Build An Amazing Tesla CD Turbine

http://www.instructables.
com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Food Living Outside Play Technology Workshop
Build an Amazing Tesla CD Turbine
by mrfixitrick on October 22, 2007
Table of Contents
Build an Amazing Tesla CD Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Intro: Build an Amazing Tesla CD Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Step 1: Materials and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Step 2: Design an Inlet Nozzle for the CD Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 3: Fit the CD Turbine Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Step 4: Join a Tube from the Nozzle Into the Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Step 5: Finish Nozzle and Attach PVC Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 6: Prepare the CD Spindle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 7: Assemble The CD Disc Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 8: Assemble The CD Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 9: Fun Things To Do With The Basic Tesla CD Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 10: How Fast Can It Go? ...and A Safety Reminder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 11: Cool CD Turbine Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Amazing-Tesla-CD-Turbine/
Author:mrfixitrick Mrfixitricks Youtube Channel
I am re-inventing myself as an inventor, after too many years as a mechanic!
I enjoy learning from Tesla disc Turbines, magnetic motors, and Crystal Quantum Radios.
"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up." - Picasso
Intro: Build an Amazing Tesla CD Turbine
Build a real working turbine from recycled CD's!
This Tesla CD Turbine is based on the Tesla turbine , which was invented by Nikola Tesla in the early 1900's.
Tesla's pumps and motors were unique in that they only used discs, and took advantage of the boundary layer effect . His smallest designs were over 100 horsepower.
This Instructable is an introduction to my recently developed Tesla CD Turbine, which is made from CD's, CD spindle, pipe fittings and glue. This easy beginners version
runs on garden hose pressure and is fun for demonstration or experimentation purposes. This same CD Turbine can also be powerful, versatile, useful and dangerous
when used with compressed air pressure.
The basic model Tesla CD Turbine shows how the boundary layer idea works to deliver power. The CD Turbine has unique design features such as no moving shaft, no
bearings, no seals and uses recycled CD's . It is so frictionless that it can go over 500 rpm just by blowing into it hard!
The advanced model has many cool features, such as the use of neodymium magnets to separate the CD's with the correct gap and a Magnetic Coupler to attach
implements, and much more.
My next CD Turbine Instructable shows how to make a Magnetic Disc Pack and Magnetic Coupler for more advanced CD Turbine experimentation. I will develop
magnetically-coupled implements that will range from the practical (Generator, SaladSpinner , etc.) to the bizarre ( Skilsaw Blade , Punch Bowl Stirrer , etc).
However, please be forewarned that this turbine on air pressure is not really a kid's toy or particularly safe to operate .
On water pressure it is safe from explosion, maxing out at about 1000 rpm.
The turbine can be run on either water and air pressure without modification. Although this simple turbine can be safely run at one or two thousand rpm on water hose
pressure, it can turn tens of thousands of rpm on air pressure.
I must warn you running this turbine on air pressure could be enough to explode the CD's in the turbine and cause injury. To prevent this, regulate the air supply to lower
the psi and use a digital tachometer like this one.
If this unit is run on air pressure, precautions must be taken such as protective gear (heavy leather gloves, face shield, helmet, leather jacket & pants, cup(?), etc.), as
well as being behind a protective barrier. If the CD Turbine comes apart at 25,000 rpm, sharp CD parts will be impelled literally at the speed of a gun. You are
forewarned!
I will be discussing ways to avoid any possible unpleasantness as we go along in these Instructables, but for now...let's have some FUN!
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
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
the loose CD's pack, above.
Step 1:Materials and Tools
MATERIALS LIST: (Total Cost about $10.)
1.) 10 (or more) recycled CD's (no labels & no cracks)
2.) CD Spindle with Cover (recycled)
3.) Orbit WaterMaster Extension Nozzle Model 91129 ( Home Depot, $5.95, or try a $1.80 Nozzle from Holland GreenHouse products.)
4.) 1-1/2 inch of plastic straw or tube to fit small end of Nozzle above
5.) Garden Hose Shut-off Valve ($3.50)
6.) 2 feet or more of 3/4 inch PVC plastic pipe ($.50?)
7.) ABS to PVC cement
8.) PVC Pipe Primer
9.) Methylene Chloride (Plastics Shop), for welding polycarbonate CD Discs to each other.
