wind turbine 3D-printed from biopolymers offers ecological energy solutions

ross stevens’ wind turbine takes cues from nature

Ross Stevens’ potted plant-inspired wind turbine showcases the potential of multi-material 3D printing to craft large-scale and recyclable products. The Power Pot Plant is a 3D-printed wind turbine that seamlessly integrates technology, nature, and renewable sources to secure energy while preserving the environment. While embracing eco-conscious design principles, the innovative conception offers a glimpse into a future where sustainable energy solutions are both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically responsible.

For this project, Stevens drew inspiration from plants, which inform its flower-like visual form, its materiality and compact portability. The Power Pot Plant has been constructed using a biopolymer (PLA), which is directly harvested from plants, and its design carefully ensure that the materials are kept separate so that the turbine can be easily disassembled and recycled for future use.

the wind turbine’s blades are based on the Savonius rotor principle | all images courtesy of Ross Stevens

‘power pot plant’ fuses technology, nature, & renewable energy

Industrial designer and senior lecturer Ross Stevens’ recent research delves into multi-material 3D printing at the micro scale, inspired by plants. Taking cues from the portability of potted plants, the turbine can be easily moved and installed using locally sourced materials such as stones, soil, or even plants, to add weight to the base and secure it. These can be easily removed and returned to their original sources when the turbine needs to be relocated.

Further, the Power Pot Plant’s ecological impact aligns with the broader goal of increasing locally produced renewable energy to support the growing fleet of battery-powered vehicles. Leveraging advancements in lower-cost, higher-powered batteries designed for electric vehicles, the domestic-scaled turbine allows homes to store energy harnessed from sources like the sun and wind, uncovering both long-term ecological and economic benefits.

Power Pot Plant exudes heat and light after a day of collecting energy

Ross Stevens has long been a proponent of digital manufacturing, having pioneered 3D printing research since 2004 and founding digital making company Ponoko in 2007. He acknowledges that while 3D printing has failed to deliver on the initial hype, it possesses a competitive advantage when dealing with objects that are either too large for traditional molding or too complex for manual assembly. 

His most recent research and development project has been supported by the MADE group at Victoria University of Wellington, showcasing the feasibility of using low-impact and recyclable materials in a visually captivating yet efficient way.

with its intricate flower-like form, the wind turbine complements both architectural and landscape designs

translucent base materials offers visual neutrality to blend in with local, natural materials used to secure it

standardized components (M8 stainless steel threaded rod) connects the 3D-printed parts to the generator

basic tools make assembly and disassembly accessible to a wide range of people

slots for water drainage

project info:

name: Power Pot Plant
designer: Ross Stevens

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom