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step 6: Prepare the CD Spindle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 step 7: Assemble The CD Disc Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 step 8: Assemble The CD Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 step 9: Fun Things To Do With The Basic Tesla CD Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 step 10: How Fast Can It Go? ...and A Safety Reminder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 step 11: Cool CD Turbine Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Make Magazine Special Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. CD Turbine Case; Showing empty CD Spindle and CD Cover; ready to accept any of the CD Disc Packs below. 2. Fluid Inlet Pipe 3. Magnetic Disc Pack. Uses neodymium magnets between discs. This Disc Pack makes magnetic connection to the Magnetic Coupler, which is external to the CD Case. The Magnetic Disc Pack allows useful work to be done by the CD Turbine, through the magnetic coupling. 4. Double-CD discs experiment. Two discs glued back-to-back, (times five), giving a greater gap between each double-disc. 5. A loose CD's Disc Pack will work to demonstrate simple boundary-layer rotation with water pressure. 6. CD Disc Pack glued with Methylene Chloride. This pack runs smoother than the loose CD's pack, above.
Image Notes 1. Nozzle. In this case a Orbit Watermaster Nozzle from Home Depot. Fits 3/4 inch PVC pipe. Other nozzles are available as well. 2. Orbit Watermaster ABS fitting (3/4 inch plastic pipe to garden-hose connection.) 3. Garden-hose Quick-connect coupling. 4. Basic Tesla CD Turbine, with modified CD Spindle and Cover and CD Disc Pack. Runs on garden-hose pressure. 5. Garden-hose Shut-off Valve 6. 3/4 inch PVC Pipe, 2 feet long
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. Orbit Watermaster Walkway Tunnel Kit and Super Sweeper Extension Nozzle...available at Home Depot. Fits 3/4 or 1 inch PVC. Includes garden-hose connector. 2. CD Spindle and Spindle Cover 3. Dremel Tool (Lithium-Ion Cordless) 4. Glue Gun...essential for this project! 5. Heavy-duty hot-glue sticks (4-6 should do.) 6. Assorted CD's to recycle. Don't use ones with paper labels, or that are cracked. 7. Fittings to connect to garden-hose
Image Notes 1. Water quick-connect, goes to Garden Hose 2. Air chuck to a brass garden-hose connector. For serious experimenters only! 3. Garden-hose Shut-off Valve
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
8. Garden-hose Shut-off Valve. 9. Missing from photo is a 24 inch piece of 3/4 inch PVC pipe.
Image Notes 1. Best nozzle....Holland GreenHouse Plastic Power Nozzle ...just $1.29, too!
Image Notes 1. Orbit Watermaster Nozzle with initial gluing. 2. CD Spindle Cover
Image Notes 1. Nozzle big end of this nozzle fits 3/4 inch PVC pipe. Small end of tapered nozzle gets a short extension to go through into CD Case. 2. 3/4 inch Pvc pipe to GardenHose connector.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. Best nozzle....Holland GreenHouse Plastic Power Nozzle ...just $1.29, too!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. Orifice created by cutting the Extender Tube flush with wall of the Cd Case.
Image Notes 1. Orbit Watermaster Nozzle (or equivalent water nozzle) 2. CD Case Cover
Image Notes 1. Cutting 2 slots to make a rectangular hole for the Nozzle Extension Tube.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. Short length of tubing to connect the Nozzle to the CD Case.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. Cutting 2 slots to make a rectangular hole for the Nozzle Extension Tube.
Image Notes 1. Orbit Watermaster Nozzle (or equivalent water nozzle) 2. CD Case Cover
Image Notes 1. Nozzle-to-Case Extension Tube hot-glued into place. (continue building-up hotglue around this) 2. Nozzle hot-glued into position. 3. CD Cover
Image Notes 1. Cut off plastic Extension Tube flush with inside of CD Case. 2. CD Case. (inside view) 3. Orbit Watermaster Inlet Nozzle, (or equivalent) 4. Olfa Utility Knife
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. Orifice created by cutting the Extender Tube flush with wall of the Cd Case.