10.) Hot-glue sticks...less than a half dozen
TOOLS LIST:
Gluegun
Hobbyknife
Dremel Tool (optional)
Sandpaper
Notes: 1.) More than 10 CD's may be used for taller CD spindles.
2.) If you can't find the "Orbit Watermaster Nozzle", you could use any plastic or brass water nozzle, such as the Holland GreenHouse brand Plastic or Brass Power
Nozzle. Or simply use a combination of pipe fittings down to a 1/8 inch nozzle, and adapt with hot-glue to the CD Cover.
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!
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
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
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!
Step 2:Design an Inlet Nozzle for the CD Turbine
This is where the rocket scientist in you comes out...what size, shape and angle inlet nozzle should the CD Turbine have? There will be many theories, but the facts are...
WHATEVER WORKS!
I have tried several different types and materials...they all worked. There's room for experimentation here. You just need to taper down to about a 1/8 inch hole into the
side of the CD case with pipe fittings, or plastic pipe, then hot-glue it all in. ( Pictures in following step.)
I used an Orbit WaterMaster Extension Nozzle Model 91129 from Home Depot for the Tesla CD Turbine II nozzle. The Orbit Nozzle has an advantage of being able to
use a long 3/4 inch PVC or ABS pipe with the included fittings. One fitting is a tapered nozzle, and was originally used for burrowing under concrete sidewalks with water
pressure. The other fitting connects easily to the garden-hose Shut-off Valve. A 2' piece(or longer) of PVC connects the two Orbit fittings.
Note: Brass fittings and copper pipe could be used for more of a steampunk look.(future instructable!)
A Later Note: My newer instructable makes the nozzle install process much easier!
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.
Image Notes
1. Best nozzle....Holland GreenHouse Plastic Power Nozzle ...just $1.29, too!
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.
Step 3:Fit the CD Turbine Nozzle
Ok let's get started by fitting the Nozzle and its Extender Tube to the CD Case.
Cut the smaller nozzle end of the Orbit Watermaster Nozzle at an approximate angle according to the pictures, so that it sits closer to the CD Case when gluing. Start the
hot-gluing by putting a dab on the side of the CD Case and sticking on the Nozzle right away. Keep hot-gluing around the Nozzle, letting things cool a bit as you go, but
keep the Nozzle lined up as far as angle and direction, similar to pictures. Leave the area directly in front of the Nozzle free of glue, so that you can cut out the Case to fit
an extender tube from the Nozzle into the Case. (See pics.)
A Later Note: My newer instructable makes this nozzle install process much easier!
Step 4:Join a Tube from the Nozzle Into the Case
We need to be able to connect the small hole in the Nozzle into the inside of the Case. Cut a small (1-1/2 inch long) piece tubing that fits the inside of the Nozzle. Cut two
slots about 1 inch long into the case in front of the Nozzle. Make them about 1/4 inch apart. (see Pics) Cut at each end of the slots to form a rectangular hole. This hole
will accept the extension tube and allow it to go inside the case. Insert extension tube into both Nozzle and CD Case and hot-glue into place. Cut the tube flush with the
inside of the Case when the glue is cooled. You should get something like what the pictures below show.
A Later Note: My newer instructable makes the nozzle install process much easier!
Image Notes
1. Short length of tubing to connect the Nozzle to the CD Case.
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 hot-
glue 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
Image Notes
1. Orifice created by cutting the Extender Tube flush with wall of the Cd Case.
Step 5:Finish Nozzle and Attach PVC Pipe
Continue building up hot-glue until the Nozzle and Nozzle Extension are well secured to the CD Case. There should be no glue on the inside of the Case. The Nozzle
Extension should have been cut flush with the inside of the Case, giving an oblong shape to the nozzle jet opening. The Nozzle should be well supported by the build-up
of glue on the Case by now. Allow the glue to cool.
Now it's time to attach the 2 foot piece of 3/4 inch PVC pipe. Sand each end of the pipe to clean it, then use the PVC primer to prep. Add PVC-to-ABS cement to each
fitting and pipe end, and twist together to connect. Let the cement set for an hour minimum. Here's an instructable for more info on cementing PVC.
Attach the Garden Hose Shut-Off fitting to the fitting on the end of the PVC pipe.
The Nozzle and CD Case Cover mods are done!
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.
