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Blade Efficiency of Wind Generators

CSEF · 2007 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only) Honorable_mention Award

Kieran A. Czerwinski · Sunny Brae Middle School, Arcata, Humboldt County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of my experiment was to find out how the number of blades and the angle of blades effects the amount of electricity a wind generator produces. Methods/Materials I built a simple stand from my Erector set for the generator to stand on. I bought some balsa wood at a hobby store and cut out the blades using an exacto knife. I drilled holes into a bass wood rod spaced so that they were evenly apart from each other. I attached paper clips to the blades and inserted the ends of them into the holes I had drilled. I then set up a 3-speed box fan a foot away from the front of the generator. I set clip leads from the DC motor of the generator to the volt-meter so that I could measure the amount of electricity it was producing. The last step was to perform the tests and record the data. Results The results concluded that out of 2-6 blades, the 3 blade design did the best in both the 45 degree test and the 25 degree test. I performed 2 tests on different degrees because I thought the results might change from the first test of 45 degrees. When I performed the angle test at 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 75 degrees the angle that turned out to be the best was the 15 degree angle. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis was close to the actual results. I discovered that both the number and angle of blades on a wind turbine effect how fast it turns and therefore how much energy it produces. After completing this project I am anxious to continue experimenting with how the length, shape and curvature of blades effect efficiency. I believe all this information could be important today considering that we are in need of developing more efficient & clean alternative energy.

Summary statement

To maximize the amount of energy wind turbines produce by determining the number and angle of blades that work best.

Help received

Dad loaned me a volt-meter and explained how to use it. Mom helped me cut out paper for the backboard.

Awards (1)

  • Honorable Mention

Competition history

  • CSEF 2007 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0105

Resources

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