GOAL
Learn about extracting power from wind and the sun
Renewable Energy
Building Solar & Wind Systems
2025-08-18_v1.0
Breakout Development Team
ANNA MARTELLI
College: University of Notre Dame ‘24
Major: Electrical Engineering
JACKIE LASSETER
College: Cornell University ‘24
Major: Operations Research and Information Engineering
ERIK EINSET
College: Cornell BS ‘86
U. of Minnesota PhD ‘91
Major: Chemical Engineering
Industry Experience: GE, GIP - 30 years
And thanks to educator Ms. J. Lassar who helped to clarify the calculation slides in this challenge for students.
3
Objectives
What You’ll Learn & Do
4
Click these links to jump to pages in this workbook. Workbook pages provide timestamps to related sections of the introduction video for referencing.
Workbook Table of Contents
5
PART 1
Conceptual Basics
Intro Video: 0-10:30
6
Renewable Energy Basics
7
Type your answer here.
Renewable Energy Recap
THINK!
From the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, list five different activities that require energy consumption.
Type your answer here.
REFLECT!
Think back on the video. Why is renewable energy important and how might it impact you and your community?
8
Wind Turbine Basics
Intro Video: 10:30-22:20
9
Type your answer here.
Type your answer here.
Type your answer here.
True or False:
Video Comprehension Check
WIND TURBINES ARE ALWAYS BASED ON LAND.
THE AERODYNAMICS OF THE BLADES ARE CRUCIAL TO WIND TURBINE EFFICIENCY.
WIND TURBINES ARE COMMONLY VERY TALL BECAUSE WIND IS MORE POWERFUL FROM A HIGHER ALTITUDE.
10
Power from Wind Turbines
WHAT IS POWER?
r
WIND TURBINE POWER
AREA = πr2
Formula for how to calculate the power that a wind turbine can generate:
Area = πr2
r
Intro Video: 13:50-15:44
THINK!
11
Use the formula to find how much wind power a turbine can produce in your area!
Pwind
The power generated by a wind turbine
⍴
v3
Cp
r
Area
The area the wind turbine blades cover as they sweep around in a circle = πr2
Let’s assume your turbine has the blade length of 52 meters and a power coefficient of 0.3. The density of air is 1.2 kg/m³. Remember that Area= 𝜋r² where r is the blade length.
Fill in on slide 14
Fill in after completing slide 13
What is the meaning of the variable?
What numerical value corresponds with the input?
12
WIND POWER EQUATION VARIABLES:
After completing the table, you will see that the only one of these variables that varies much between locations is… wind speed!
Pwind
⍴
v3
Cp
r
Formula for how to calculate the power that a wind turbine can generate:
Area = πr2
r
Area
r
13
Wind Power in Your Area
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WIND SPEED IN YOUR AREA?
On the map to the right,
Now you found the annual average wind speed at 80 m (which is the height of an average wind turbine). We can use this to calculate power from the equation on the previous slide!
14
Calculating Extractable
Power from Wind Turbines
EXTRACTABLE POWER FROM WIND TURBINE:
AREA = πr2
r
Use the values from slide 11 to calculate the power from the wind in your area
Type your answer here.
HOW MANY WATTS CAN A TURBINE GENERATE IN YOUR CITY/STATE?
ANSWER ME!
15
Solar Fundamentals
Intro Video: 22:23-34:30
Solar Panel Video Recap
The solar cells described in the video are also known as photovoltaic cells, often made of silicon.
A single PV cell is like a 0.5V battery, but the current and power it can generate depends on how much sunlight or amount of photons (particles of light) it receives, and the efficiency of the cell.
Type your answer here
Describe the process of converting solar energy into electricity.
Type your answer here
Approximately how much space would need to be devoted to solar panels to supply the whole world’s energy needs?
ANSWER ME!
Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Cell Calculations
Word problem: The power of direct noontime sunlight is about 1000 W per m2. If a solar cell array is 20% efficient, how many m2 of solar cells do you need to generate 3000 W of power at noon?
Relevant equations:
Power input * efficiency = power output
Power input = (sun power)*(area of solar array)
So…
(Sun power)*(Area of solar array) * efficiency = power output
Efficiency (as a decimal)
Power output (in W)
Sun power (in W/m2)
Power input (in W)
Find this and then find Area
Type your answer here
Rearrange your equation to solve for area, and plug in your numbers!
How big does your solar array need to be to generate 3000 W?
ANSWER ME!
Consider what we just learned! Solar power depends on amount of sunlight AND the efficiency of your solar cell.
Area of solar array (in m2)
You’re solving for this!
18
Calculating Extractable Power from Solar Panels in Your Area
Go to this website:
How can you determine the amount of power that would come from solar panels in your neighborhood?
DC System Size (kW)
This is the total power your array can generate at one moment
Type your answer here.
Important value!
Intro Video: 29:24-32:15
19
Calculating Extractable Power from Solar Panels in Your Area
How can you determine the amount of power that would comes from solar panels in your neighborhood?
Average daily solar radiation
kWh / m2 / day
Type your answer here.
Total solar energy generated over the year
kWh
Type your answer here.
20
Power Distribution
Let’s put the watt value calculated on the last slide into some context. Here’s a list of some household appliances and how many watts are needed to power them.
Choose the appliances you view as necessities, add them up, then see if you have enough available watts to power them.
Necessary appliances
Rated Watts of each
Total Watts needed:
21
=
+
Total Power of a Combined Wind & Solar System in your Area
P
Total
=
P
P
Wind
+
Solar
Ptotal
(in kW)
Power from a wind turbine in your area:
(in kW)
Power from a solar array in your area:
(in kW)
Important value from slide 14
Important value from slide 18
READ ME
Based on the previous slides, it is clear that renewable energy is an abundant and clean source of power for a home. Today, your task is to build a combined solar and wind unit to generate power for LED lights in a home or building.
Your Task
23
PART 2
Building Your Own Hybrid Wind & Solar Electric Systems
Intro Video: 34:37-38:01
24
Think
Imagine you are a team of electrical engineers designing a building. How would you use the Engineering Design Process to make the combined turbine and solar panel system deliver the most power?
What action would you take for each step of the process?
25
Step One:
Identify the Problem
Type your answer here.
ANSWER ME!
What problem or challenge is your group trying to solve with your hybrid wind & solar system?
How would your school or community look different if you were without power?
26
Step Two:
Research
What characteristics of wind turbine blades do you think will produce the most power? Think about the shape, length, weight, material, and position of the blades!
DO SOME RESEARCH
Look up different types of turbines to make your own design. See the images on the right for inspiration.
REMEMBER
You are trying to make the most efficient turbine at the lowest cost possible!
Under what conditions can the solar cell capture the most energy? Think of the sun’s changing position in the sky and the angle and position of your solar panel.
DO SOME RESEARCH
What is the optimal angle for the solar cell? Hint: What season is it and where on the globe are you?
27
Step Two:
Research
Type your answer here.
ANSWER ME!
Under what conditions can the solar cell capture the most energy?
What is the optimal angle for the solar cell in your area?
28
Step Three : Design Your Solution
Material | Cost |
Generator | $5.00 |
Solar Cell | $5.00 |
LED | $5.00 |
Pre-Made Kit Turbine | $4.00 |
Wires | $1.00 |
Duct tape (~3 inches) | $1.00 |
Water Bottle | $4.00 |
Popsicle Stick | $0.10 |
Hot Glue | $2.00 |
Cardboard (per square inch) | $0.50 |
Paper (per sheet) | $0.10 |
Item Not Listed | See Teacher for Price |
Component | Credit |
Garden | $1.50 |
Wall Insulation | $1.50 |
Compost Unit | $1.50 |
Rain Collection System | $1.50 |
Green Roofs | $1.50 |
Cost is an important design factor for engineers to consider. As you begin to design your building, try to minimize the cost of your whole system.
Some cities give tax credits for energy efficient homes. Consider incorporating eco-friendly systems into your design to save cost and energy.
Building Material Costs
Eco-friendly System Credits
CLASSROOM EXTRAS | ||
Item/Link | Distribution | Photo |
1 for Every 10 Students | | |
1 for Every Other Lab Group | | |
~2 Sticks per Lab Group | | |
(sizes may vary) | ~60 Sticks per Lab Group | |
The Components for Renewable Energy
STUDENT KIT ITEMS | ||
1 kit: 3 students | ||
Item/Link | Quantity | Photo |
1 | | |
1 | | |
4 | | |
1 | | |
4 | |
TEACHER KIT | ||
Materials will be distributed throughout the class. | ||
Item/Link | Quantity | Photo |
3 | | |
3 | | |
Jumper Wires (7 inch) | 6 | |
1 | | |
1 | |
29
30
Step Three:
Design Your Solution
Type your answer here.
ANSWER ME!
Using what you have observed, draw out a diagram of your team’s combined solar and wind system design. Note: You will be building two circuits - one that uses the solar panel to light an LED and another that uses the wind turbine generator to light a separate LED. Insert photos of your design drawings here.
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Circuit Basics
A circuit is a path for charge to move.
Moving charge transports energy across devices!
In this lab, the energy from the solar cell and wind turbine move across the circuit to light up the LED.
What’s the purpose of Jumper Cables?
Jumper cables are wires with clip on endings. The endings can clip onto the ends of wires or metal pieces in order to make an electrical connection!
In this lab, jumper cables are used to connect the LEDs to the solar panel and to the generator wires.
Power Source
Energy Flow
Energy Flow
32
The Solar Electrical Circuit
The solar cell is your source of power (when the sun is shining on it). Remember that the long leg of the LED has to be connected to the positive (red) wire from the solar cell.
CURRENT DIRECTION FLOW
Step1: The solar cells can be fragile, therefore, as a precaution to ensure the soldered wires remain intact, it is recommended to place a piece of masking tape over the connections on the back of the cell as additional support for the wires).
Step 2:
Remove the plastic covering on the solar panel.
Step 3:
Connect the RED (+) wire of the solar panel to the LONG leg of the LED using a jumper cable.
Step 4
Connect the BLACK (-) wire of the solar panel to the SHORT leg of the LED using a jumper cable.
Step 5: Test if light comes on with “simulated sunlight” (such as a flashlight).
See next slide for other solar panel varieties.
Intro Video: 34:37-36:01
33
Alternative Solar Panel Wiring
If your solar panel looks different than the last slide - do not worry! Here are tips for wiring a variety of solar panel types your kit could include:
Solar Panel with Jumper Clips
Solar Panel with non red and black wires
Place a piece of masking tape over the connections on the back of the cell as additional support for the wires!
Building the Wind Turbine
LED
Jumper Wires
Generator
Attach
blade here
Step 1:
Connect the BLACK wire of the motor/generator to the LONG leg of the LED using jumper cables.
Step 2:
Connect the RED motor/generator wire to the SHORT leg of the LED using jumper cables.
Step 3: Connect the blades onto the shaft of the motor/generator.
Step 4: Test if the light comes on with fan or hair dryer. (TIP: Test first with the red LED, and try blowing air from both sides (clockwise and counterclockwise).
Intro Video: 36:01-37:22
35
Step Four:
Build
COMPLETE!
Insert photos or videos of your completed build here
36
Step Four: Build Cost
ANSWER ME! Fill out this Chart to see the cost of the materials for your design. If a material is not listed, your teacher or an ET representative will set the price.
