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Alternative Energy Worksheets

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BasedonoriginalworkfromECOSTYLEandtheNEF

DocumentNo:D0156 - No 2

©DataHarvest.Freelyphotocopiableforusewithinthepurchasersestablishment.

CurrentsensorElectricalload(Motormodule)

Voltagesensor

Contents

Students Worksheets

Solar Water Kit01-Howhotdoesthewaterget?.............................................................................................................. 1-3

02-Howmuchenergyiscaptured?........................................................................................................... 4-6

Solar Photovoltaic Kit03-Isthevoltageproducedbythesolarelectricpanel

dependentontheleveloflight?........................................................................................................ 7-9

04-Howmuchpowerisproducedbythesolarpanel?......................................................................... 10-12

05-Dotheangle/positionofthesolarpanelhaveanyeffect?........................................................ 13-16

Wind Turbine kit06-Doesthenumberofbladesontheturbinealterthevoltageproduced?................................ 17-19

07-Doesthespeedofthewindalterthevoltageproduced?........................................................... 20-22

08-Doesthevoltageandcurrentvarywithaload?............................................................................ 23-25

09-Doestheangleofthebladeshaveanyeffect?............................................................................. 26-28

Teacher’s NotesIntroduction................................................................................................................................................... 29-30

Solar Water Kit01-Howhotdoesthewaterget?............................................................................................................. 31-32

02-Howmuchenergyiscaptured?......................................................................................................... 33-34

Solar Photovoltaic Kit03-Isthevoltageproducedbythesolarelectricpanel

dependentontheleveloflight?........................................................................................................ 35-36

04-Howmuchpowerisproducedbythesolarpanel?........................................................................ 37

05-Doestheangle/positionofthesolarpanelhaveanyeffect?.................................................... 38-39

Wind Turbine kit06-Doesthenumberofbladesontheturbinealterthevoltageproduced?................................ 40-41

07-Doesthespeedofthewindalterthevoltageproduced?.......................................................... 42

08-Doesthevoltageandcurrentvarywithaload?............................................................................ 43

09-Doestheangleofthebladeshaveanyeffect?............................................................................ 44-45

DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007

Solar Water Kit

01 - How hot does the water get?

ReadThe solar water heater absorbs energy from the sun to heat water. Your task is to find out how hot

thewatercanget.

What you need1.AnEASYSENSElogger

2.SolarWaterHeater

3.Sunshine

4.2SmartQTemperaturesensors

5.ASmartQLightlevelsensor(0–100,000Lux)

6.Water

7.RubberbungwithshortlengthofPVCtube

What you need to do1.ConnecttwoTemperaturesensorsandthe100,000LuxLightlevelsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.

2.CutashortlengththePVCtube(about10mmlong)andpushintothetopoftherubberbung.

GentlyinsertoneoftheTemperaturesensorsintothePVCtubeinthebung.

3.Taketheclearstopperoutoftheendofthemetaltubelocatedinthecentreofthesolarwater

heater.

4.Fillthemetaltubetothetopwithcoldwater.Pushtherubberbung(withTemperaturesensor)

intothetube.Seefig. 1onpage2.

5.Placethewaterheaterintheinsulatedcase.MakesuretheleadsfortheTemperaturesensorand

digitalthermometerareinthegroovesprovidedbeforeclosingthecase.

Temperaturex2andLightlevelAnyEASYSENSE 15minutes

Note: EASYSENSEQ3or5userscanusetheinternallightsensorsettothe100,000LuxrangeinsteadoftheSmartQLightlevelsensor

Note:ThedigitalthermometerprovidedwiththeSolarWaterheaterisnotmadeuseofduringthisinvestigationbutthethermometer/bungshouldbeleftinplacetoprovideaseal.

Note:Thisinvestigationdescribesusingthedataloggerconnectedtothecomputer.WithsomeEASYSENSEloggers(i.e.thosewithLCDscreens)itispossibletocollectdatabyselectingEasyLogfromthelogger.


6.Putthesolarwaterheaterindirectsunlight,pointingandangledtowardstheSun.Positionthe

otherTemperaturesensortomeasurethetemperatureoftheair.PointtheLightlevelsensor

towardstheSun.

7.OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectEasyLogfromtheHomepage.

8. ClickontheStarticontobeginlogging.

9. After at least 15 minutes click on Stop to finish logging.

SAFETY:Thewaterinthetubecanbecomehotenoughtobeahazard.Openthecaseand

allowthewaterheatertocoolbeforehandling.

ResultsAddaTitletothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedinto

yourreportdocumentasrequired.

Lightsensor

Temperaturesensor

Groove Groove

Digitalthermometer

Insulatingfoam

Solarwaterheater

TemperaturesensorconnectedtoanEASYSENSElogger

Rubberbung

Temperaturesensor

PVCsleeveFig. 1.

EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick

nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.

Page �DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007

Questions1.Usethegraphforlightleveltodescribethesunlightduringtheexperimente.g.theSunwasmostly

behindtheclouds.

2.Whatisthedifferenceinthestartandendtemperatureinthesolarheatertube?

3.Whatwasthedifferencebetweentheairtemperatureandwaterheateratthestartandendof

logging?

4.Usethegraphtodecidewhetherthetemperaturerosesteadilyornotduringyourexperiment.Try

toexplainwhythishappened;thinkaboutthesunlightduringtherecordingtime.

5.Solarwaterheatingcollectorsareusedaspartofasolarheatwaterheatingsystemtoprovidehot

waterforahousehold.Whatdoyouthinkwouldbetheadvantageousanddisadvantagesofthistype

ofsystem?


Solar Water Kit

02 - How much energy is captured?

