor works on magnetic attraction an repulsion. Briefly, the high voltage "power rods" deposit an electrostatic charge on the surface of the nonconductive rotor. This charge is then repulsed from the power rod and atracted by the neighboring oppositely charged rod, which makes the rotor turn.

brazilero2008 says:
Well said!

Oct 10, 2010. 5:23 PM REPLY

weaselkeeper says:

Oct 10, 2010. 3:05 PM REPLY He's pointing out that your definition of static electricity as " high voltage (HV) at low current. " is in error. (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Static_electricity for a basic primer on static electricity and how it differs from dynamic electricity) It's a nice project, and well described, but errors are errors, you should correct them, rather than get defensive.

xarlock667 says:

Oct 10, 2010. 11:55 PM REPLY Not to piss on your parade, but DO NOT cite the Wikipedia as a valid source for debunking ANYTHING. You can cite it's sources, but people like you and me can see something we think is wrong and change it to suit ourselves. It is not a reliable source, and in this case I think it is wrong. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dynamic Dynamic: In Physics a. of or pertaining to force or power. b. of or pertaining to force related to motion. Lightning is static electrical discharge. It can readily fuse sand into glass, and therefore has demonstrable power. It also ran the turbine, and again demonstrated that it can generate dynamic power.

NachoMahma says:

Oct 15, 2010. 6:39 AM REPLY . Huh? . Wikipedia is, within reason, very accurate. Yes, anyone can change it, but anyone else can fix it. No, it is not the ultimate authority on anything, but it makes for a very handy starting point. . What does the definition of "dynamic" have to do with anything? Are you trying to say that somehow that means that the "static" in "static electricity" precludes any power or motion? If so, it doesn't work like that. . "Lightning is static electrical discharge." Wait a minute, that's what Wikipedia says! How could it possibly be right? ;)

xarlock667 says:
I did say you could cite Wikipedia's sources, just not it, when debunking myths, and overturning nonsense.

Oct 15, 2010. 8:04 AM REPLY

Though I hate to do this, I have to quote myself. "Lightning is static electrical discharge. It can readily fuse sand into glass, and therefore has demonstrable power. It also ran the turbine, and again demonstrated that it can generate dynamic power." I was on the side saying that static electricity was a dynamic force. I use the hell out of the Wikipedia, and frequently refer to it as the repository of all human knowledge. It is however flawed, wrong, and outright unusable as a standalone source. You have to check the sources, and make sure of your facts.

NachoMahma says:

Oct 15, 2010. 9:28 AM REPLY . I think we agree more than we disagree, we're just having problems getting our points across. ;) . Of course, no source, by itself, should be considered the final word, but for most discussions on a DIY site, it's an excellent Q&D reference (especially for difinitions that are deeper than most dictionaries provide). It's not the final word and it wouldn't be appropriate on a scientific site, but it's good enough for the girls I go out with.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

gafisher says:

Oct 10, 2010. 11:29 AM REPLY Nice project well explained. As for the questions, you're in good company -- you may be sure everyone from Euclid to Edison got his share of "but what's it good for?" comments too. Electrostatics may well be the power technology of the future -- clean, cheap and available. Oct 10, 2010. 10:33 AM REPLY Great project- nevermind the dopes who pretend they don't get the concept. All the electrostatic motors I've seen before were just the low speed, low torque things that balanced on a tack on top of a van de Graaf generator. Keep up the good work and remember that great minds are often misunderstood.

Mark Rehorst says:

endolith says:
So it's just a rotary fan? Why not skip the rotation and just use the electric field to ionize air and move it directly?

Oct 10, 2010. 8:16 AM REPLY

brazilero2008 says:

Oct 10, 2010. 9:31 AM REPLY Kids who watch the project in operation like the cool sounds it makes as it spools up :>). Ion sprays just make boring hissing sounds.

metashade says:
maybe i am being stupid here, but what does this machine do, except for moving air like a regular fan?

Oct 9, 2010. 1:38 AM REPLY

brazilero2008 says:
A fair Q. An electrostatic 'bine is a motor. Many things an electromagnetic motor can do, a 'bine can do.

Oct 9, 2010. 5:58 PM REPLY

metashade says:
so it's just a fan?

Oct 10, 2010. 1:22 AM REPLY

ogorir says:

Oct 10, 2010. 8:44 AM REPLY how did you get 'so it's just a fan?' from 'Many things an electromagnetic motor can do, a 'bine can do.' ... regardless, you should be able to power small projects. you could add a reduction pulley and belt drive instead of the impeller and power... something? I don't have a solid application offhand, but if you need a stationary motor for something with low torque requirements, this may be useful. well, maybe not useful, but interesting, anyway. of course, this type of motor is best suited to science displays and the like. a possible option would be a human-powered (bicycle) van de graaf powering the turbine coupled via belt drive to a DC generator powering a LED. mostly useless, but looks cool anyway.

chaydgb says:

Oct 10, 2010. 7:34 AM REPLY Great 'ible, but the title is confusing. I (possibly like others) assumed that this was a way of generating electricity through the movement of air, but without moving parts (or something like that) rather than an electrostatic motor driven fan.

MotaBoi says:
Let me get this straight. It is powered by the electricity in the air?

Oct 8, 2010. 2:08 PM REPLY

brazilero2008 says:

Oct 9, 2010. 5:33 PM REPLY This Q has come up a few times. This 'bine can be powered by the Earth's electric field. Here's the link to the original DIY electrostatic motor i'ble from Popular Science: http://www.only1egg-productions.org/AltSci/ElectrostaticMotors/Images/Amazing_Motor_That_Draws_Power_From_The_Air_PS_Apr_1971.PDF

Rs master says:
No it uses electrictiy to move air

Oct 8, 2010. 4:12 PM REPLY

sukinmaru says:
lol so do regular fans

Oct 8, 2010. 5:36 PM REPLY

Angstridden.Hipster says:

Oct 10, 2010. 8:34 AM REPLY More specifically it is the force of the high voltage electrons being spat out of the back like so many high velocity ping pong balls that moves the air.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/

nanosec12 says:
What a fun little project for the kiddies to make for a science fair....... well maybe only for the well supervised kiddies, with parents that can make sure the HV is properly handled. Nice write up, 5 of 5 from me.

Oct 8, 2010. 3:40 AM REPLY

brazilero2008 says:
A low powered 'bine would make a safe kid's project. Thanks for your support!

Oct 9, 2010. 5:12 PM REPLY

lemonie says:
I know what ozone smells like, does this smell nice? L

Oct 8, 2010. 3:02 PM REPLY

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Ion-Wind-Turbine-Shows-Static-Electricity-in-Actio/