Image Notes 1. Nozzle-to-Case Extension Tube hot-glued into place. (continue building-up hot-glue around this) 2. Nozzle hot-glued into position. 3. CD Cover
Image Notes 1. Built-up hot-glue to secure Nozzle. 2. CD Spindle Cover 3. Nozzle. This is the Orbit Watermaster Nozzle. The Holland Water Nozzles would also adapt.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. Extension Tube, cut-off flush with wall of CD Spindle Cover. 2. Hot-glue build-up area, on outside of cover. 3. Nozzle. 4. CD Spindle Cover
Image Notes 1. Hot-glue areas were painted to match black. 2. Orbit Watermaster Nozzle 3. 3/4 inch PVC Pipe, 2 feet long. 4. Orbit Watermaster Fitting; 3/4 inch pipe to garden hose female. 5. Garden Hose Shut-off Valve. 6. Quick-connect for garden hose. 7. CD Turbine, complete with CD Disc Pack, prepped Spindle, and modified Spindle Cover.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. CD Spindle Post drilled with 25 1/8 inch holes. Port and polish for best performance! 2. CD Spindle Tray
Image Notes 1. The outlet is a 1/2 inch barbed male garden hose fitting press-fit into bottom of CD Spindle. 2. Bottom of CD Spindle
Image Notes 1. 10-CD stack, glued together and ready for testing.
Image Notes 1. CD Turbine Case; Showing empty CD Spindle and CD Cover; ready to accept any of the CD Disc Packs below. 2. Fluid Inlet Pipe 3. Magnetic Disc Pack. Uses neodymium magnets between discs. This Disc Pack makes magnetic connection to the Magnetic Coupler, which is external to the CD Case. The Magnetic Disc Pack allows useful work to be done by the CD Turbine,
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
through the magnetic coupling. 4. Double-CD discs experiment. Two discs glued back-to-back, (times five), giving a greater gap between each double-disc. 5. A loose CD's Disc Pack will work to demonstrate simple boundary-layer rotation with water pressure. 6. CD Disc Pack glued with Methylene Chloride. This pack runs smoother than the loose CD's pack, above.
Image Notes 1. CD Turbine Case; Showing empty CD Spindle and CD Cover; ready to accept any of the CD Disc Packs below. 2. Fluid Inlet Pipe 3. Magnetic Disc Pack. Uses neodymium magnets between discs. This Disc Pack makes magnetic connection to the Magnetic Coupler, which is external to the CD Case. The Magnetic Disc Pack allows useful work to be done by the CD Turbine, through the magnetic coupling. 4. Double-CD discs experiment. Two discs glued back-to-back, (times five), giving a greater gap between each double-disc. 5. A loose CD's Disc Pack will work to demonstrate simple boundary-layer rotation with water pressure. 6. CD Disc Pack glued with Methylene Chloride. This pack runs smoother than the loose CD's pack, above.
Image Notes 1. Hot-glue areas were painted to match black. 2. Orbit Watermaster Nozzle 3. 3/4 inch PVC Pipe, 2 feet long. 4. Orbit Watermaster Fitting; 3/4 inch pipe to garden hose female. 5. Garden Hose Shut-off Valve. 6. Quick-connect for garden hose. 7. CD Turbine, complete with CD Disc Pack, prepped Spindle, and modified Spindle Cover.
Video
Well now that you built it, what can you do with this basic version of the Tesla CD Turbine? 1.) Put on your favourite old (scratched?) CD on top for the world to see. Call it the Worlds First Turbine-Powered CD Player!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
2.) Paint on a Hypno-Disc and watch it intently for a few hours... 3.) Attach a water pressure gage and find out how water pressure affects speed of the discs. Get a digital laser Tach and make a graph of pressure vs RPM. Use the CD Turbine as a lawn sprinkler at the same time. 4.) Try altering the Nozzle to get better speed. Is it better with smaller or larger diameter nozzle? Flat or round outlet? What angle? E-mail me when you find out! 5.) OK, maybe you find all of the above too boring. Well then, think of the awesome possibilities when I tell you how to get power out of this same CD Turbine, with a Magnetic Disc Pack and Magnetic Coupler. Check out new videos in the new SinkScience series showing the CD Turbine in action, running at the kitchen sinkl on water faucet pressure...First movie below, check for latest at my YouTube/MrfixitRick
Video
Also, check out pics of the awesome new model below; the Steampunk Parlour Room Tabletop version of the CD Turbine. Also, see a wild CD Turbine-powered Skilsaw in my next Instructable!