ReadThe solar water heater uses energy from the sun to heat water. Your task is to find out how hot

thewatercangetandthentousethisinformationtocalculatetheenergygainedbythewater.


2.TheSolarWaterHeater

3.Sunshine

4.ASmartQTemperaturesensor

5.Water

6.RubberbungwithashortlengthofPVCtube

7.Electronicbalanceormeasuringcylinder(tomeasure25cm3max)

8.Smallbeaker

What you need to do1.ConnecttheTemperaturesensortoanEASYSENSElogger.

2.CutashortlengththePVCtube(about10mmlong)andpushintothetopoftherubberbung.

GentlyinserttheTemperaturesensorintothePVCtubeinthebung.

3.Taketheclearstopperoutoftheendofthemetaltubelocatedinthecentreofthesolar

waterheater.

4.Fillthemetaltubetothetopwithcoldwater.Pushtherubberbung(withTemperature

sensor)intothetube.SeeFig. 1.

5. Placethewaterheaterintheinsulatedcase.MakesuretheleadsfortheTemperaturesensorand

digitalthermometerareinthegroovesprovidedbeforeclosingthecase.

TemperatureAnyEASYSENSE 15minutes


Note:ThedigitalthermometerprovidedwiththeSolarWaterheaterisnotmadeuseofduringthisinvestigationbutthethermometer/bungshouldbeleftinplacetoprovideaseal.


6. Putthesolarwaterheaterindirectsunlight,pointingandangledtowardstheSun.

7. OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectEasyLogfromtheHomepage.

8.ClickontheStarticontobeginlogging.

9. After at least 15 minutes click on Stop to finish logging.

SAFETY:Thewaterinthetubecanbecomehotenoughtobeahazard.Openthecaseandallowthe

waterheatertocoolbeforehandling.

10.Whenthesolarheaterhascooledenoughtobesafelyhandled,removetherubberbungandtipthe

water from the tube into a beaker. Use a balance to find the weight (mass) of water used. If a

balanceisnotavailabletipthewaterintoameasuringcylinderandmeasurethevolume.Forwater

thevolume=themassing(i.e.100cm3water=100g).

Groove Groove

Digitalthermometer

Insulatingfoam

Solarwaterheater

TemperaturesensorconnectedtoanEASYSENSElogger

Rubberbung

Temperaturesensor

PVCsleeveFig. 1.

Temperaturesensor




Results1.AddaTitletothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyour

reportdocumentasrequired.

2.UseValues to find the rise in temperature (temperature at end – temperature at beginning).

3.Calculatetheenergygained(injoules)usingfollowingformula:

4.2 x mass of water in g x temperature rise in 0C

Questions1.Whydidthecalculationforenergygainedcontainthevalue4.2?Whatdoesitrepresent?

2.Ifyouwantedtoheat100litresofwaterto600Cfromastartingpointof200C,howmuchenergy

wouldberequired?Theanswerwillbeinkilojoules(kJ)–converttomegajoules(MJ).

3. If you used a gas boiler with 0.5 (50%) efficiency to heat 100 litres of water, how much energy

wouldittake?

4. If the solar heater had an efficiency of 30% (it could capture 30% of all the energy arriving at its

surface).Howbigwouldthesolarcollectorhavetobetoraisethetemperatureof100litresof

waterby400C? It’s a very sunny day and the solar energy from the sun provides 6 kWh/m2.

Size of the solar collector wouldneedtobe= Energy required inkWh

Energy captured per m2 ofthesolarcollector

Tocalculatetheenergy requiredinjoules=4.2xmassofwateringxtemperaturerisein0C.

Converttomegajoules(MJ).Then3.6MJ=1kWh.

Energy captured per m2ofthesolarcollector=Solarenergyperm2 x solar collector efficiency

Extension workDesign and make a simple collector that will allow water to flow in cold and out hot.


Solar Photovoltaic Kit

0� - Is the voltage produced by the solar electric panel dependent on the level of light?

ReadThe solar panel (photovoltaic cell) has special components that will transfer the sun’s radiation directly

into electricity. You will investigate whether it will produce a voltage from both sunshine and artificial

lightandhowstrongthelightneedstobetoproduceavoltage.Thesolarelectricpanelworkslikea

batterysotomakeitpowersomethingyouwillneedacompletecircuit.


2.TheSolarpanel

3.ASmartQVoltagesensor(±12or20V)


5.TheLEDmodulebox

6. Artificial light source and sunshine

What you need to do1. ConnectaVoltageandLightlevelsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.

VoltageandLightlevelAnyEASYSENSE Snapshot

Note:ThisinvestigationdescribesusingSnapshotmodewiththedataloggerconnectedtothecomputer.WithsomeEASYSENSEloggers(i.e.thosewithLCDscreens)itispossibletocollectdatabyselectingSnapshotfromthelogger.

Note: EASYSENSEQ3or5userscanusetheinternallightsensorsettothe100,000LuxrangeinsteadoftheSmartQLightlevelsensor.

Solarpanel V

+

+ +

-

-


2.ConnecttheVoltagesensorinparallelasshowninthediagramabove.Connectthepositive(red)

leadfromthesolarpaneltotheredsocketontheLEDandthenegative(black)plugtotheblack

socket.Connectthepositive(red)leadfromtheVoltagesensortotheredplugontheLEDandthe

negative(black)leadtotheblackplug.

3.OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectSnapShotfromtheHomepage.


5.PointthesolarpanelandLightlevelsensoratalightsourceandthenclickinthegraphareatotake

areading.Doubleclickinthecommentscellalongsidethereadingandtypeinthelightsourceused

andanyotherusefulinformation.