Image Notes
1. Glue build-up area.
2. Nozzle
3. CD Spindle Cover
Image Notes
1. Nozzle.
2. CD Spindle Cover
3. Hot-glue build-up area.
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.
Step 6:Prepare the CD Spindle.
Drill holes in the CD Spindle as shown. Clean out the holes of shavings. De-burr and polish spindle post with 400 sandpaper or cleaning pad. If desired, install a half-inch
barbed garden-hose fitting on the bottom outlet of the Spindle post. This allows a garden hose to be connected to the outlet. This works especially well if the CD Spindle
Cover is hot-glued or duct-taped to the bottom lip of the Spindle tray for leak-free operation.
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
Step 7:Assemble The CD Disc Pack
The CD Disc Pack is the rotating part that is made of CD's. It spins inside the CD Case. There are several options for CD Disc Packs.
The easiest thing to do, is...nothing! That is, just stack the CD's on the spindle post without gluing or using magnets...about 10 CD's in this case. You can use more CD's
if the CD Spindle is taller.
Disc Packs can also be built by simply gluing together discs with a few drops of Methyl Chloride (available at a plastics shop). Methyl Chloride is the solvent glue for CD
Disc polycarbonate-type plastic. Put the glue on the raised ring, which you can feel near the centre of the CD, to bond each CD to the next. The glue sets fast. Try to keep
the Discs centered on the Spindle as they are glued together. A couple of wraps of paper around the Spindle to take up clearance before gluing the discs might help keep
the Disc Pack aligned best.
Let the glue set-up and get ready to assemble and test your Tesla CD Turbine!
Install the recently modified CD Case (with Cover and Nozzle) onto the CD Spindle and Disc Pack. Make sure the Disc Pack spins freely on the Spindle and in the CD
Case. Hook up the water pressure supply, adjust the water pressure with the Shut-Off Valve, and the CD's should start to go around!
The speed of the CD Disc Pack is dependant on the water pressure, controlled by the garden hose shut-off valve. It should be able to go over 1200 rpm on garden-hose
water pressure.
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Tesla CD Turbine!
.
Image Notes
1. 10-CD stack, glued together and ready for testing.
Image Notes
2. Fluid Inlet Pipe
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.
Step 8:Assemble The CD Turbine
Assemble your preferred CD Disc Pack on the CD Spindle, twist on the Spindle Cover and attach a garden hose to the Shut-off Valve (make sure it's closed first).
Gradually adjust the pressure to make the turbine discs rotate. Water will spray out of the bottom part of the CD Cover between Spindle Cover and Spindle. It gets a little
messy, so be prepared.
You can avoid most of the water spray mess by carefully sealing the Spindle Cover to the Spindle with hot-glue. If you need to change the disc pack inside, it can be done
by peeling back the cooled hot-glue, then later re-gluing the cover back on.
Image Notes
Image Notes
1. Hot-glue areas were painted to match black.
2. Orbit Watermaster Nozzle
2. Fluid Inlet Pipe
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.
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.
Step 9:Fun Things To Do With The Basic Tesla CD Turbine
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!
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
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.
Image Notes
1. Steampunk version of the Tesla CD Turbine could be useful and unusual
utensil at a Victorian table.
Image Notes
1. Basic Kitchen Model Tesla CD Turbine with Magnetic Coupler. All set for fun
and magic!
2. Upper drive magnets are visible inside the Tesla CD Turbine.
3. Control Valve and Emergency Shut-off. ( ...like when the Punch Bowl
Attachment fell over.;)
4. Magnetic coupler runs external to the turbine but is coupled magnetically to it.
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
2. Fluid Inlet Pipe
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)
Image Notes
1. CD Case and Magnetic Disc Pack
2. Magnetic Coupler
3. CD Spindle
4. Nozzle
Step 10:How Fast Can It Go? ...and A Safety Reminder.
Everyone wants to know how fast it will go...that's natural in our fast-moving world. But keep something in mind...to set speed records with this tiny, but powerful, device
requires a special test zone, preferably not in a populated area!
CD's will explode when over-revved. This includes any RPM over 20,000 rpm. It is unlikely that more than a couple thousand rpm will be achieved by ordinary water
pressure. (1400 rpm was max with my last test on water pressure).
