Joe the Windmill

Introduction

• Members– Adam Lindsey– Stephen Liebschwager– Stephen Bridges

Problem

• Design and build a windmill that will generate electricity

• Attempt to power a light bulb

Windmill Design

• Used simplest design possible• Fan blades attached to axel• Axel runs through generator• Axel turns magnets

Generator Design

• Magnet wire wrapped numerous times around aluminum casing

• Four high-powered magnets attached to axel spin perpendicular to wire wrappings to produce electricity

Pics

Efficiency Calculations

%8.87100*100*% 0487.004275.0 watts

wattsP

P

Ideal

UsefulEF

323

3

)/7.1(*0162.*/225.1*5.0

095.*45.0

***5.0

*

smmmkgP

ampsvoltsP

VelocityAreaP

AmpsVoltsP

Ideal

Useful

Ideal

Useful

Problems

• Ran into problems with fan blades having trouble turning the weight of all four magnets

• Had difficulty overcoming the friction of the fan blades on the wood

• Had trouble finding casing to wrap wire closer to magnet

Conclusion

• Thought final design was both practical and simple to construct

• Very cost-effective• In retrospect, would have created a more

powerful generator• Very happy with finished project