PhotovoltaicCell

Voltagesensor

LED

Blacklead Redlead

Blacklead Redlead

Blacksocket Redsocket

PhotovoltaicCell

Voltagesensor

Lightsource

LED

Lightlevelsensor




6.Movethesolarpanelintodifferentkindsoramountsoflight/shadingandtakeareading

ateachplace.Typeinanyusefulreferencesinthecommentscolumn.

7.Takeareadingusingsunlightinfrontofandbehindapaneofglass.

8. Move the solar panel to different distances from the same light source (use an artificial light

source)andtakeareadingateachdistance.Typethedistanceinthecommentscolumn.

9.ClickonStop to finish logging.



Questions1.Whatkindofenergydoesthesolarelectriccellgenerate?

2.WhatkindofenergydowegetfromtheLED?

3.Doesthesolarpanelalwaysproducethesamevoltage?

4.Whatfactorsdoyouthinkaffectthevoltageproduced?

5. Does the distance from an artificial light source make a difference to the voltage produced?

6.Doesshadingthesolarpanelmakeadifferencetothevoltageproduced?

7.Didthepaneofglassalterthereadingsfromthesun?

8.Ifyouweretousesolarpanelsathometocreateelectricity,wherewouldthebestplacebetoput

them?Why?

9. Makealistofitemsthatmakeuseofsolarelectricpanelse.g.acalculator.

10.Somesolarpowereddeviceswillstilloperateatnighttimee.g.solargardenlights.Howdotheydo

this?



0� - How much power is produced by the solar panel?

ReadThe solar panel (photovoltaic cell) has special components that will transfer the sun’s radiation

directlyintoelectricity.Youwillmeasurethecurrentandvoltagesproducedbythesolarpanel

andthencalculatepower.Powerismeasuredinwatts(W)andkilowatts(kW).

What you need1. AnEASYSENSElogger

2.Solarpanel


4.ASmartQCurrentsensor(±100mA)


6.LED,buzzerandmotormodulebox

7. Artificial light source

What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltage,CurrentandLightlevelsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.

2. First connect the Voltage sensor to the LED as shown in diagram 1 – it’s important to connect the

positive(red)leadoftheVoltagesensortothepositive(red)socketontheLEDmodule.Connect

theredleadfromthesolarpaneltotheredsocketontheLED.

Voltage,CurrentandLightlevelAnyEASYSENSE Snapshot

Note:ThisinvestigationdescribesusingSnapshotmodewiththedataloggerconnectedtothecomputer.WithsomeEASYSENSEloggers(i.e.thosewithLCDscreens)itispossibletocollectdatabyselectingSnapshotfromthelogger.

Note: EASYSENSEQ3or5userscanusetheinternallightsensorsettothe100,000LuxrangeinsteadoftheSmartQLightlevelsensor.


3.ConnecttheCurrentsensorinseriesasshownindiagram2.Connectthepositive(red)leadofthe

CurrentsensortotheblacksocketontheLEDmoduleandtheblackleadfromtheCurrentsensor

totheblackplugfromthesolarpanel.

4.OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectSnapShotfromtheHomepage.

Solarpanel V

+

+ +

-

-A +-

PhotovoltaicCell

Voltagesensor

LEDBlacksocket

Redsocket

Redlead

RedleadBlacklead

Blacklead

Diagram 1

PhotovoltaicCell

Voltagesensor

LED

Blacklead

Blacklead

Currentsensor

RedleadBlacksocket

Diagram 2




5.PointthesolarpanelandLightlevelsensoratthelightsourceandthenclickinthegraphareato

takeareading.DoubleclickinthecommentscellalongsidethereadingandtypeinLEDandthelight

sourceused.

6.ReplacetheLEDwiththemotormoduleboxandclickinthegraphareatotakeareading,typein

motor.Repeatusingthebuzzermodulebox.

7.Movethesolarpanelintodifferentkindsoramountsoflight/shadingandtakeareadingateach

place.Typeinanyusefulreferencesinthecommentscolumn.

8.ClickontheStopicontostoprecording.



WorkouttheelectricpowerofthesolarcellbyusingthePowerpost-logfunction:

1. FromtheToolsmenuselectPost-log Function.

2. SelectaPreset function,thenElectricity from the first drop-down list and Calculate Powerfrom

thesecondlist,Next.

3. SelecttheVoltageandCurrentsensorfromthedrop-downlists,Next.

4. Enterthemultiplierintotheparametersbox,e.g.whencurrentisrecordedinmAandvoltsisinV

enteramultiplierof0.001.Makeminimum= 0andmaximum= 0.25,Finish.

Questions1.Whatkindofenergydowegetfromabuzzer,motororLED?

2.Isthepowersuppliedbythesolarpanelalwaysthesame?

3.Doesthepowerchangeifyouchangethecomponenttoamotororbuzzer?

PhotovoltaicCell

Voltagesensor

Lamp/Lightsource

Electricalload(Buzzer,LED,Fan)

Lightlevelsensor

Currentsensor

�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007


05 - Does the angle/position of the solar panel have any effect?

ReadThephotovoltaicpanelconsistsofaseriesofsolar(photovoltaic)cellswhicharemadefromspecial

materialsthatcantransformtheenergyfromthesunintoelectricity.InBritainphotovoltaicpanels

areusuallymountedonarooffacingsouthangledat30°.Youwillinvestigatetheeffectpositionofthe

panelhasonthepowerlevelproduced.

Powerismeasuredinwatts(W)andkilowatts(kW).Tocalculatepowerwemustmeasureboththe

voltageandcurrentinacircuitwhenitisconnectedtoacomponent.