But, again, I must stress that this innocent-looking machine becomes a screaming demon when powered by high air pressure. The CD Turbine, with 120 psi straight air
pressure, will easily exceed 20,000 rpm and will violently explode the CD's in the Disc Pack. Not maybe...it will for sure. Don't use air pressure unless you are completely
aware of this!
I use an air pressure regulator, digital tachometer, and a bullet-proof enclosure for high-rpm air pressure testing. And all the usual self-protection gear for dealing with
sharp shrapnel.
So, be careful, wear protection and have fun!
Oh, by the way, the CD Turbine, with the plain Disc Pack has gone 14,500 rpm on half-throttle compressed air, smooth and safe!, and 11,000 rpm for the Magnetic Disc
Pack. So far, so good!
I'll show more secrets in the next Instructable of the amazing Tesla CD Turbine.
UPDATE: see my latest instructable for lots more CD turbine fun, with the new Kitchen Sink Model.
Image Notes
1. 1/2 inch x 1/8 inch thick neodymium disc magnets
2. 1 inch 1/8 inch teflon Pads
Step 11:Cool CD Turbine Movies
Here's a few of my latest SinkScience videos. I've been having lots of fun, and learning, with the faucet-powered Tesla CD Turbine.
The first video is an overview of the basic faucet-powered CD Turbine and levitating Magnetic Coupler.
The second movie is of some unusual movement of a rotating ball magnet influenced by the turbine.
The third movie is the creation of a beautiful vortex by the magnetic coupler. Enjoy!
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 357 comments
Samalex67 says: Apr 1, 2014. 4:18 AM REPLY
I am really impressed in your blog..and Thank you for sharing
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powersourcez says: Dec 21, 2013. 7:21 PM REPLY
Mr.Fix i am new to instructables and because of my investigatory project in physics,this particular experiment caught my eye,but i want to power this by
compressed air so my question is can you suggest other cheap sources of compressed air?also can i use a bike pump?advance thx for the answers :D
mrfixitrick says: Dec 22, 2013. 12:14 AM REPLY
I have powered my CD Tesla Turbines with everything from my breath ,to compressed air and water combinations. Compressed CO2 can be
used...carefully. An air compressor is safest and reliable. Use up to 90 psi...carefully! The bike pump will work for a good demo. The nozzle size going in
to the turbine is important, and the more friction-free the discs are, the faster it will go.
A couple of times, I "borrowed" compressed air from a gas station into my 5-gallon tank. I then ran the turbine at home (briefly), with the "free energy" !
badmoonryzn says: Oct 13, 2013. 7:06 AM REPLY
Why do you have so many disks when the water only hits a few of them? I do not understand what you are doing I guess. What are you using as a bearing
for the disk pack that rides on the spindle? It looks pretty cool and tesla is one smart cookie, so he had something going on. Since there are no blades does
the turbine just rely on friction against the disks? I know lots of questions. I think you did a great job on using a disk case and disks. What a great idea.
Thanks for the video.
regards'
Den
mrfixitrick says: Oct 13, 2013. 1:10 PM REPLY
Hi Den, Hehe, yes lots of questions! ;)
Many discs work well in my case, because when fluid exits the nozzle and hits the discs, it spreads immediately into about a 45 degree angle and covers
most of the discs in the spray pattern. Besides, the sheer momentum of the fluid vortex helps pull the other discs at the ends along.
There are usually no bearings in my turbines, as the discs use hydrodynamic bearing principle and are free-floating above about 2000 rpm. The central
spindle helps keep the discs centred at the beginning.
Tesla said that his turbine did not rely on friction, but on adhesion and viscosity of the fluid on the discs instead.
Read the Tesla patents and this wiki description to get more of an understanding of this amazing idea from Tesla
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_turbine
Zem says: Sep 22, 2009. 9:14 PM REPLY
Is it just me, or in the second picture is there an Alternator connected to it?
mrfixitrick says: Sep 22, 2009. 10:30 PM REPLY
Well it's about time someone noticed! Hehe Yes, that is correct. I adapted a magnetic coupler to an automotive 12 volt alternator, and got it to rotate by
magnetic coupling with the turbine. With faucet water pressure at only about 30 psi, the set-up was not effective. I could not get more than 50-100 rpm
out of the turbine/alternator, and so could not get more than a few millivolts out of it. I think it would generate power if it had 60 - 80 psi water pressure to
work with.
seamaas says: Jul 7, 2010. 2:13 PM REPLY
how would you set that up?
mrfixitrick says: Jul 7, 2010. 7:27 PM REPLY
To set up the alternator I simply attached a magnetic coupler to the alternator shaft, then used a coffee can as an adapter to fit the turbine. The
magnetic coupler was made with 6 of 1/2 inch neos as drive magnets sandwiched between two CD's. The drive magnets of the turbine repel the
magnets of the coupler, and they move as one unit. I did not have enough faucet water pressure to make theTesla Tturbine Alternator go very
fast, and only got a few millivolts out of it. With adequate pressure of 70 to 100 psi or more, it would likely generate good power...until the turbine
case splits open, that is!!
