Introduction to Engineering and
Technology
CCRI ENGR-1020
Fall 2007
Wind Turbine Project
TEAM 4
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Starting Wind Turbine
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Improved Wind Turbine
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![images[3]](ENGR1020-001-Team4_files/image004.jpg)
Turbine Open Circuit Voltage Test
Results
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Detail description |
Detail Photo |
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Our Group constructed and
successfully tested the Picoturbine in its original conception, achieving the
highest power output of any of the class groups. Our group decided to use the
same design with some upgraded parts and double the number of magnets and
coils. |
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We first cut and grinded the
parts for the fins. The fins, along with the top and bottom supports, were
made out of sheet metal which we customized to the correct shape and size
that we needed. |
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These pieces were then
welded together. We felt that the weld would be a better solution than a glue
or other bonding material because it would cause the pieces to act as one. |
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Here is a picture of the
weld that we that connected the base and the fins at the bottom of the
design. |
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We used a router to cut a “trench”
into the base board. We did this because we felt this would allow us to get
the fins closest to the magnets on the bottom of the base which supports the
fins. We placed a very thin layer of plexiglass over the coils to reduce risk
of contact with the magnets and coils. |
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This is a picture of the
final project. The non-spinning all-thread is visible and the conduit, with
bearings at the top and bottom, is what the fins are welded to in the middle.
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2 Picoturbine
kits $8000
1 Tube of Loctite $700
1 Gorilla Glue $1000
1 Voltmeter $1000
8 Wire coils $1100
1 Hot Glue Gun $200
1 Bag of Glue Sticks $2.00
8 Wire coils (improved) $1600
TOTAL $138.00
The improved turbine was
placed approximately 12 inches away from a stand-up fan controlled by a
rheostat which allowed us to vary the speed according to what we needed. We
used a hand-held digital anemometer to gauge the wind speed at its point of
impact with the turbine. Testing was done at various wind speeds first with no
load. We then, without adjusting the wind speed, added a 100 ohm load, and then
a 200 ohm load. The internal resistance of our turbine was measured at slightly
over 50 ohms
Turbine Open Circuit Voltage Test Results
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Picoturbine |
Improved Turbine |
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RPM |
VL |
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RPM |
VL |
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100 |
0.462 |
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49 |
0.5220 |
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121 |
0.558 |
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63 |
0.5960 |
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180 |
0.831 |
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69 |
0.7125 |
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239 |
1.103 |
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75 |
0.9860 |
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296 |
1.366 |
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104 |
1.2942 |
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369 |
1.703 |
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105 |
1.5426 |
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420 |
1.938 |
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123 |
1.9979 |
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480 |
2.215 |
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132 |
2.2875 |
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530 |
2.446 |
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148 |
2.6251 |
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612 |
2.825 |
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165 |
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