Material | Cost | Quantity | Total: |
Generator | $5.00 | | |
Solar Cell | $5.00 | | |
LED | $5.00 | | |
Pre-Made Kit Turbine | $4.00 | | |
Wires | $1.00 | | |
Duct tape (~3 inches) | $1.00 | | |
Water Bottle | $4.00 | | |
Popsicle Stick | $0.10 | | |
Hot Glue | $2.00 | | |
Cardboard (per square inch) | $0.50 | | |
Paper (per sheet) | $0.10 | | |
| | TOTAL: | |
37
Step Four: Build Credits
ANSWER ME! Fill out this Chart to see the cost credit from eco-friendly additions to your design. If your idea is not listed, your teacher or an ET representative will set the credit quantity.
Material | Credit | Quantity | Total: |
Garden | $1.50 | | |
Wall Insulation | $1.50 | | |
Compost Unit | $1.50 | | |
Rain Collection System | $1.50 | | |
Green Roofs | $1.50 | | |
| | TOTAL: | |
Overall Cost:
Design Cost = Material Cost - Eco Credits
Use your material cost from the last slide and credits from this slide to calculate your total design cost.
Type Your Answer Here
My Team’s Total Design Cost
(Slide 36)
(Slide 37)
38
Step Five:
Test
TO TEST YOUR DESIGN
Get a hairdryer or a fan and blow the air at your turbine. Go outside in the sun or shine a bright light on your solar cell.
See how the LED lights up!
39
Step Five:
Test
ADDITIONAL TESTING
Different colored LEDs need different amounts of voltage to light it up.
Use different colored LEDs to test the voltage output of your system. Try rotating through the different color LEDs in your kit and observing each level of brightness. Can multiple LEDs be connected together and still light up?
COLOR ★-Provided in kit | VOLTAGE DROP AT 20MA |
Red ★ | 1.8v |
Orange | 2v |
Yellow ★ | 2.3v |
Green ★ | 3.5v |
Blue | 3.6v |
White ★ | 4v |
40
Step Six: Analyze Your Results
Write your answer here
Did your LED light up for both the turbine and solar panel? If so, what was the highest color you could light?
Write your answer here
$____
What was the total cost of your system? How could you have made it cheaper (if possible)?
DISCUSS
AS A GROUP:
Use your observations and data to answer the questions.
41
Step Seven: Reevaluate & Redesign
DISCUSS
AS A GROUP:
Use your observations and data to answer the questions.
Write your answer here
List potential flaws or constraints of your design. Think REAL world. How would your design work in a real setting?
Write your answer here
How could your team refine your current design based on your results? Consider how you improve cost-effectiveness & energy efficiency.
42
Step Seven: Redesign
COMPLETE!
Insert photos or videos of your redesigned build here
43
Reflect on Your Design and Results
ANSWER ME!
Write your answer here
What do you think went well when completing this activity?
Write your answer here
What is something you would do differently if you were to do this again?
Complete the mandatory 5-minute Exit Ticket by clicking HERE!
44
Further Resources and Extension Activities
This section will provide an overview of the extension and optional. These activities are opportunities for students to dive deeper and ideate. The materials associated with the extension labs may not provide as many detailed instructions as the main lab activity.
Optional: Extension Activities
Any text here?
Multimeter
Activity
Turbine
Blades
Multiple Solar Cells
Power
Grid
Combine multiple solar cells in series and parallel circuits to make a solar panel or run a fan, and measure the voltage in your circuits using a multimeter�
Make larger blades for your wind turbine to capture more wind and integrate gears to make your generator spin faster to generate more voltage, and measure it with a multimeter�
Designed to help students understand how the intermittency of renewable energy can be managed in a power grid using online power grid simulators
Learn to use a multimeter applied to circuits
46
Optional Extension #1
Using a Multimeter
47
Multimeter Uses
Why the multimeter is an important tool:
Your renewable energy system was designed to power an LED. As you learned in the presentation, LEDs require certain voltage applied in order to light.
A multimeter can be used to measure how much voltage is dropping across the LEDs. The higher the voltage, the more power your system is generating.
