Team Volunteers

• Matt Rhule• Tony Carr• Kevin Black• David Young

Overview

• We used plexiglass for the frame.

• We used 4 magnets inside the frame wrapped with magnetic wire on the outside.

• We attached the fan to the metal rod and stuck it through the frame.

Mechanical and Electrical Aspects

• Mechanical– The wind hits the fan

and causes the blade to spin.

– The fan then turns the rod that the magnets are attached to.

• Electrical– As the magnets spin, a

magnetic field creates a current.

– The current then runs through the wire which is connected to the light bulb to turn it on.

Calculated Efficiency

• η (Efficiency in %)= (Actual Power / Theoretical Power) * 100

• Theoretical Power = Power of fan = ½ρAv³• = ½( 1.204 kg/m³)( .0113 m²)( 6.7056 m/s)³ =

2.0511 watts• Actual Power = Power of generator = IV• = (0.18 amps)(3.6 volts) = 0.648 watts• (0.648 watts)/(2.0511 watts) * 100 = 31.593%

Efficiency

Construction/Design Issues

• The original design failed to produce a current, probably due to faulty magnets or wiring.

• The original casing hindered easy development and wasn’t stable.

• In both designs, the blade is a little heavy, causing friction and less power generated.

Conclusion

• Despite having to redesign the windmill, the project was successful, correctly lighting up a light bulb.

• Worked well in a group and learned about current, electricity, and basic generator design.