USC Discover Engineering Group B7 Windmill Model

Letian Li, Max Lee, Sherly Xec, Tony Qiu, Victoria Wu

Stage 1: Identify a Problem

Design Requirements

- Contain at least 4 blades
- Be able to rotate to capture wind in order to maximize electricity production
- Be free standing with the ability to not be blown away by a fan
- Students will maximize and measure current production and magnetic field
- Use only materials given (Balsawood planks, smaller rods, larger rods, magnets)

Specific Problems

Blades

What size blade do we use?
How many blades?
What angle should we use that will lift the most weight?

Tower

Sturdy enough to be free standing, not be blown away, and support fan

LED Lightbulb

How can we generate a steady (non spiking) flow of current from the windmill?
Will that steady flow be enough to power the LED?

Stage 2: Design a Solution

Blades

1) Connection- Slotted design, where we used an X-Acto knife to carve out a 1cm deep slot for the blade.

Reasoning: There are three faces/points of connection instead of one (if we were to not slot the wood).

2) Angle: When we tested out a 30, 45, and 60 degree angle with a model windmill, the 30 degree angle of blade lifted the most weight in the least amount of time.

Tower Structure

1) Base: a) Frame of 4x balsa wood blocks hot glued b) Floor of 6x balsa wood planks hot glued to blocks and each other

2) Vertical Support Structure: 4x balsa wood rods

Reasoning: They will join with the base to create two triangles (strongest shape) as the main vertical supportive structures.

3) Vertical Support Structure Bracing: 2x balsa wood blocks with (3) holes each: one for turbine axle, two drilled at an angle to insert rods

Wire Coil Structure, Magnet Connection

1) Wire Coil Orientation: Mounted on the tower and coiled around magnet

2) Magnet Orientation: Magnets will be taped to turbine axle (tape is non-conductive so it will not affect electromagnetic field)

Stage 3: Test the Design

Blades Efficiency Test

Test objective: How well 4 slotted blades at 30 degree angles would spin with a fan on setting 1,2, and 3. The goal was to spin 1 rotation per 3 seconds at setting 1

Result: Successful

Tower Structure

Test objective: How well the structure would stay intact and not bend

Strategy: Leave without cross bracing overnight.

Result: Uncessesful
- Reason: Bending occured

Ability to Generate Steady Current

Test objective: a) Steadiness of current b) powerfulness of current c) orientation of coil

Strategy: Blades will cause axle to spin due to wind. Magnet connected to axle will spin inside a fixed coil of wire.

Result: Unsuccessful
- Reason: Not steady. Not enough current to power an LED, although there was current.
Orientation Result: Horizontal Orientation more efficient at generating a steadier, more powerful current

Stage 3.5: Problems

Blades

1) Blade contacts tower structure, which damages blade. Repeated damage can lead to the blade falling off.

Tower Structure

1) After being left overnight, balsa wood rods bended outwards due to weight of turbine blades on one side.

Current Production

1) Not steady current

2) Not enough current to power LED

3) Supportive structure does not coil from shifting

Stage 4: Improve the Design

Blade Improvement #1

1) Spacers: 2x balsa wood planks cut down to become spacers. Attached to tower structure.

Pros: Very precise (thin structure)
Cons: Not enough, too many holes to drill per each new spacing

Tower Structure

1) Cross-bracing: 2x balsa wood planks hot glued to balsa wood blocks.

Reasoning: Holds balsa wood rods in place and prevents the structure from bending.

Wire Coil Structure, Magnet Connection

1) Horizontal Figuration instead of vertical- built platform to support

2) Triple magnets to improve current reading

3) Spacer: Between magnets and tower.

Reasoning: We used tape instead of directly having the magnets touch the tower because it reduces friction.

Blade Improvement #2

1) Balsa Wood Block Spacer + Tape Finshing: Instead of the balsa wood planks, which were too thin. It was also easier to install (Drill one hole instead of multiple for each plank).

Live Test

1) Length, number, angle of blades efficiency

2) Tower support infrastructure support strength

Engineering Disciplines

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, and buildings. Civil engineers focus on creating the physical foundation of our world. They plan, design, and supervise infrastructure projects that must be safe, efficient, and durable.

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering applies engineering principles to protect human health and the environment. It focuses on reducing pollution, improving waste management, and designing systems to treat water, air, and soil. Environmental engineers often work with civil engineers on sustainable infrastructure but specialize in minimizing environmental impact.

Building Science

Building science is the study of how buildings function in terms of energy, materials, indoor air quality, and sustainability. It focuses on the performance of a building’s systems (heating, cooling, ventilation, insulation, etc.) and how they affect occupants and energy use. Building scientists aim to make buildings healthier, more efficient, and longer-lasting.

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