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Problem Statement
Penelope O'Meara will research and construct a wind turbine that can produce electricity to light an LED light using a DC motor at Northern High School in December 2021. This broadens the level of understanding of several topics—electricity (DC), power, and energy—and improves skills in adhering to directions, problem-solving, and using CAD/3D/laser cutters.
Constraints
Wind Turbine must fit in a 1' by 1' cube.
Must contain one 3D printed piece and one laser cut piece.
Must possess the ability to light one single LED
References
Cholteeva, Y. (2021, April 27). Vertical turbines to boost the efficiency of wind farms. Www.power-Technology.com. https://www.power-technology.com/news/vertical-turbines-to-boost-the-efficiency-of-wind-farms/
The article explains which type of turbine design is more efficient. Vertical turbines (VAWTs) need less space than horizontal turbines and produce a fair amount of electricity; however, horizontal turbines (HAWTs) generate large amounts of energy.
How does a wind turbine work? | Sustainability - ACCIONA. (2016, February 23). How does a wind turbine work? | Sustainability - ACCIONA. YouTube. https://youtu.be/DILJJwsFl3w
A general description of how wind turbines function.
https://www.howstuffworks.com/about-author.htm. (2000, April). How Electric Motors Work. HowStuffWorks. https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/motor.htm
This article explains in detail how electric motors (DC) work.
IRENA. (2016). Wind energy. Irena.org. https://www.irena.org/wind
The article covers the history of renewable wind energy and gives a brief explanation of how wind is used to create electricity.
Office of ENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGY. (2018). How Do Wind Turbines Work? Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/how-do-wind-turbines-work
This article gives a basic overview of how wind turbines work, what types of wind turbines there are, and where wind turbines are commonly placed.
Ostr, Y. (2018, December 26). How to Make Mini Wind Turbine from Cardboard - Electric Generator. Www.youtube.com; YouTube. https://youtu.be/crmJI_mdRUo
A tutorial of constructing a DIY wind turbine that lights an LED.
Owen, J. (2020, June 10). How does an Electric Motor work? (DC Motor) - YouTube. Www.youtube.com; YouTube. https://youtu.be/CWulQ1ZSE3c
An in-depth description of how electric motors (DC) work with demonstrations.
Sheppard, A. (2013, April 26). Make Your Own Miniature Wind Turbine. Popular Mechanics; Popular Mechanics. https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/how-to/g118/make-your-own-miniature-wind-turbine/
A basic tutorial about the creation process of a DIY wind turbine using PVC pipe.
TED-Ed. (2021, April 22). How do wind turbines work? - Rebecca J. Barthelmie and Sara C. Pryor. Www.youtube.com. https://youtu.be/xy9nj94xvKA
Overview of how wind turbines work with demonstrations and models.
Working Principle of DC Motor (animation of elementary model. (2017, October 2). Working Principle of DC Motor (animation of elementary model). YouTube. https://youtu.be/j_F4limaHYI
This video shows the process of how a DC motor works. It also shows how to light an LED using a DC motor.
ENTER 10. (2017, November 18). How to make paper turbine/windmill. Www.youtube.com. https://youtu.be/7Kkf5AD0pqk
Quick tutorial on how to make a paper turbine.
Brainstorming
Building Procedure
Results
The homemade wind turbine was able to light the LED sporadically. The volts produced are unknown due to a lack of a voltmeter; however, LEDs require 2-3 volts to light up, so we can assume that at certain points the wind turbine produced at least 2 volts. The wind turbine did not spin fast enough to generate the required volts until more blades were added. Blades were added two at a time until they generated enough power to light the LED.
Improvements:
Make the base more stable by adding more weight. This could limit the shakiness of the turbine.
Use a DC motor that can generate more power without sacrificing its capability of being spun.
Using more blades to catch more wind.
Drilling into the rotor to attach the DC motor instead of gluing it to the rotor, creating a smoother and easier rotation for the turbine.
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