Image Notes 1. Magnetic Coupler 2. CD Turbine Outlet 3. Inlet nozzle 4. To faucet water pressure.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. Basic Kitchen Model CD Turbine with Magnetic Coupler. All set for holiday fun and magic! 2. Upper magnets inside the CD Turbine. 3. Control Valve and Emergency Shut-off. ( ...like when the Punch Bowl Attachment fell over.;)
Image Notes 1. 1/2 inch Neodymium Disc magnet, 1/8 inch thickness 2. 3/8 inch Neodymium disc magnets 1/32 inch thickness each 3. Magnetic Disc Pack, to be used in the magnetic version of the CD Turbine in combination with the Magnetic Coupler. (next Instructable)
Image Notes 1. CD Turbine Case; Showing empty CD Spindle and CD Cover; ready to accept any of the CD Disc Packs below. 2. Fluid Inlet Pipe 3. Magnetic Disc Pack. Uses neodymium magnets between discs. This Disc Pack makes magnetic connection to the Magnetic Coupler, which is external to the CD Case. The Magnetic Disc Pack allows useful work to be done by the CD Turbine, through the magnetic coupling. 4. Double-CD discs experiment. Two discs glued back-to-back, (times five), giving a greater gap between each double-disc. 5. A loose CD's Disc Pack will work to demonstrate simple boundary-layer rotation with water pressure. 6. CD Disc Pack glued with Methylene Chloride. This pack runs smoother than the loose CD's pack, above.
Image Notes 1. 3/8 inch x 1/8 inch neodymium disc magnets 2. Magnetic Coupler for the magnetic Tesla Cd Turbine. (see next Instructable)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Image Notes 1. CD Case and Magnetic Disc Pack 2. Magnetic Coupler 3. CD Spindle 4. Nozzle
Image Notes 1. 1/2 inch x 1/8 inch thick neodymium disc magnets 2. 1 inch 1/8 inch teflon Pads
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Video
Video
Video
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 221 comments
cphuph1 says:
Mar 27, 2009. 11:23 PM REPLY could i use this sort of set up to run a turbine paint sprayer? ive been looking at the pictures and could not figure out ifthere is an outlet for the air.
mrfixits says:
Mar 29, 2009. 2:52 PM REPLY You likely need compressed air from a compressor to run your turbine paint sprayer. This is a turbine not a compressor. The Tesla Turbine can be run backwards as a compressor or pump, but it would require running it at about 20,000 to 30,000 rpm, using an electric motor to drive it.
jraiden says:
Mar 28, 2009. 9:01 PM REPLY attention: if your tesla cd turbine is not working, it is due to pressure (and maybe friction). Seal it (first press down on outer edge of top to ensure a seal temporarily to check if that is the problem before permanently gluing it) and make sure friction is to a minimum.
mrfixits says:
Good advice; thanks for the comment!
It's true that the Tesla design relies on a differential of pressure inside the case to operate properly. High pressure comes into the turbine through the nozzle. The outlet hole must be unrestricted for best performance ...and a larger outlet will increase rpm at the expense of low-end torque. You can use clear packing tape for a temporary bottom edge seal for testing purposes. The nozzle size and shape makes a big difference too. The faster the fluid, the faster the turbine. An increased volume of fluid equals more torque for the turbine. Friction can be reduced with tricks like polishing the centre post with a scrubber pad, using silicone or teflon spray on sliding parts, and using a couple of spacer discs on the bottom bearing point. A properly designed disc pack will actually levitate in the CD case with application of fluid pressure through the nozzle.
lukej says:
Could you run this off a bike tyre pump??
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
mrfixits says:
Mar 13, 2009. 8:08 PM REPLY One model of the Tesla CD Turbine I built could rotate up to 500 rpm just by blowing into it, so yes, a bike pump could do it. But the turbine would have to be well-balanced, friction-free and you would have to pump really hard!
sagerosell says:
Feb 24, 2009. 4:13 PM REPLY thanks for the reply mrfixits.. as what i have seen in the site Philippines is on the list of their shipment so maybe i can buy online.. i guess using magnets is easier, though much expensive, than other methods because i dont have much knowledge in machining..
mrfixits says:
Feb 25, 2009. 4:04 AM REPLY My most expensive turbine required about $50 worth of magnets. It would be easy to build a good working unit for about half of that. The shipping, duty, fees, etc may be the expensive part. You can save money on magnets by using smaller ones and less discs; it depends on specifically how much torque you expect to output. Smaller magnets break free of the magnetic coupling easier. I have used the 3/8 x 1/4 size for top magnets and it worked for light-duty magnetic coupling. If you want to generate power directly from the magnets to coils, you will want to use as powerful of magnets as you can... 1/2 x 1/2 inch N52 is stronger than N42 for the same size magnet.