FurtherThanTesla says: Sep 9, 2010. 1:41 PM REPLY
If your getting a few milivolts out of it, it is working, but you havent connected it right. i have recently been using alternaators on gas
lawnmower engines, and i know the alternator should produce useful power at 100rpm. there is a third wire coming out of the alternator (not
the power output). that wire must be connected to +12v to work. the alternator has no permanent magnets in it. intead, it has an
electromagnet that rotates in the alternator windings. this electromagnet is powered by the +12v third wire, so if there is no 12v, there is no
magnetig feild, and only a few milivolts are made. (the reason for the electro mag intead of permanent is that the internal regulator can restrict
power to the electro mag at high rpms to make it weaker at faster speeds, and thereby regulate the alternating voltage produced. then an
internal rectifieer converts it to regulated DC) so try it again, and i bet you'll get something. then the electro magnet comes online, it will resist
more, so i doubt it will keep 100rpm, but you might get useable voltage! I hope ive helped. i try to do justice to my name, furtherthantesla.
mrfixitrick says: Sep 10, 2010. 12:00 AM REPLY
Thanks for the instructive comment!
As a mechanic, I've been around alternators for 40 years. Your comments are right on. I applied power to the field wire as you suggested.
The main problem of not generating power was getting the shaft to spin fast enough. The rotating/rolling resistance of the alternator took
up most of the energy output of the turbine, while running it at the relatively low pressure of 30 psi or so.
So rpm's are very limited unless pressure can be increased significantly.
rocyahsoul says: Aug 19, 2012. 11:42 AM REPLY
Do you think this would work?
Put a nice heavy fly wheel on the alternator, on the pulley for the belt. Connect the Tesla turbine, get it under some water pressure,
spin the fly wheel with your hand... I wonder if then the fly wheel and by extension alternator will stay in motion? It seems to keep that
fly wheel in motion, should be a lot easier than to fight the resistance of the alternator without it. The standard solution for this though,
is to build a more robust alternator, that produces usable voltage at a lower RPM. .Neodymium magnets are relatively cheap
considering how much they can be worth in a alternator configuration. It's a couple hundred dollars or so of magnets and less than a
hundred dollars of magnet wire, to put together an alternator that works well at low RPM.
mrfixitrick says: Aug 22, 2012. 3:27 PM REPLY
Thanks for the question!
The main problem is that you can only get so much power out of faucet water pressure. It may be in the range of one to ten watts.
Most alternators will require that much power just to overcome the resistance of the bearings, seals and fan. Then there is the
force of the magnetics and back EMF to be overcome in order to actually generate power.
A flywheel can store excess power, or help with the "notching" effect of magnets on coils of wire, but a flywheel will not make the
alternator create more power. or keep it spinning. when there is not enough energy supplied continuously.
Using an alternator could work well with higher pressure, say 100-150 psi would be nice, at a good flow of 5 to 20 gallons per
minute, and by using a maximum number of discs in the turbine. Otherwise, with my turbine setups, one is limited to a small
alternator or generator design by using coils of wire to extract the few watts of power from the rotating magnets.
