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GOAL

Learn about extracting power from wind and the sun

Renewable Energy

Building Solar & Wind Systems

2025-08-18_v1.0

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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.

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Objectives

What You’ll Learn & Do

  • Learn the effects and usage of renewable energy sources
  • Calculate wind and solar power using mathematical formulas
  • Build & test your own hybrid renewable energy prototype design

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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

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PART 1

Conceptual Basics

Intro Video: 0-10:30

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Renewable Energy Basics

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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?

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Wind Turbine Basics

Intro Video: 10:30-22:20

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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.

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Power from Wind Turbines

WHAT IS POWER?

r

  • Power is the amount of energy transferred per unit of time.
  • It can also be thought of as the rate at which work is done.
  • Unit of power: Watts (W)

WIND TURBINE POWER

  • The more extractable power a turbine produces, the more efficient it is in transferring wind energy into energy humans can use!
  • Power generated by a wind turbine depends on several factors, primarily wind speed and the size of turbine blades.��
    • Take a look at the wind power equation to see why these factors have the greatest impact on 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!

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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?

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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

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Wind Power in Your Area

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WIND SPEED IN YOUR AREA?

On the map to the right,

  1. Find your city/state
  2. Look at the color of your city/state
  3. Using the key, find the wind speed!

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!

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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!

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Solar Fundamentals

Intro Video: 22:23-34:30

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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!

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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!

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Calculating Extractable Power from Solar Panels in Your Area

Go to this website:

  1. Enter your home address

  • Click “System Info” on the top header

  • Use the roof size estimator to draw a solar panel array covering your roof/your building’s roof. Hit Save and review the updated system information.

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

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Calculating Extractable Power from Solar Panels in Your Area

  • Click “Results” on the top header.

  • Look at the report and record the two values indicated to the right.

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.

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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.

  • Rated Watts is when the item is running.
  • Surge Watts is what it takes to turn on the item.

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:

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=

+

Total Power of a Combined Wind & Solar System in your Area

  • Equation for Total Power:

  • Total Power 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

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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

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PART 2

Building Your Own Hybrid Wind & Solar Electric Systems

Intro Video: 34:37-38:01

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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

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CLASSROOM EXTRAS

Item/Link

Distribution

Photo

1 for Every 10 Students

1 for Every Other Lab Group

~2 Sticks per Lab Group

6" Popsicle Sticks

(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

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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

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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

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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

  • This solar panel clips directly to the LED legs, no need for separate jumper cables.
  • Connect the red clip ending to the long leg of the led.
  • Connect the black clip ending to the short leg of the LED.
  • The back of the solar panel should have a “+” and a “-” near each wire connection.
  • Use a jumper cable to connect the wire labeled “+” to the long leg of the LED.
  • Connect the “-” labeled wire to the short leg of the LED with a jumper cable.

Place a piece of masking tape over the connections on the back of the cell as additional support for the wires!

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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

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Step Four:

Build

COMPLETE!

Insert photos or videos of your completed build here

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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:

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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)

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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.

  • Make sure the hairdryer is on the coolest setting so it does not melt the plastic on your design.

  • If you do not have a hairdryer, try blowing on your structure to see if the turbine moves. Or, try a fan.

See how the LED lights up!

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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

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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.

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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.

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Step Seven: Redesign

COMPLETE!

Insert photos or videos of your redesigned build here

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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!

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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.

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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

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Optional Extension #1

Using a Multimeter

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

+

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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!

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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

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Optional Extension #2

Multiple Solar Cells

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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.

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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

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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?

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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.

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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!!

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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:

  • All 3 light bulbs have the same current
  • Larger Total Resistance
  • Larger Total Voltage

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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:

  • All 3 light bulbs have the same voltage
  • Smaller Total Resistance
  • Total current is sum of each path

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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!

  • The currents add
  • Voltage is constant

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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.

  • Current is constant
  • Voltages are added

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Now You Try

Can you find multiple ways to connect the solar panels and get the most energy?

Try:

  • Connecting the solar panels in series and in parallel
  • Covering up the light for one solar panel and see if it works better in series or in parallel

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Optional: Extension Activities

Any text here?

Multimeter

Activity

Turbine

Blades

Multiple Solar Cells

Power

Grid

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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

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Recall:

Texas Blackout 2021

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What is the Power Grid?

  • The infrastructure to deliver electrical power & energy to homes, businesses, and industries

  • Supply from power plants must ALWAYS be balanced with Demand

  • Reliable power delivery is the expectation of customers

What can derail reliability?

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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:

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Overview

You will be learning about…

  • Power Generation
  • Power Consumption
  • Alternating Current (AC)

What you will be doing...

Managing two power grids to keep the lights on!

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Balancing Supply & Demand …

What is Demand?

How can you help Reduce Demand?

What can cause an Increase in Demand?

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Balancing Supply & Demand …

Supply

What are the Pros and Cons of each of these power sources?

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Balancing Supply & Demand …

Supply

A mix of supply sources is important for maintaining grid stability

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Balancing Supply & Demand …

Supply

What happened in Texas (ERCOT) in the winter of 2021?

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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Grid Balancing to Maintain AC Frequency

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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

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Part 2:

Grid Balancing to Maintain AC Frequency

Supply

Supply

Supply

Supply

Click Here to Play the Game!

How long can you keep the Lights On?

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Grid Balancing to Minimize Environmental Impact

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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

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Challenges

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Optional: Extension Activities

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Multimeter

Activity

Turbine

Blades

Multiple Solar Cells

Power

Grid

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Optional Extension #3

Making Turbine Blades

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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

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Considerations for blade design:

  • Size, length, and surface area of the blades

  • The number of blades

  • Angle of the blades

  • Gears can be used to increase the rate of rotation of the

generator

  • Aerodynamic profile to create lift and rotate the turbine

  • … And more! Try researching turbine blade design and decide what factors are most important to you and your design.

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Research & Design Considerations

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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?

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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

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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.

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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!

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Continue to Explore

IF YOU LIKED TODAY’S BREAKOUT, �YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THESE TOPICS:

  • The Solar Energy Industry
  • The Wind Energy Industry
  • Energy Storage - Batteries
  • Other Forms of Renewable Energy - Hydroelectric, Geothermal, Tidal
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering

TYPES OF ENGINEERING RELEVANT TO TODAY’S BREAKOUT:

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Thank you!

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