Wind Energy
Wind Energy 2
Description
Our group, made up of Samantha Springer, Austin Odell, Scott Stockdale,
and Kramer Babilla, spent the second trimester researching and building an
energy producing windmill. We spent many of the weeks doing research on
what type of motor, what material to make the blades from, how tall to make
the windmill, and where could we get the best price from. Our final product
is made from wood with PVC blades and a DC motor. The motor produces
variable output, dependent on the wind speed, but if spun by hand, it
produces ~3V. The Windmill stands on four stake-like legs so that it can be
put into the ground and not move around.
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Importance
With all of the advancements in technology, it is absurd that we still rely on
fossil fuels in our everyday lives. This is the reason why our group has
focused on creating a clean energy solution. Not only is our project clean
energy, but semi-portable energy. The portability of our windmill could give
it the possibility of becoming a common household item. For example, if you
wanted to have an outdoor party where there was not an outlet near by, you
could set the windmill up and power your party.
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Design Process
We began by creating many sketches of possible windmill setups. We created
drawings of both three-leg and four-leg structures. After we decided to
pursue a four-leg structure made of wood, we made a small scale K’Nex
model of what we wanted to build. However, that, still, was not accurate as it
had a horizontal axis. At that time, we did not known we would build a
vertical axis. From that model, we began building the frame of the windmill.
When we were almost finished with the frame, we altered the K’Nex model to
show a vertical axis. We then attached a the blades, mount, and motor.
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Research
The group researched the following topics: types of motors, efficiency of
motors, construction materials, blade materials, mounting materials,
construction techniques and blueprints, and how to make a windmill
portable. We found that a DC motor would be the most efficient and give us
the highest output for a low speed wind, as we could not afford a gear box to
create more output. We found that wood is the best construction material for
our price range, as it is affordable and robust. We found that a vertical axis
and PVC blades would capture the most wind with the least amount of lost
energy. We also found that portability is very costly and did not make sense
for us to try and accomplish.
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Group Member Roles
Samantha Springer:
• Group Manager
• Design Leader
• Research Assistant
• Construction Assistant
Austin Odell:
• Webmaster
• Research Leader
• Construction Assistant
Scott Stockdale:
• Construction Leader
• Design Assistant
Kramer Babilla:
• Construction Assistant
• Design Assistant
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Budget
Our budget does not exceed the allotted $200 budget. We found most of our
materials at Lowe’s, but our big ticket item, the DC motor, was found online.
We searched for the cheapest motor of the classifications we needed, finding
many for over $100. However, because of our persistence, we saved a great
deal of money.
Item Estimated Dollar Amount
Permanent Magnet TENV Motor $50.65
2 2x4x8 Planks of Wood $5.94
23/32”x4x8 Square of Wood $19.97
Drywall Screw Case $11.94
2 2x4x12 Planks of Wood $9.94
4”x5’ PVC Pipe $7.90
Total $106.34
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Timeline
Week 1: November 29 – December 3
• Discuss Possible Projects
• Agree on a Project
• Build a Website
• Research what Items are Needed for Project
• Start Preparing a Project Proposal by Creating a Timeline and Budget
Week 2: December 6 – December 10
• Finalize Project Proposal and Present
• Create Budget
Week 3: December 13 – December 16
• Start Blueprinting a Design
• Search for Cost Efficient Materials
Week 4: January 4 – January 7
• Research Blade Designs
• Research Motors/Generators
Week 5: January 10 – January 14
• Creat 3D-Solidworks Design
• Create a K’Nex Prototype
Week 6: January 18 – January 21
• Went Shopping for Materials at Lowe’s
• Researched Motors/Generators
Week 7: January 24 – January 28
• Started Construction of the Frame
• Bought a DC Motor
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Week 8: January 31 – February 4
• Snow Week (No Work Done)
Week 9: February 7 – February 11
• Cut the PVC into Blades
• Continued Construction of the Frame
Week 10: February 14 – February 18
• Continued Construction of the Frame
• Received Motor and Began Exploring its Features
Week 11: February 22 – February 24
• Final Presentation
• Continued Construction of the Frame
Week 12: February 28 – March 4
• Finished Construction of the Frame
• Attached Motor
• Verified Successfully Creating Electrical Output
• Create Final Report