2.Solarpanel

3.Sunshine




7.LEDormotormodulebox

Extension activity: SmartQLightlevelsensor0–1,000Lux

What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltage,CurrentandLightlevelsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.

2. First connect the Voltage sensor to the LED as shown in diagram 1 – it’s important to connect the

positive(red)leadoftheVoltagesensortothepositive(red)socketontheLEDmodule.Connect

theredleadfromthesolarpaneltotheredsocketontheLED.

Voltage,CurrentandLightlevelAnyEASYSENSE 10minutes


Note:EASYSENSEQuserscanusetheinternallightsensorsettothe100,000Luxrange(insteadoftheSmartQLightlevelsensor.



CurrentsensortotheblacksocketontheLEDmoduleandtheblackleadfromtheCurrentsensor

totheblackplugfromthesolarpanel.

4.Positionthesolarpanelsothemaximumsunlightcanberecorded.PointtheLightlevelsensoratthe

samedirection(towardsthesun).Writedownthecompassdirectionitisfacing.

Solarpanel V

+

+ +

-

-A +-

PhotovoltaicCell

Voltagesensor

LEDBlacksocket

Redsocket

Redlead

RedleadBlacklead

Blacklead

Diagram 1

PhotovoltaicCell

Voltagesensor

LED

Blacklead

Blacklead

Currentsensor

RedleadBlacksocket

Diagram 2


5. OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectEasyLogfromtheHomepage.


7. After 10 minutes click on Stop to finish logging. Select Overlay.

8.Turnthesolarpanelroundabout90degreestofaceadifferentcompassdirectionandclickon

Starttobeginlogging.

9.Repeatstep8twice.

ResultsUseAdd Texttoidentifyonthegraphthelinethateachcompassdirectionrepresents.AddaTitle

tothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyourreport

documentasrequired.




thesecondlist,Next.


4. Enterthemultiplierintotheparametersbox,e.g.whencurrentisrecordedinmAandvoltsisin

Venteramultiplierof0.001.Makeminimum= 0andmaximum=0.25,Finish.

Questions1.Didalteringthepositionofthesolarpanelmakeanydifferencetothelevelofpower?

2.Whatdoyouthinkwouldhappentothepowerfromthesolarpanelsatnight?

3.Photovoltaicpanelsareusedinremoteareaswhereitistooexpensivetoconnecttothenational

grid.Howwouldtheseusersensureaconstantelectricalsupply?

PhotovoltaicCell

Voltagesensor

Lightsource

LED

Lightlevelsensor

Currentsensor




Extension1.YoumayhavenoticedthatastheCurrentincreasesthebrightnessoftheLEDalsoincreases.

Investigatetoseeifbrightnessisagoodwaytomeasurecurrent.UseaSmartQ0–1,000Lux

LightlevelsensorpointingfacedownwardsontotheLEDusingaringofBlutacktoprovidealight

seal.

2.Tryalteringtheangleoftiltofthesolarpaneltothesun,howdoestheanglealterthepower

produced?

Powerfromthesolarpanel

Blu-Tack

Lightsensor

LEDmodule


VoltageAnyEASYSENSE 20seconds

Wind Turbine Kit

06 - Does the number of blades on the turbine alter the voltage produced?

Read

Awindturbinecanharvestthepowerofthewindtogenerateelectricity.Windturnsthebladesof

thewindturbinegenerator.Thebladesareattachedtothehubwhichisattachedtothegearshaft.

Whenthewindblows,thebladesandhubturntheshaft,whichrotatesinsidethegeneratorand

produceselectricity.Theamountofpowergenerateddependsonseveralfactorsapartfromthewind

speedandwindavailability.Youaregoingtomeasurethevoltageproducedbythewindturbinewith

differentnumbersofbladesrangingfrom2upto12blades.

Beforeyoustart,predictwhichnumberofbladeswillgivethehighestvoltagereading.Ifyoucan,try

togiveareasonforyourprediction.

Thepolarityofthecurrentgeneratedbythewindturbineisdependentonwhichwaythehubrotates.

Themotormodulewilloperateregardlessofpolaritybutthedirectioninwhichitspinswilldependon

therotationaldirectionofthegeneratormotor.Thefasterthegeneratormotorrotates,thefaster

thepropellerwillspin.


2.Windturbine


4.Motormodulebox

5.Electricfan

What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltagesensortoanEASYSENSElogger.


2.ConnecttheVoltagesensortothemotormoduleinparallelasshown.Connectthepositive(red)lead

oftheVoltagesensortotheredsocketonthemotormodule.Connectthenegativeplugfromthe

Voltagesensortothenegative(black)socketonthemotor.

3.Connecttheplugsfromthewindturbinetotheblackandredsocketonthemotormodule.

4.Positionthewindturbinewithadeskfanaknowndistanceawayfromtheturbinee.g.50cm.Make

surethecentreofthefanislevelwiththecentrepropellerhub.

5.Put2bladesonoppositesidesofthehubsothattheybalance.Makesuretheyaretwistedinthe

samedirectionandtothesameanglee.g.45°.Checkthattheturbinerotatessmoothlyandthe

bladesdonotcatch.

6. OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectGraphfromtheHomepage.

7. Fromtheloggingwizardselectatotalrecordingtimeof20seconds.

8.Switchonthefanandafterafewseconds(whenthebladesareturningataconstantspeed)click

ontheStarticontobeginlogging.

Redsocket

Voltagesensor

Motormodule

Blacksocket

Blacklead

Windturbine

Redlead

VoltagesensorElectricalload(Motormodule)




9. Whenlogginghasstoppedswitchoffthefanandletthewindturbinecometoastop.

10.SelectOverlay.