A multimeter is a useful tool for obtaining information about your circuit. The following slides illustrate how to best use it.
48
Multimeter Leads
To the left is the multimeter we have provided for you and below are the leads. On the bottom right of the multimeter there are three ports. The bottom port is labeled “COM”. This means the lead connected here will be the reference point that we measure from, also known as ground. This is the zero point, like the electrical equivalent to the zero mark on a ruler. By convention, we will use the black lead.
The red lead will be the positive lead. There are two possible ports to connect to. The top port measures current up to 5 amps. The middle port measures voltage, resistance, or current up to 500mA. Since we’re measuring voltage, plug in the red lead to the second port.
Note: if measuring current, choose the port based on the value you expect – if current is high, choose the top port to not blow a fuse. If it should be low, use the bottom to get a more accurate reading. If unsure, start at the top.
49
DC versus AC
Now that your leads are plugged in, we need to turn on the multimeter to the correct setting.
We want to measure voltage, which is signified by “V” which stands for volts, the unit of measurement.
There are two options for measuring volts. On the left there’s a solid line and on the right, a wavy line. The straight line is for measuring DC and the wavy line indicates that setting measures AC voltage. We’re only dealing with DC voltage, so we’ll be turning the dial to the left.
To learn about AC versus DC voltage: check out this video.
Note: Do not put leads directly into a wall socket, this multimeter is not designed for large amounts of voltage or current. It is extremely unsafe for the user and will damage the meter.
50
Choosing the Correct Setting
Now we’re looking at the options for measuring DC voltage. The numbers indicate the highest voltage that each setting can measure. For example, if we want to measure something that we know is around 100 volts, we would turn the dial to 200. In order to get the most accurate measurement, we want the lowest possible setting.
If we know there is a voltage drop (because the LED is lit) but the multimeter reads 0, then you know your setting is too high. If the multimeter reads 1, then your setting is too low.
For our purposes, start out at 20 (voltage from the turbine or solar panel won’t go above this). From this point, move down settings and try to get the most accurate reading.
Note: On those lower settings, 2000mV equals 2V and 200mV equals 0.2V.
51
Using the Leads
To measure voltage, the leads need to be placed correctly. As you know, the LEDs have a polarity. On the LED, the long side is positive and the short side is negative. However, the alligator clips cover it. So you don’t need to disconnect, remember:
LED powered by the turbine: place the metal of your red lead on the the side connected to the black wire of the generator. Black lead goes on the side of the red wire.
LED powered by the solar cell: red lead measure side connected to red wire of the cell. Black lead goes to side with black wire.
If you mix up the polarity you will still get a reading. Try switching the leads. What happens? Why do you think this happens?
–
+
52
Testing with the Multimeter
Congrats! You now know the basics of using a multimeter.
You can use this to test new design iterations, see how voltages changes with differing wind speeds, or cloudy days versus sunny days.
The multimeter is an essential device across many fields of engineering. Try other extension activities for a chance to implement this tool in your design process!
Optional: Extension Activities
Any text here?
Multimeter
Activity
Turbine
Blades
Multiple Solar Cells
Power
Grid
Combine multiple solar cells in series and parallel circuits to make a solar panel or run a fan, and measure the voltage in your circuits using a multimeter�
Make larger blades for your wind turbine to capture more wind and integrate gears to make your generator spin faster to generate more voltage, and measure it with a multimeter�
Designed to help students understand how the intermittency of renewable energy can be managed in a power grid using online power grid simulators
Learn to use a multimeter applied to circuits
54
Optional Extension #2
Multiple Solar Cells
55
Practical Applications
Real world applications of renewable energy use multiple solar cells or turbines. Maybe you’ve seen a wind farm or solar panels on someone’s house.
By combining multiple solar cells in varying configurations, you can power different devices with different voltage/current needs and learn about circuit design and behavior.
56
Practical Applications
Think about the load we are trying to power. The chart to the right lists the voltage requirements of different LEDs.