FurtherThanTesla says: Sep 10, 2010. 9:38 AM REPLY
Okay, cool. i firgure that if you built the turbine and attached the alternator in the first place, you plobly know what you are doing :)
Actually, if your a mechanic, i have an unrelated question. I made pans for an engine a while ago that runs on both diesel and gas
using (compressive detonation). I want to make a prototype, but i need to know how much PSI will be generated at TDC right after the
plug has fired with the throttle open fully. do youk know within a hundred PSI what that might be? :/ Thank you.
lperkins says: May 8, 2011. 12:01 PM REPLY
I have a 1948 John Deere Model G that has what they called the "all fuel engine." It will run on anything from gasoline to lamp oil, and
I've heard of people who made them run on Vaseline and paraffin with a few modifications. The base part of the design is that the
intake and exhaust manifolds are one piece to pre-heat the fuel. It's a two-cylinder engine. They're about six inches in diameter with a
stroke of just under a foot. All things considered it's fairly efficient once you get it up to temperature. You could probably look up the
design for use as a reference. With modern, computer-controlled ignition and mixture, one could probably squeeze quite a bit more
out of it.
and also, would a modified gasoline engine (like a small mower engine) be able to handel those kind of forces?
i just love messing with auto alternators :3
Rottom says: Feb 8, 2011. 10:43 AM REPLY
would it not be presumable that if you added a small engine torque converter that it would up the rpms that are being produces
mrfixitrick says: Feb 8, 2011. 12:54 PM REPLY
The automotive alternator takes all the turbine power available just to get it moving. Trying to increase the rpm with gearing, without additional
pressure from the water supply, is futile. It would be like trying to move your car in 5th gear at an idle.
Additional water pressure will increase the turbine power and rpm's sufficiently to drive the alternator properly.
Rottom says: Feb 8, 2011. 1:20 PM REPLY
ok point taken, but could you not design an engagement mechanism for after the turbine was up to speed that way it does not bog the turbine
under instant pressure.
The Tesla turbine has a flat torque curve compared to an auto engine that generally has increased torque with higher rpm. If the turbine
bogs at low rpm, it will bog at high rpm too. (same torque) The horsepower is greater at higher rpm, but not the torque.
The engagement mechanism you mention might be useful if the turbine was tuned for maximum torque at a specific higher rpm, but
usually there would be no advantage (other than flywheel effect) to "spinning up" the turbine first.
Rottom says: Feb 9, 2011. 5:19 AM REPLY
seems i need to build one of these to do some testing for myself to see if there is maybe even a gearing system for possibility of more
speed with less load... aether way love the challenge.
mrfixitrick says: Feb 9, 2011. 9:06 AM REPLY
Be careful...The Tesla Turbine is a deceptively simple device that will give a lifetime of experimenting and learning to those who
get addicted!
Zem says: Sep 23, 2009. 6:54 AM REPLY
=D.
Excellent I was wondering if that was possible.
Ah, well I hope you find a more successful setup!
juanjomf says: Apr 30, 2012. 3:05 PM REPLY
Hey the cd will not drilled?. can you give me a picture to my mail as the magnets are and how you separate the cd? Thanks and forgive my English,
juanjomf97@gmail.com
keegan says: Feb 8, 2012. 10:21 AM REPLY
wow, you managed to get it running at 500rpm just by blowing hard? i just built one and it hardly goes at 100rpm by blowing... also, i understand there is
supposed to be a gap between the discs - how do you do that? anyway thanks for the clear instructions and pictures!
elmotactics says: Jun 14, 2011. 3:47 PM REPLY
I have no idea as to the feasibility of something like this, but would it be possible to make this into a sort of wind turbine, and then use the magnet discs as a
generator? I know that in general small-scale wind turbines have a lot of trouble overcoming the magnetism of the permanent magnets unless there is a
powerful wind, so this seems like it would be a lot easier. I was thinking something like having a large, flared intake to maximize air pressure, and then a tail
boom to make sure it orients itself with the wind .
wildwabbit says: Nov 6, 2011. 4:15 AM REPLY
I'm been experimenting with wind turbines for about a year now and built a few HAWTS and VAWTS each one improving on the last. I'll do an intructable
soon, have been a bit slack.
Funneling just doesn't work with wind turbines, its relates back to the equation that only 59% of wind energy of a given swept area can be harnessed.
This is largely due to airs high viscosity, it bounces around and creates turbulence within a funnel, a small amount of funneling will improve performance
slightly but large funnels actually make turbines less efficient, as they create drag and turbulence rather than allowing a clean stream of air onto the
turbine. The amount of compression you could get with funneling would be minimal at best.
I do however believe that using wind turbines to compress air via a piston or pump is completely feasible and would like to look into doing this myself.
mrfixitrick says: Nov 6, 2011. 7:47 AM REPLY
The TESNIC wind turbine uses Tesla disc technology. Have a look.
wildwabbit says: Nov 6, 2011. 12:35 PM REPLY
I have seen this video it is quite old and am yet to see this design running in anything other than a controled environment. I think the concept
does work but it will only operate effectively in optimum conditions, ie: strong consistant winds.
