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Optimal Windmill Blades for Power Generation

CSEF · 2002 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics

Alex D. Provda · Piedmont High School, Piedmont

Overview

Objectives/Goals The goal of the experiement was to determine the most effective shape, and its relative angle to the direction of the wind for power genoration. In the experiment another goal was to examine the merits of lift, and drag and two determine which one is more important for windmills. Methods/Materials The minerature windmill stand was created out of a tool set, consiting of interlinking mettle bars. The windmill blades were each cut from balsa wood, by a power saw and then sanded with a power sander until they reached there desired shape. The blades were then hooked on to a motor, that had been turned to spin backwards, and then connected by wire to a miliamper reader. The source of the wind was a hair dryer bolted down to a stand approximetaly four feet away. To conduct the tests all you have to do iis turn the blades to the desired angle, turn the hair dryer on high and wait till the milamper readers needle is steady. Results The results showed the the most effective blade shape was a rectangualar blade with curved edges thick side forward turned to an angle of 30 degrees. In general the results showed that winged shaped blades were general less effective for power genoration than rectangular shaped blades. Conclusions/Discussion It can be concluded from the reuslts that having curved edges on a rectangual shaped blade will always increase the amount of power generated. It can also be concluded that rectangular shaped blades are better for power genoration. While looking at the performances by all of the different blades, it can be seen that the blades that combine lift and drag are the most effective for power genoration.

Summary statement

My project is all about testing different shapes of windmill blades turned to different angles for maximum power genoration.

Help received

My father helped me come up with the idea for the project, and the crafting of the windmill blades.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2002 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics · Entry S0110

Resources

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