11.Changethebladepatternontheturbinetouse3blades(spacedoutsotheybalance).

12.SwitchonthefanandafterafewsecondsclickontheStarticontobeginlogging.

13.Repeatusing4,6,9and12blades.



Questions1. Describehowenergyistransferredwithinthecircuite.g.thewindenergymakestheturbineturn.

2.Howmanybladesgivethehighestvoltage?Isthiswhatyoupredicted?Trytoexplainwhyyour

resultsagree(ordisagree)withyourprediction.Whatmightbehappening?

ExtensionMeasurethevoltage,currentandpowerproducedbythewindturbineusingbladesofdifferent

shapes.Keepthespeedofthefan,thedirectionandangleofthebladesthesamethroughout

theinvestigationbutusesetsofdifferentshapedblades.


Wind Turbine Kit

07 - Does the speed of the wind alter the voltage produced?

ReadYou are going to measure the voltage produced by the wind turbine with different speeds of ‘wind’.

Mostdesktopfanshavemorethanonespeedsetting.Youwillusethefantoduplicate

windataminimumofthreedifferentspeeds.

Beforeyoustart,predictwhichfanspeedwillgivethehighestvoltagereading.Ifyoucan,tryto

giveareasonforyourprediction.


2.Windturbine


4.Motormodulebox

5.Electricfanwithatleastthreespeedsettings

What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltagesensortoanEASYSENSElogger.

2.ConnecttheVoltagesensortothemotormoduleinparallelasshown.Connectthepositive(red)lead

oftheVoltagesensortotheredsocketonthemotormodule.Connectthenegativeplugfromthe

Voltagesensortothenegative(black)socketonthemotor.

VoltageAnyEASYSENSE 20seconds

Note:Themotormodulewilloperateregardlessofthepolaritygeneratedbythewindturbinesoisbestusedinthisinvestigation.


3.Connecttheplugsfromthewindturbinetotheblackandredsocketonthemotormodule.

4.PositiontheWindturbinewithadeskfanaknowndistanceawayfromtheturbinee.g.50cm.Make


5.Put12bladesequallyspacedonthehubsothattheybalance.Makesuretheyaretwistedinthe


bladesdonotcatch.

6.OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectGraphfromtheHomepage.

7.Fromtheloggingwizardselectatotalrecordingtimeof20seconds.

8.Switchonthefanatitslowestspeedsetting,andafterafewseconds(whenthebladesappearto

beataconstantspeed)clickontheStarticontobeginlogging.

9.Whenlogginghasstoppedswitchoffthefanandletthewindturbinecometoastop.

10.SelectOverlay.

Redsocket

Voltagesensor

Motormodule

Blacksocket

Blacklead

Windturbine

Redlead

VoltagesensorElectricalload(Motormodule)




11.Changethespeedofthefanandswitchon.AfterafewsecondsclickontheStarticontobegin

logging.

12.Repeatusingeachspeedsettingonthefan.

ResultsUseAdd Texttoidentifythegraphproducedbyeachfanspeed.AddaTitletothegraphandthen

Saveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyourreportdocumentasrequired.

Questions1.Whichfanspeedgavehighestvoltage?Isthiswhatyoupredicted?Trytoexplainwhyyourresults

agree(ordisagree)withyourprediction.Whatmightbehappening?

2.Whatareyoudoingtotheair(apartfrommakingitgofaster)whenyouincreasethefanspeed?


Wind Turbine Kit

0� - Does the voltage and current vary with a load?

ReadYouaregoingtomeasurethevoltageandcurrentproducedbythewindturbinewithdifferentloads

(electricaldevices)connectedtotheoutputoftheturbine.Thepowercanthenbecalculatedand

compared.


2.Windturbine



5.Motormodulebox

6.LEDmodule

7.Buzzermodule

8.Electricfan

What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltageandCurrentsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.

2.ConnecttheVoltagesensorinparallelacrossthemotormodule(load)asshownindiagram1.

Connectthepositive(red)leadoftheVoltagesensortotheredsocketonthemotor.Connectthe

negativeplugfromtheVoltagesensortothenegative(black)sideofthemotor.Connectoneofthe

blueplugsfromthewindturbinetotheredsocketonthemotormodule.

VoltageandCurrentAnyEASYSENSE 20seconds

Redsocket

Voltagesensor

Motor

Blacksocket

Blacklead

Windturbine

Redlead

Diagram 1



CurrentsensortotheblacksocketonthemotormoduleandjointheblackleadfromtheCurrent

sensortotheotherblueplugfromthewindturbine.



5.Put12bladesequallyspacedonthehubsothattheybalance.Makesuretheyaretwistedinthe


bladesdonotcatch.

Windturbine V

+

+

-

-

M

+- A

Currentsensor

Electricalload(Motormodule)

Voltagesensor

Voltagesensor

Motor

Redlead

Blacklead

WindturbineDiagram 2

Blacklead

BlacksocketCurrentsensor




8.Switchonthefanandafterafewseconds(whenthebladesappeartobegoingroundataconstant

speed)clickontheStarticontobeginlogging.


10.UnplugthemotormodulefromthecircuitandreplacewiththeLEDmodule.

11.SelectOverlay.

12.Repeatsteps8–9.UnplugtheLEDmodule,replacewiththebuzzermoduleandrepeat.

ResultsUseAdd Texttoidentifythegraphproducedbyeachload.AddaTitletothegraphandthenSave

yourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyourreportdocumentasrequired.




thesecondlist,Next.




Questions1. Describehowenergyistransferredwithinthecircuite.g.thewindenergymakestheturbineturn.