Not a great deal of practical application, in most real world environments.
If I saw a video of this turbine out doors in a light to moderate breeze, I be more inclined to beleive it has potential. However no such video's exist.
I'be made a coupe of lenz2 turbines, with a good degree of success, and recently came across the "canstien" or " c-rotor" which is a variation of
the lens 2 design. I plan on building one of identical proportions to one of my. Lenz2's will post an instructable in the near future to compare the
two designs.
You can see some of my turbines on my youtube channel wildwabbit74
mrfixitrick says: Jun 14, 2011. 5:00 PM REPLY
There is a company that has recently patented a similar idea! Check out the Tesnic wind turbine here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyvf7iyi-wM
jwesson says: Jul 28, 2011. 9:56 AM REPLY
with all the different methods of generating electricity with Tesla's designs, the only thing a patent will do is ensure that mine can't appear to be the same
as yours, even if it basically works the same, because the improved application is so obvious to those of us with a good imagination.
jwesson says: Jul 28, 2011. 9:55 AM REPLY
i was thinking of the same kind of wind tunnel using a 12V electric motor attached to the spindle to be a generator. here's hoping you figure it out. that's half
the fun, isn't it?
:)
.
mexiquinn says: Aug 3, 2011. 3:38 PM REPLY
could you use a water balloon nozzle
mrfixitrick says: Aug 3, 2011. 4:54 PM REPLY
A water balloon nozzle will likely be too big. The CD Turbine nozzle inside diameter should be no more than about 1/8 inch hole size.
jsimonyan says: Jul 19, 2011. 2:20 AM REPLY
please tell me if im crazy, i want to build one of these cd case turbines but im not sure if my case is the right size, it will hold about 53 normal cds, i measured
the removable part of the case to be 3.125 inches tall (3 and 1/8) so factoring in that cds are .053 inches tall(.053x with x being the number of cds) and i need
magnets for each layer which are .03125(1/32 inches tall) making the equation .053x + .03125x < 3.125(the height of the cd case) so the number of cds i could
fit in (counting magnets) is 37(i rounded down to 35). am i crazy? did i totally mess up the equation??? because i see you with 10 disc turbines and you seem to
have the case full, please help, i dont want to buy 5x the amount of magnets i need, they are very expensive :P
mrfixitrick says: Jul 19, 2011. 10:52 AM REPLY
it helps to be a bit crazy to build one of these. And if you weren't before, you probably will be after!
Your calculations and formulae are good, but there are some hints and important points.
1.) The height of the disc pack is not as critical as it seems. You can use almost any number of discs you wish. From around 6 discs, up to 25 discs, is
generally a good number to use.
Understand that if the inlet nozzle is relatively high in the case, the whole disc pack will rise to the top of the case when the turbine is running anyway.
2.) More discs do not necessarily mean more power. The inlet velocity/pressure of the fluid is most important, and the higher speed particles can only
cover so many of the discs, depending on volume of fluid and shape of inlet nozzle.
3.) If the turbine is used with water pressure, the top magnets are usually larger for better magnetic coupling. They stick out, (without a CD on top) to be
closer to the top of the case. So you have to add their height to your equation.
4.) The magnets form a bearing surface at the inner top of the case, and skim along barely touching the case when it's running due to the fluid bearing
effect. (note: if the turbine is used for compressed air pressure, then larger top magnets can't be used because the rpms are too high.)
5.) The centre post gets drilled for fluid exit. Keep the holes toward the top of the post exactly where the CD's will be rubbing when they rise up to the top
under running pressure.
6.) The type of CD case is important, as some of them are virtually impossible to seal properly to be able to build up pressure internally. I use the older
Memorex cases with a thick bottom so the hot-glue will hold better.
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
physicsproj says: Jun 12, 2011. 10:20 AM REPLY
Hey there, I just finished making a turbine for a physics project, and i wanted to thank you for the very helpful instructions! It would have taken me much
longer, and been much more arduous without your help.
mrfixitrick says: Jun 12, 2011. 11:44 AM REPLY
Thanks much for the positive feedback!