lukej says:
I looked at your instructable Cool videos but we have a slow internet connection (Even with broadband)
sagerosell says:
mainly my target is to make a cellphone charger out of the turbine.. can you give suggestions on what kind of magnet and how many discs to use to meet this desired output? i really appreciate the efforts that you are giving to all of the curious members here.. hehehe..
mrfixits says:
Feb 26, 2009. 12:03 PM REPLY There are various ways to generate power with this Tesla CD Turbine. You will have to determine an approach before knowing exactly what magnets and discs to use. With the magnetic coupler and it's 6 x 1/2 inch neo magnets, many different attachments can be added. I have magnetically coupled a subaru rad fan motor to generate power and charge a battery. At full faucet pressure on a good day, it could charge one AA battery, but not two. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fogl6cFiOhE That generator arrangement is inefficient, and needs more pressure to increase rpms to generate properly. I was getting in the range of .1 watt to 1 watt power output from the 30 psi faucet pressure. A cell phone charger might require 1 - 4 watts for proper operation. The turbine would require 50-60 psi at about 5 gallons per minute to do that. Some faucet pressure systems might do it. I also used a hand-crank type headlamp attached to the turbine to charge a cell-phone. It worked, but again the faucet water pressure was not quite enough to do the job. Here's an idea if you would like to build a dedicated cellphone charger. You could use coils of copper wire, possibly with iron cores, to extract the power. They could be horsehoe-shaped or u-shaped and wrap over the case. Normally, the upper large magnets in the turbine are all north-up, NNNNNN. However, if you were to alternate the magnets NSNSNS and use coils, it would work better to produce an alternating current that could be rectified and then used as a dc charger. There is another way that would be interesting to try, which is to use a rotating copper disc as in the homopolar motor principle. The rotating magnetic field will induce currents in the rotating copper plate, and a voltage between the centre and outer edge of the plate. The rotating copper plate could be part of the turbine, or as a separate magnetically-coupled unit. The electrical contacts to the edge and middle of the plate are the considerations. ( See wikipedia under homopolar generator ) There's some ideas to start with. As far as the number of discs, the more discs, the more torque...provided the nozzle can supply enough fluid volume at sufficient pressure. I used 23 discs in my successful SinkScience turbine, and only eight in some other turbines that ran well. I would think for a charger you could have a thin case and, say, 8 discs. The magnets should be strongest N52 neodymium in at least a 1/2 x 1/2 inch size. Good luck with your project, and let me know if I can help.
sagerosell says:
thanks for the help and your time.. i really want to make this project.. is the n52 neodymium for the coupler or it will also be used for the main turbine?
mrfixits says:
Feb 26, 2009. 10:01 PM REPLY The N52 is the strongest neodymium magnet and as such works quite well but is more expensive, harder to handle and less forgiving. N42 strength will work fine for most applications. For pushing the limits, 1/2 x 1/2 inch N52's would be best. I would use 6 of them in the turbine and then use smaller, cheaper N42 magnets for various magnetic couplers depending on what you are powering. With powerful magnets in the turbine, you have an option to use less powerful magnets in a coupler.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Also, keep in mind that if a NSNSNS configuration is chosen for making power with coils, it will not work well as a magnetic coupling, if at all.
sagerosell says:
i see.. everything seems to be clear for me about the turbine.. ive got another question.. can i use any kind of dc motor as the generator?
mrfixits says:
Feb 27, 2009. 10:41 PM REPLY You can use almost any dc motor, but the considerations are friction and magnetic drag. There can be too much friction from bearings, seals, commutator, etc. An automotive heater blower motor is about right for the max size. There is magnetic drag and "cogging" effects from some electric motors. The faucet-powered turbine has little power to start with, so you want a friction-free generator/motor as much as possible. The rpm range is critical...the water-powered turbine will only be going up to 1000 rpm, less with a load. So a small gen/motor may need to be geared up to spin faster to make power. But then you can lose power due to gear or belt friction... I tried to get an auto alternator to spin with the turbine and faucet water pressure, but could only manage a hundred rpm or so...not enough to generate power. (If I only had more pressure...;)
sagerosell says:
Mar 1, 2009. 6:18 AM REPLY lots of info..thanks sir.. i got a question, again, in making a wind turbine do i need to gear the motor to gain power to light a LED? sorry for asking to many questions..