2. Isthepowersuppliedbythewindturbinealwaysthesame?

3. Doesthepowerchangeifyouchangethecomponenttoamotororbuzzer?




Wind Turbine Kit

09 - Does the angle of the blades have any effect?

ReadYouaregoingtomeasurethevoltage,currentandpowerproducedbythewindturbinewithblades

positionedatdifferentangles.

Beforeyoustart,predictwhichangleofthebladeswillgivethehighestreadings.Ifyoucan,try

togiveareasonforyourprediction.


2.Windturbine



5.Motormodulebox

6.Electricfan

What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltageandCurrentsensorto

anEASYSENSElogger.

2.ConnecttheVoltagesensorinparallel

acrossthemotormoduleasshownin

diagram1.Connectthepositive(red)

leadoftheVoltagesensortothered

socketonthemotor.Connectthe

negativeplugfromtheVoltagesensor

tothenegative(black)sideofthemotor.

Connectoneoftheblueplugsfromthe

windturbinetotheredsocketonthe

Motor.

VoltageandCurrentAnyEASYSENSE 20seconds

Note:Themotormodulewilloperateregardlessofthepolaritygeneratedbythewindturbinesoisbestusedinthisinvestigation.

Redsocket

Voltagesensor

Motor

Blacksocket

Blacklead

Windturbine

Redlead

Diagram 1



CurrentsensortotheblacksocketonthemotormoduleandjointheblackleadfromtheCurrent

sensortotheotherblueplugfromthewindturbine.



5.Makesurethebladesontheturbinearetwistedinthesamedirectionandtothesameanglee.g.

45°.Checkthattheturbinerotatessmoothlyandthebladesdonotcatch.

Windturbine V

+

+

-

-

M

+- A

Currentsensor

Electricalload(Motormodule)

Voltagesensor

Voltagesensor

Motor

Redlead

Blacklead

WindturbineDiagram 2

Blacklead

BlacksocketCurrentsensor




8. Switchonthefanandafterafewseconds(whenthebladesappeartobegoingataconstantspeed)

clickontheStarticontobeginlogging.


10.SelectOverlay.

11.Twistthebladestoincreasetheangleoftheblades

12.SwitchonthefanwiththesamespeedsettingandafterafewsendsclickontheStarticonto

beginlogging.

13.Repeatusingdifferentadifferentangleofbladeeachtime.

ResultsUseAdd Texttoidentifythegraphproducedbyeachangle.AddaTitletothegraphandthenSave

yourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyourreportdocumentasrequired.

WorkouttheelectricpowerofthesolarcellbyusingthePowerpost-logfunction.



thesecondlist,Next.




Questions1.Asthebladeangleischangedwhathappenstothepower?

2.Isthepower,voltageandcurrentconstant?

3.Isthereabestangleofblade?Doesalteringthebladeanglegiveaworthwhileincreaseinvoltage?




Teacher’s notesThe worksheets supplied by Data Harvest are data logging extension activities to the work sheets supplied

by the NEC in the kits. The kits and activities will allow you to bring practical renewable energy into the

classroom (and of course out in the field). The kits are easy to use and the activities cover the key stages 1

- 4 making them suitable for the age range 5 - 16. The wind turbine could even act as the start of an AS level

design project.

There are 3 sets of activities, based around the kits.

Solar Water heater1. How hot does the water get?

2. How much energy is captured?

Solar Photovoltaic panel3. Is the voltage produced by the solar electric panel dependent on the level of light?

4. How much power is produced by the solar panel?

5. Does the angle / position of the solar panel have any effect?

Wind turbine6. Does the number of blades on the turbine alter the voltage produced?

7. Does the speed of the wind alter the voltage produced?

8. Does the voltage and current vary with a load?

9. Does the angle of the blades have any effect?

Smart Q Sensors needed for the activities1. 2 x 3100 - Temperature sensors

2. 1 x 3160-12 ±12 V or 3160 ±20 V Voltage sensor

3. 1 x 3166 - ±100 mA Current sensor

4. 1 x 3122 - 0 to 100,000 Lux outdoor Light level sensor

Sensors for the Solar Water heater activities

1. 2 x 3100 - Temperature sensors


Sensors needed for the Photovoltaic panel activities


Page �0DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007



Sensors for the Wind turbine activities



Additional resourcesThe National Energy Foundation produces some very useful fact sheets on renewable energy. The sheets

are available for download at the www.nef.org.uk/powered site. This is the education section of the

www.nef.org.uk website.

Also visit the Centre for Alternative technology (CAT) website for information and applications of alternative

energy. CAT has a useful catalogue section if you wish to purchase additional materials to make your own

solar panels at www.cat.org.uk.

The British photo voltaic association have pages which give information specific for solar to electricity

conversion at www.pv-uk.org.uk.

The solar trade association has useful links to information about solar water heating panels and installation,

economics of installation at www.solartradeassociation.org.uk.

If you wish to try to make a larger solar water heater the NEF recommend the use of a pre formed aluminium

panel called ‘clipfin’ which can be purchased from CAT.


Teacher’s notes

01 - Solar Water Kit: How hot does the water get?

ReadThe task is finding how hot a fixed volume of water in the solar water heater can get in 15 minutes using the

energy from the sun. The first time you use this apparatus you may be surprised at how much heat is

collected. On a sunny day in late April we managed to increase the temperature from 250 C to 630 C. The

warnings about the hot water should be taken seriously.

Note: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.

EASYSENSE Q 3 or 5 users can use the internal light sensor set to the 100,000 Lux range (instead of the Smart Q Light level sensor).

Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger

2. Solar Water Heater

3. Sunshine

4. 2 x 3100 Smart Q Temperature sensors

5. 1 x 3122 Smart Q Light level sensor (0 - 100,000 Lux)

6. Water

7. Rubber bung and a short length of PVC tube (supplied)

NotesThe clear plastic filling cap of the water heater is replaced with the rubber bung (supplied). The bung has a

5 mm pre-drilled hole, the Temperature sensor is 3 mm in diameter so a small piece of PVC tubing is

supplied to adapt the hole to make a water tight seal. Cut a 10 mm long piece of the PVC tube (supplied) and

push into the rubber bung as far as it will go. It only needs to fit in about 5 mm to get a seal.

Leave the bung with the digital temperature sensor supplied in place.

The bung and plastic adapter should give a water tight seal at normal water temperatures. If the temperature

rises too far in the heater tube the increase in pressure may force the Sensor out of the bung, do not attempt

to make this connection any tighter.

Temperature x 2 and Light levelAny EASYSENSE 15 minutes


Setting up the software/logger

EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to any

sensors from which readings are not required e.g. Sound, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.

Extension ideas1. The heating panel is made up from a copper tube attached to a sheet of black painted metal to increase

the surface area. Compare the heating effect of the solar water heater with just a plain piece of copper

pipe.

2. The metal sheet is coated with a special low emissivity back paint that absorbs and retains the heat from

the sun. Investigate which materials are the best absorbers of heat and how the colour of the absorbing

surface affects the amount of energy absorbed.

3. The metal sheet and tube are placed in an insulated box, which prevents the heat from escaping, with a

clear plastic lid on the front to maximise solar gain. Investigate how heat loss from enclosed spaces can

be reduced and if insulation helps to slow down the rate at which energy is lost.

Recording method Time

EasyLog 15 minutes Line graph

Page ��DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007

Teacher’s notes

02 - Solar Water Kit: How much energy is captured?

ReadThe task is calculating the energy gained by a fixed volume of water in the solar water heater after 15

minutes in the sun.

This activity is the same as No 1 ‘How hot does the water get?’ but extends the investigation into making

calculations of the energy gained as joules.

Note: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers

(i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.


2. Solar Water Heater

3. Sunshine

4. 1 x 3100 Smart Q Temperature sensor

5. Water

6. Rubber bung and a short length of PVC tube

7. Electronic balance or a measuring cylinder (to measure 25 cm3 max.)

8. Small beaker

Calculations1. Find the change in temperature (temperature at the end – temperature at the beginning)

2. Calculate the energy gained (in joules) from the following formula:

4.2 x mass of water in g x temperature rise in 0C.

To calculate the size (area) that the solar collector would need to be:

Size of the solar collector = Energy required in kWh

Energy captured per m2 of the solar collector

TemperatureAny EASYSENSE 15 minutes


To calculate the energy required in joules = 4.2 x mass of water in g x temperature rise in 0C.

Convert to megajoules (MJ). Then 3.6 MJ = 1 kWh.

Energy captured per m2 of the solar collector = Solar energy per m2 x solar collector efficiency.

Notes: If a balance is not available the mass of water can be determined from its volume - 1 cm3 of water has a mass of 1 g. This conversion should include corrections for temperature, but as the volume of water is small this will be precise enough.


EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to all

internal sensors e.g. Sound, Light, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.

Extension ideaDesign and make a simple collector that will allow water to flow in cold and out hot.


EasyLog 15 minutes Line graph


Voltage and Light levelAny EASYSENSE Snapshot

Teacher’s notes

03 - Solar Photovoltaic Kit: Is the voltage produced by the solar electric panel dependent on the level of light?

ReadThe activity asks the students to move the solar electric panel and EASYSENSE logger to different locations

and simply make a record of the light available and the voltage being generated by the cell.

The solar electric panel works like a battery so to make it power something they need a complete circuit. If

preferred voltage readings can be taken by connecting the Voltage sensor direct to the solar panel (without

connecting the LED module).

Note: This investigation describes using Snapshot mode with the data logger connected to the computer. Withsome EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting Snapshot from thelogger.

EASYSENSE Q 3 or 5 users can use the internal light sensor set to the 100,000 Lux range (instead of the Smart Q Light

level sensor).


2. Solar panel

3. 1 x 3160-12 (±12V) or 3160 (±20V) Smart Q Voltage sensor

4. 1 x 3122 Smart Q Light level sensor (0 – 100,000 Lux)

5. LED module

7. Artificial light source and sunshine

NotesThe solar panel will produce a voltage from both sunshine and artificial light. Students may be surprised at

how bright the light needs to be to produce a voltage. As a rule the more a light source is like sunlight the

greater the voltage. It is always worthwhile using ‘real’ sunlight as an energy source whenever possible. One

simple activity is to see the effect of a pane of glass when recording; most people see glass as transparent

and therefore assume it allows all light to pass though.





Recording method

Snapshot Table & graph


Voltage, Current and Light levelAny EASYSENSE Snapshot

Teacher’s notes

04 - Solar Photovoltaic Kit: How much power is produced by the solar panel?

ReadThis activity is the same as No 3 ‘Is the voltage produced by the solar panel electric panel dependent on

level of light?’ but extends the investigation into connecting different loads (LED, motor and buzzer) and

making calculations of the power. To calculate power both the voltage and current in a circuit must be

measured when connected to a component. The students can then calculate the power by using the Power

post-log function.

Note: This investigation describes using Snapshot mode with the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting Snapshot from the logger.

EASYSENSE Q 3 or 5 users can use the internal light sensor set to the 100,000 Lux range (instead of the Smart Q Lightlevel sensor).


