Blades: Baseline Testing Instructions
Step 1: Multimeter
Get the multimeter from your kit and make sure it has batteries/powers on
Plug the black test lead to the input labeled “COM”
Plug the red test lead to the input labeled “VΩmA
Turn your meter to the grey, V, 2 setting
The different settings on the dial change the decimal precision output by the meter
At the “2” setting, the multimeter will read between 0.001V and 1.999V
Step 2: Hot-Glue Gun
Get the hot glue gun and a bundle of glue sticks from your kit
Plug in and power on (should have a red light)
Will take a few minutes to reach useable temperature
Be very careful! The tip will get very hot, use gloves and caution to avoid burning yourself!
Step 3: Cardboard Foundation
Form the perforated CORI cardboard sheet into a box-beam
Using the metal saw and plastic CORI miter-box, cut the beam into 3 equal length, 4” sections
Be very careful! Use gloves when using the metal saw, cut slow and watch your fingers!
Using the hot glue gun, connect the cardboard beams to build the foundation:
Step 4: Mount the D/C Motor
Retrieve the items pictured above from your kit:
D/C Motor
Plastic angle bracket
Attach the angled bracket to your cardboard foundation
Next, attach the D/C motor to the plastic adapter:
Step 5: Plastic Fan
Finally, find the plastic fan from your kit and mount it to the motor axel:
Step 6: Test Voltage Output!
Connect the multimeter test leads to the corresponding D/C motor wires
If the system is wired correctly, you should be able to get a very small voltage reading just by spinning the plastic fan by hand!
If you are having trouble with this step, ask TAs for help!
Step 7: Establish Baseline Parameters
Mount the cardboard foundation to the edge of a flat surface (desk or table)
Find a wind-source (hair dryer, area fan)
Test out different wind-source scenarios to get an idea of the voltage output from your baseline test setup
record the parameters on a sheet of paper: distance, wind-source setting (high/low) , and voltage output
Determine a scenario in which your multimeter outputs a consistent voltage of 0.500 (±0.05) V
Record the parameters of this setup: distance, wind-source setting (high/low) , and voltage output
You will use the same setup to compare the efficiency of your custom wind turbine design to other project proposals!