mrfixits says:
Mar 1, 2009. 9:21 AM REPLY The gearing would depend on the speed of your wind turbine. Generally, a wind turbine might run in the range of 50 to 1000 rpm. An small electric motor/generator or even an auto alternator, will not start to be effective until 1000 rpm and might work best at the 2000 to 10,000 rpm range. In this example, the wind turbine might need to be geared UP to raise the generator rpm's.(i.e. 500 rpm turbine speed at 3000 rpm gen speed) A normal Tesla turbine would need to be geared DOWN that much to run a generator(say from 18,000 rpm turbine speed down to 3000 rpm for generator) If you just need to light a LED that needs 2-3 volts to light up, then using a small 12 volt motor as generator at lower speeds may be just right. Too much rpm's in that case will burn out the LED with excess voltage unless there is a voltage regulator in the circuit. Tesla turbines are not usually considered for a wind turbine, but the exception is this wind power unit from Tesnik. http://www.tesnic.com/tesnic_turbine.html It uses "more than 200 discs" stacked up with a 2 mm gap between each. They have tested the unit at high efficiency, but don't have commercial units available yet.
mrfixits says:
...and never be sorry for asking questions! hehe
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
sagerosell says:
hehe thanks again..
sivaramakrishnaiah says:
Mar 12, 2009. 3:03 AM REPLY for step9: 4.) Try altering the Nasal to get better speed. Is it better with smaller or larger diameter nasal? Flat or round outlet? What angle? Ans:5 deg. better position
Sazumo says:
Feb 19, 2009. 6:41 PM REPLY Er, I'm also doing a science project, and im wondering on how exactly the CD turbine works. My guess is, the big black inlet thingy is connected to the cd case and spindle and uses a water hose to shoot water through it. The water spins the cd's inside the case and then the water exits through the holes in the spindle? Also, could you help me come up with a topic concerning this? So far im considering "What is a tesla turbine and whats it do/how's it work?" Thanks in advance x]
mrfixits says:
Feb 19, 2009. 8:53 PM REPLY You are correct as far as the basic way the Tesla Turbine works. The black thingy (sometimes green plastic or brass) is called the inlet nozzle. The nozzle is very important because it accelerates the fluid to a greater speed and kinetic energy before it spirals between the discs, where it imparts it's energy by adhesion through the boundary layer effect. There is good background info at wikipedia under "Tesla Turbine". "What is a Tesla Turbine and how does it work?" is a good start for a topic. The Tesla disc design works on a principle taking advantage of the adhesion characteristics of a fluid. I think an interesting topic would be to show what makes a Tesla Turbine different from other types of turbines. For example, the disc design makes the Tesla turbine able to take shocks and changes in fluid better than other types. A Tesla turbine was recently tested as being the only turbine type that can take 100% biomass combustion gasses without failure. What is it that you find fascinating about the Tesla turbine? When you look deeply into that question, and "follow your passion" as they say, you will find the topic that is best for you. Are you planning on building a CD turbine as demo model?
Sazumo says:
Feb 27, 2009. 9:52 PM REPLY Thanks, and yes I am planning to build a CD turbine as a demo model. I was thinking of comparing the tesla turbine to a wind turbine? If so, should i build a simple wind turbine too?
sp33dstix says:
Feb 27, 2009. 12:13 PM REPLY I would feel really unsafe knowing that in the event of the CD's exploding at those RPM's that the only thing saving me is that CD cover...
mrfixits says:
Feb 27, 2009. 2:29 PM REPLY That' why I highly recommend a protective safety enclosure! Folks should never be beside or near a CD turbine at high rpm on air pressure. It can definitely explode at any moment, with CD shrapnel and broken magnets smashing through the CD case easily. I use a 6 inch diameter 1/8 wall thickness polycarbonate tube as a cover. It's the same material as bulletproof glass and is almost as strong as steel. I furthermore use a steel enclosure around that when running the turbine on compressed air. On water pressure, the rpm's are much less and there is little chance of injury from an explosion, but a bigger chance of a watery mess!
