Wind Turbine Energy

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective for this experiment was to investigate the electrical voltage that could be generated at a given wind speed using a simple wind turbine design. Methods/Materials To start the project I constructed a wind turbine using a set of plans I found on the internet. Most of the materials for the construction of the turbine were purchased at a hardware store, online or found in my grandfather's garage. Once built, I spun the turbine by hand to see if it would light a low voltage LED. Prior to collecting data, I set up a voltmeter to read ac voltage and a wind meter to read mph. In order to control the wind velocity I used a two speed hairdryer and varied the distance between the dryer and turbine. I obtained rare earth magnets of different thicknesses to check the affect this has on the electrical output of the turbine. I documented the readings from both meters to allow me to graph the results and make my conclusions. Results As the wind speed increased so did the voltage. I tested four 1/4" thick by 1" diameter magnets and four 1/8" thick by 1" diameter magnets. While collecting the data I found that it required more wind speed to create the same voltage for the thicker magnets. I'm sure this is due to the increased mass of these magnets. Conclusions/Discussion The objective for this experiment was a success. Next time to expand the project I will use coils with more turns. I believe this will have a positive affect on the power generated. During the experiment I realized that the magnets were affected by centrifugal force, since one of the magnets detached from the rotor during the experiment.

Competition history

• CSEF 2008 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0122

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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