What is your solar cell alone capable of powering?
As you may have observed in the main activity, the cell can power each of these lights individually. But what if you needed to light multiple LEDs like in your house?
LED Colors and Voltage Needs
Color ★ - Provided in kit | Voltage Drop at 20mA |
Red ★ | 1.8v |
Orange | 2v |
Yellow ★ | 2.3v |
Green ★ | 3.5v |
Blue | 3.6v |
White ★ | 4v |
57
Practical Applications
Here’s some interesting things to consider:
In your kit you have LEDs and a rotating motor. The solar panel you received outputs around 5V and 100mA. You may have noticed the solar cell can power the LEDs but cannot make the motor spin. This is because it reaches the voltage needed for the LEDs, but does not produce the current needed by the motor to function.
How can we combine solar cells to power multiple LEDs or make the motor spin?
This cannot be powered by your solar cell
This configuration would not light both LEDs. Why?
58
Circuit Basics
Notice: there is one loop on the left circuit. The right circuit has one loop through the bottom light and another at the top through both lights.
Before building, we need to have a basic understanding of circuit behavior. There are two essential things to know. Series versus parallel configuration and voltage and current laws.
Simply put, a series connection means one end of a device is connected to one end of another device. If a circuit has only one loop, everything is in series.
A parallel connection means both ends of both devices are connected. In the right circuit, the only parallel connection is between the lightbulbs. The battery and switch are still in series.
59
Basic Terms
Sometimes when learning something for the first time, the concept is easier to understand when you can relate it to the real world… like thinking of electricity like a water hose!!
Here is what electricity looks like in a circuit!!
60
Series
Let’s elaborate on what it means to be in series.
The circuit to the right has a battery and three light bulbs in series.
Properties of this circuit:
61
Parallel
Let’s elaborate on what it means to be in parallel.
The circuit to the right has a battery and three light bulbs in parallel.
Properties of this circuit:
62
When to connect my Solar Panel in Parallel?
Solar Panels in Parallel operate independently of one another. Therefore, it is best to use solar panels in parallel if you have mixed light conditions!
63
When to connect my Solar Panel in Series?
Solar Panels in Series do not operate independently of one another. Therefore, it is best to use solar panels if the panels will be mainly in the sun during the day.
64
Now You Try
Can you find multiple ways to connect the solar panels and get the most energy?
Try:
Optional: Extension Activities
Any text here?
Multimeter
Activity
Turbine
Blades
Multiple Solar Cells
Power
Grid
66
Optional Extension #3
The Power Grid
Goal: To learn about the electrical power grid and how it is managed to make sure the lights in your house stay on.
Intro Video: 43:24-1:13:08
67
Recall:
Texas Blackout 2021
68
What is the Power Grid?
What can derail reliability?
69
What kind of Engineers Work with the Power Grid?
Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, etc.
Types of Engineers that specialize in developing a reliable power grid:
Electrical Engineers Controls Engineers
Mechanical Engineers Computer Scientists
Industrial Engineers
Power shows up in several of the Engineering Grand Challenges:
70
Overview
You will be learning about…
What you will be doing...
Managing two power grids to keep the lights on!
71
Balancing Supply & Demand …
What is Demand?
How can you help Reduce Demand?
What can cause an Increase in Demand?
72
Balancing Supply & Demand …
Supply
What are the Pros and Cons of each of these power sources?
73
Balancing Supply & Demand …
Supply
A mix of supply sources is important for maintaining grid stability
74
Balancing Supply & Demand …
Supply
What happened in Texas (ERCOT) in the winter of 2021?
75
Energy Storage is crucial to maintaining a reliable energy source for consumers.
Think about it: what happens when a solar-powered home wants to turn on a light at night?
The energy obtained from the sun during the day is stored in another place, so it can be used when energy is not being obtained.
What is Needed to Stabilize the Grid?
Energy Storage!