2. Solar panel

3. 1 x 3160-12 (±12 V) or 3160 (±20 V) Smart Q Voltage sensor

4. 1 x 3166 Smart Q Current sensor (±100 mA)


6. LED, buzzer and motor module

7. Artificial light source




Extension ideaColoured gels or sweet papers can also be used to see if a particular colour has any effect on power

production.

Recording method

Snapshot Table & graph


Voltage, Current and Light levelAny EASYSENSE 10 minutes

Teacher’s notes

05 - Solar Photovoltaic Kit: Does the angle/position of the solar panel have any effect?

ReadNote: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE logger (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.

EASYSENSE Q 3 or 5 users can use the internal light sensor set to the 100,000 Lux range (instead of the Smart Q Light level sensor).

This investigation involves recording for 10 minutes with the solar panel pointing to each of the four points of

the compass.

When collecting data over time it is possible to use Area to find the total power generated over the time

period. This can be useful when comparing data from different runs of the same experiment e.g. if the

position of the cell relative to the sun has been altered.

If required the EASYSENSE could be set up to record data over a longer time period. For a long term

collection of data it is not recommended to have the buzzer connected!!


2. Solar panel

3. Sunshine




7. LED or motor module box

Extension: 1 x Smart Q Light level sensor 0 - 1,000 Lux

NotesMake sure the Light level sensor and the solar cell are both pointing at the same area of the sky and check

the Sensor has not reached its maximum. If the range looks as if it will be exceeded use a piece of semi

transparent material to reduce the effective light level at the Sensor, something like a piece of tracing paper

should work.





ExtensionDoes the light generated by the LED match the voltage/current being generated? Use a 3120 0 - 1,000 Lux

Light level sensor to record the light from the LED module. Make a ring of Blu-tack around the LED so the

Light sensor can be ‘stuck’ into position. The Blu-tack acts as a light proof seal and a holding adhesive for

the Sensor.


EasyLog 10 minutes Overlay


Teacher’s notes

06 - Wind Turbine Kit: Does the number of blades on the turbine alter the voltage produced?

ReadThe polarity of the current generated by the wind turbine is dependent on which way the hub rotates. The

LED and buzzer modules are polarity dependent so to prevent complications use the motor module, which

will operate regardless of the polarity generated by the wind turbine.

Notes: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.


2. Wind turbine


4. Motor module box

5. Electric fan

NotesThe blades supplied are made from card / thick paper. Make a simple template or keep a note of the

dimensions of the blades to allow more to be made if they become damaged.

The fan should be placed with the centre of the fan directly opposite the centre of the turbine. If the fan is

offset the turbine will have a tendency to turn slightly and stabilise in a position that is not parallel to the fan.

In trial experiments this does not appear to influence the voltage output but it can make alignment of the fan /

turbine difficult.




VoltageAny EASYSENSE 20 seconds


Graph 20 seconds Overlay


ExtensionMake sets of blades in alternate materials and see if this has an effect (it shouldn’t if the material used has

the same rigidity). This could lead to discussion as to why they chose a particular material for the design /

manufacture of the blades (the blades of large turbines are made from glass fibre or wood epoxy). Pictures

of wind farm generators, windmills, water pumps and aeroplane propellers should be available for ideas.

Shape of the blades can include the length, width and aerodynamics. What we are looking for is the most

efficient system of energy collection. Costs of manufacture and installation can be included when discussing

the overall efficiency of the system.


Teacher’s notes

07 - Wind Turbine Kit: Does the speed of the wind alter the voltage produced?

ReadThis activity is similar to No 6 ‘Does the number of blades on the turbine alter the voltage produced?’ but in

this investigation they will test to find the voltage produced by the wind turbine with different speeds of ‘wind’.

Notes: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.


2. Wind turbine


4. Motor module box

5. Electric fan with at least three speed settings

Notes: When fixing the blades to the turbine makes sure they are evenly spaced to get the balance on the shaft correct. It is also a good idea to use a small piece of card to mark the distance of the blade from the shaft to get the same distance on all blades.




VoltageAny EASYSENSE 20 seconds




Teacher’s notes

08 - Wind Turbine Kit: Does the voltage and current vary with a load?

ReadThe voltage and current produced by the wind turbine is tested with different loads (electrical devices)

connected to the output of the turbine. The power can then be calculated and compared.

Notes: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSEloggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.

The motor module will operate regardless of the polarity generated by the wind turbine so is best used in thisinvestigation.


2. Wind turbine



5. Motor module box

6. LED module

7. Buzzer module

8. Electric fan




Voltage and CurrentAny EASYSENSE 20 seconds




Teacher’s notes

09 - Wind Turbine Kit: Does the angle of the blades have any effect?

ReadThe voltage and current produced by the wind turbine is tested with blades positioned at different angles.

The power can then be calculated and compared.

Notes: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSEloggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.

The motor module will operate regardless of the polarity generated by the wind turbine so is best used in thisinvestigation.


2. Wind turbine



5. Motor module box

6. Electric fan

NotesWhen placing the fixing the blades to the turbine make sure they are evenly spaced to get the balance on

the shaft correct. It is also a good idea to use a small piece of card to mark the distance of the blade from the

shaft to get the same distance on all blades.

The angle of the blades should be restricted to three simple positions, it is difficult to align the blades with

accuracy and attempts to do so may distract from the reason for the activity. Use the blades flat (0 degrees),

shallow (10 degrees) and a deep (45 degrees) angle. According to how the blades are fixed to the blade

holder the maximum angle may be determined by the clearance between the end of the blade and the

mounting brackets for the turbine.

Voltage and CurrentAny EASYSENSE 20 seconds

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