ReCreate says:
if it goes faster that 20,000 rpms it will explode? cool,i could make this with HDD disks that are metal so i can speed them up to 100,000 rpms or MORE!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
mrfixits says:
Feb 23, 2009. 8:52 PM REPLY Here's a link to an instructable that uses hard-drive platters...http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-15%2c000-rpm-Tesla-Turbine-using-hard-drive-/
ReCreate says:
ill look into it
mrfixits says:
Feb 23, 2009. 8:50 PM REPLY Metal discs don't necessarily go that much faster, because they weigh more and therefore have greater forces ripping them apart. Some folks have built Tesla turbines with HDD discs and have run them as high as 30,000 rpm. If a metal disc comes apart at 50,000 -100,000 rpm, you had better have a very good safety enclosure, 'cause not much will stop it!
ReCreate says:
oh yes,maybe a metal enclosure,with metal bars welded to reinforce it
Tanners says:
Jan 20, 2009. 6:39 PM REPLY so for the pack were you glue em all together there wont be any space in between the discs right? so its pretty much just a cylinder?
mrfixits says:
Jan 20, 2009. 8:57 PM REPLY There must be space between the discs; a cylinder won't work in the correct manner. In a Tesla turbine, the fluid must spiral inward through the discs, imparting it's energy to them, until it leaves through the centre exhaust. In the non-magnet disc pack, I did glue the discs together...but only after carefully grinding about 8 to 10 shallow grooves across the thin circular ridge that is close to the centre hole on each CD. Some CD's have this ridge on both sides of the CD, and they work better. The grooves allow the fluid to pass through to the centre hole of the disc and out through the drilled centre post of the turbine. I used methylene chloride as glue, which is the recommended solvent for polycarbonate, and made sure it didn't get in the grooves.
Tanners says:
Jan 20, 2009. 9:38 PM REPLY yea so i just tried building it using penny's as spacers and used super glue to glue it all together and it worked pretty good.... for a while but the top disc broke off and then it all didn't work so I'm going to rebuild it this weekend because I'm building it for school and this project is due next Monday due you have any suggestions for what i could use as spacers that i might have lying around or could pick up at longs or homedepot or do u have a suggestion for a type of glue. i would use magnets but i don't have a lot of money and i don't have time for them to ship. thankyou
mrfixits says:
Are you sweating yet? hehe
Dimes will work better than pennies, because they are thinner and lighter. (10x more expensive though!). Thin stainless washers are available at Home Depot, and would be better than pennies or dimes. 3/16 to 1/4 inch diameter could work ok. The gap-filling type super glue is best, or Marine Goop can be used but needs 1-2 days time to dry. Scratching the discs and spacers(pennies, washers) with some sandpaper beforehand makes the glue stick better. Some craft/hobby stores have 1/2 inch x 1/8 inch neodymium magnets that work ok for the top disc magnets for light applications. (4 magnets are about $5.)
PKTraceur says:
Actually, dimes are created using 5 cents if matreial, whereas nickels use 10 cents. Weird huh?
mrfixits says:
Yup, and we wonder why the economy is in trouble, hehe!
sagerosell says:
hello mrfixits, can i make the faucet hydro electric device without using magnets?? cause i cant find a store that sells magnets here in the philippines.. thanks in advance.. have a nice day..
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
mrfixits says:
Feb 22, 2009. 2:22 PM REPLY It is possible to make a Tesla turbine without the "magnetic drive" that I use in my design. You would need a shaft, bearings, and seals to make it work. Perhaps the case and shaft of an old water pump could be used. You would need to find a way to mount the discs. Some Cornell engineering students made a slick Tesla CD Turbine with no magnets. It runs on compressed air however. I have the plans if you are interested. It requires machining. It uses a worm gear to reduce the speed and make more torque. See it here. Here is a Tesla Turbine/pump combination that is useful to see. Note the leak at the seal, which is one issue with the shaft and bearings design. The magnetic drive eliminates much of the problems with trying to use the shaft and bearings approach. To purchase magnets, I use K&J Magnetics, but I don't know if they ship to the Phillipines...or if supermagnets are allowed through customs!
SuperTails says:
Have you ever thought to add a water pump and tank so you would only have to use the water that's in the tank?
mrfixits says:
Feb 18, 2009. 10:52 PM REPLY Yes, and my latest Instructable does just that...it has a recirculating bucket system with a 12-volt pump...all run from solar power, too! Here's the video:
abpoisson says:
Jan 29, 2009. 12:21 PM REPLY Hi im doing a science project on this and I was wondering if you could help. I know the tesla turbine is supposed to be used as a pump but I would like to use it for electrical purposes. What I'm trying to do is build this turbine and then somehow connect a stator to it that would then output to 2 rechargeble batteries and then to a strand of L.E.D's. It's kind of complicated but I have one problem; I have on idea how to connect the turbine to the stator. If you have any ideas on this or another way to do this it would be greatly apprectated. Thanks in advance.
mrfixits says:
Jan 29, 2009. 1:43 PM REPLY First of all, the Tesla turbine is a motor, not a pump. It uses high velocity fluid to turn a shaft. However, the Tesla type turbine can also be used backwards as a pump. It would require an external motor to drive the Tesla Pump in that case. Ok so if you build this turbine, you should understand that it has magnets built-in. The magnets act as a magnetic drive for an external magnetic coupler. The coupler can be attached to anything you like, including the rotor for your stator. In my case, I attached the magnetic coupler to a 12-volt Subaru alternator for example, and was able to get it to rotate under faucet water pressure(30 psi), but not enough for serious power without serious pressure (over 80 psi) I have made power with this unit many ways. See my following SinkScience videos. Here is the one with a picture at the end of the alternator attached; I also charge a AA battery in this movie using a Subaru heater motor in reverse as a generator. http://youtube.com/watch?v=fogl6cFiOhE For other Hydro power videos see my SinkScience # 10 and #14: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rczWjuwZVFA and http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=9DOzgSOFh_4 So you can use the magnetic coupling idea, using 6 magnets on the top of the turbine discs, and 6 magnets in the coupler. If you don't use a magnetic coupler, you are forced to use some sort of shaft. The shaft is problematic because of needing bearings and seals, which don't work too well on a CD cakebox set-up. Let me know if you have questions.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
mayazk says:
Helloo all,
I am trying to build this awesome turbine for a science fair. Although these steps are helpful i am not sure where to get all the material from and some of the steps are a bit blurry. i was wondering if anyone would be curious enough to help Thanks alot
mrfixits says:
Don't worry...I will answer all questions!
mayazk says:
Jan 17, 2009. 10:12 PM REPLY Its not that i am having trouble understanding this idea (i do understand it now) but the part with it exploding and then shrapnels flying all over is not so exciting. So i was wondering if i should get a normal plastic cd cover or what, because you mentioned about a bulletproof one, and im not sure how to approach that.
mrfixits says:
Jan 18, 2009. 12:23 AM REPLY A normal CD cover will work for normal faucet water pressures, and is what I used for all my SinkScience videos. Because of the low rpms, if it blows up, you might get things wet but that's about it. Whether it bursts will be dependent on your skill and craftsmanship with a hot-glue gun and polyethylene, (hint: hot-glue sticks are polyethylene like the CD case) and on the ability to regulate the pressures in the turbine. I like to use an 8 inch length of 6 inch diameter clear polycarbonate tubing, as a protective barrier for anything more than faucet water pressure. Thicker 1/2 inch polycarbonate is what is commonly called "bulletproof glass". The tubing worked in my last video to keep the water mostly in one place, and I demonstrated the turbine as still working... even after bursting! See: http://youtube.com/watch?v=EXo3e58rZ7U
astrozombies138 says:
May 19, 2008. 3:30 PM REPLY I just got my magnets, wow their a bit smaller than i originally thought, so its ok if i dont glue the magnets on or anythingi just just put them on the cds? or should i glue them in place?
mrfixits says:
May 19, 2008. 4:40 PM REPLY The magnets will stay on without glue if there are multiple layers of discs and the magnets are strong enough. But it can't be revved past about 800-1000 rpm. Sudden surges in water pressure or from a sudden stop of the magnetic coupler will dislodge the magnets as well. Glue-less is not a great solution except for limited testing, especially since the spindle cover requires a bunch of work to properly seal it with hot-glue. I use the thicker Crazy Glue, and scratch the magnets with medium grade sandpaper where they bond. Sometimes I use Marine Goop for bigger magnets and let it set a couple of days.
astrozombies138 says:
May 20, 2008. 9:25 AM REPLY awesome, im gonna be using a loctite marine epoxy, as soon as i get you approval for it to work, until then im just going to try some test runs without the glue. thanks for all the help so far too :D
mrfixits says:
That should work for you. Good luck & let me know.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/