76
Types of Energy Storage
Batteries: A battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells with external connections for powering electrical devices
Compressed Air: where air is compressed and stored in underground units, such as salt caverns, then decompressed when needed to be used
77
More Types
of Energy Storage
Pumped Hydro Storage: this method stores energy in the form of gravitational potential energy of water, pumped from a lower elevation reservoir to a higher elevation.
Flywheel: a mechanical device specifically designed to efficiently store rotational energy
78
Other Innovations
Energy Vault: uses a multi-headed crane to store energy by stacking heavy blocks into a tower, capturing potential energy in the elevation gain of the blocks
79
Grid Balancing to Maintain AC Frequency
80
AC Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz = cycles per second)
Electrical Power -
Alternating (AC) vs. Direct (DC) Current
AC frequency changes if there is a mismatch between Supply & Demand
81
Part 2:
Grid Balancing to Maintain AC Frequency
Supply
Supply
Supply
Supply
How long can you keep the Lights On?
82
Grid Balancing to Minimize Environmental Impact
83
Part 2:
Demand
Demand
Demand
Supply
Supply
Supply
Supply
Supply
Supply or Demand
Supply or Demand
Click Here to Play the Game!
Balancing the Grid to Minimize Environmental Impact
Challenges
Optional: Extension Activities
Any text here?
Multimeter
Activity
Turbine
Blades
Multiple Solar Cells
Power
Grid
86
Optional Extension #3
Making Turbine Blades
87
Research & Design
Assessment:
In your kit we provided plastic turbine blades as seen on the right.
Some positives are the sturdiness of the material, uniformity of design, and it’s easy to use.
However, there are also negatives. If some modifications are made to the blades then power generated can increase with the same amount of wind. This means increased efficiency and less energy loss.
Turbine Blades
Considerations for blade design:
generator
88
Research & Design Considerations
89
Research & Design Considerations
Mechanical advantage:
using a tool to amplify the measure of force
When two gears of different sizes are put together, torque is utilized and causes the speed of the smaller gear to increase (see the diagram to the right!)
With this in mind, how would adding gears to your turbine allow the turbine to spin faster and create more power?
Why would adding gears be considered when designing turbines?
90
Testing Option #1:
How to test blade efficiency: Our goal is to power an LED. Different colored LEDs need different amounts of voltage to light it up.
Does the light look brighter with your new turbine design? Can your turbine now power an LED it couldn’t before? This is a way to qualitatively measure the results of your new design. It’s not very precise, but it is easy and rewarding to observe.
Note: Choose one setting on your hair dryer or fan and make sure to test both the old blades and new blades on that same setting.
LED Colors and Voltage Needs
Color ★ - Provided in kit | Voltage Drop at 20mA |
Red ★ | 1.8v |
Orange | 2v |
Yellow ★ | 2.3v |
Green ★ | 3.5v |
Blue | 3.6v |
White ★ | 4v |
91
Testing Option #2:
How to test blade efficiency: The goal of this turbine is to transfer as much energy as possible from the wind to electrical energy from the generator that we can then use to power the LED.
This can be found by using a multimeter to measure the voltage across the LED. The higher the voltage, the higher the efficiency.
To learn more about using a multimeter, return to the main student workbook and find the multimeter extension activity.
92
Testing Option #3:
How to test blade efficiency: The generator produces electricity when it spins with the attached blades. More rotation of the blades means more rotations of the generator. More rotations means more power.
A tachometer is a device that measures rate of revolution. You can search “video tachometer” in the app store and use your phone to measure how fast your blades are rotating.
The tachometer and multimeter are tools to quantitatively measure the results of your design. These methods are more precise and can communicate subtle improvements in design.
A more familiar tachometer, in your car!
93
Continue to Explore
IF YOU LIKED TODAY’S BREAKOUT, �YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THESE TOPICS:
TYPES OF ENGINEERING RELEVANT TO TODAY’S BREAKOUT:
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