May you continue to ponder the mysteries of the Tesla Turbine for years to come!
pilotgabe says: May 30, 2011. 1:52 PM REPLY
I am amking an air powered version and just to be on the safe side what is the highest PSI can i go up to with out causing a blow out and injuring me or other
materials around me? Thanks if you can let me know!!!
mrfixitrick says: May 30, 2011. 8:43 PM REPLY
There is no safe psi. You have to build a protective cover or barricade, with the assumption that the turbine unit will blow up. I use either a one-foot
square polycarbonate bullet-proof box for such experiments, or an 1/8 inch steel barricade to hide behind. Gloves, glasses, and heavy garments are also
recommended.
What happens is, if the turbine is working properly, even 15-20 psi is enough to send the discs over 10, 000 rpm. With excessive rpm, the CD discs can
fracture, and sharp shards come through the side of the case, with possible injury or death.
I have taken turbines up to 14,500 rpm, but they will usually break before that. The magnet spacers limit the max rpm. Plain CD discs go up to 25,000
rpm before exploding.
The CD case itself can take up to 120 psi without exploding...as long as it is somewhat gradual. I did blow up one turbine by too rapid of an increase in
pressure! ( see "Tesla CD Turbine Blender Bursts On Kitchen Table", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXo3e58rZ7U)
pilotgabe says: Jun 1, 2011. 9:41 AM REPLY
THANK YOU!!! this is the much needed info i need now with the turbine disks its self is there a great design on how to cut the disks to make holes in the
blades or is that a dangerous way to "frag" the disks Iwant to use the magnet idea and also incororate this turbine design into a future jet model that i
want to build so anything you got on this?
mrfixitrick says: Jun 1, 2011. 10:57 AM REPLY
The polycarbonate CD discs are a weak point for a high-speed Tesla Turbine. (and Tesla Turbines do love to rev up to make power!)
CD discs with magnets are limited in rpm to about 8000-10,000 rpm. Even then, the disc could shatter at any time.
Cutting holes in the discs could lower the safe rpm even more.
When a disc blows at 15,000 rpm or more it literally explodes and sends sharp shards in all directions. See this site, "The Case Of The Exploding
CD-ROM Record",
http://www.qedata.se/e_js_n-cdrom.htm
Another helpful hint...When building a turbine case or parts use polycarbonate or aluminum or steel, etc. Don't use acrylic. Here's why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsls5ZPCUnE
So, the idea is to keep the revs down and play safe with protection. New materials such as carbon nanofiber ceramic for discs, and lighter,
stronger magnets will soon make the magnetic Tesla Turbine a greater reality.
pilotgabe says: Jun 1, 2011. 8:34 PM REPLY
again there thank you for the info you are giving me! I was also doing experiments and was also making aluminium foil disks and other material
as well. but safety is always a factor or the number one priority that i do. So yes i am being safewith this.
mrfixitrick says: Jun 1, 2011. 9:51 PM REPLY
Ok, now that safety is covered, I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have on Tesla disc turbine construction or running!
Hav0c says: Apr 25, 2011. 4:32 AM REPLY
awesome instructable man, 5 star!
bowmaster says: Feb 21, 2011. 8:13 AM REPLY
Cool. I have an idea that would use the magnetic coupling to turn a magnetic mixing rod to stir things. You could also use it to turn a blade to make a turbine
powered food processor if the tourque is high anough and would transfer through the magnetic field.
mrfixitrick says: Feb 21, 2011. 10:54 AM REPLY
Yep, I've done that!
Tesla Tornado Tube is an example of a magnetically coupled Tesla disc pump.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVOYKsUcPO4
The Punch Bowl SuperStirrer is a fun Magnetically-coupled stirrer with a Tesla CD Turbine coupled to a Tesla Pump:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3v_1upRdtA
"Blender Bursts on Kitchen Table" is a magnetically-coupled blender experiment.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXo3e58rZ7U
More on that blender...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIWPsckaiCw
There's more on this idea at my SinkScience playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrfixitRick#grid/user/DBEC3A3C414EB39F
bowmaster says: Feb 21, 2011. 3:33 PM REPLY
Cool. I'm going to try putting a fan on it and use to make wind!!
Did you know there was a Tesla Fan? You could attach one to a Tesla turbine!
Here is a movie someone made of the Tesla Fan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I6VUkw_Fg8
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