Vertical Windmill

This was my first go at a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). I've made a 'Mk2' now that you can find here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:948401

These caught my interest when I saw one and realised that I couldn't explain why it worked.

I wouldn't recommend that anyone prints it as it uses a heap of plastic and there's about a dozen things that I wished that is done differently. On top of that there's been no wind so I haven't a clue whether it works!

I'm in the middle of designing the "Mk2" which will have a fair bit more thought go into it. Once I get this bit going I'll start having a think about what I can get it to do.

I really wish there was a bit of wind at the moment; I'd quite like to see if it spins.