Brandon Johnson, Kevin Dowling, Kerry Memory

Super Awesome Windmill

Design - SuppliesRare-Earth Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnetsApproximately 1,600 feet of 30 gauge insulated wireAcrylic sheetsScrap plywoodElectrical tapePVC pipeFan bladeHot glueNail

The Order Behind The ChaosElectrical MechanicalWorks by spinning the

magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of the coil

Stronger magnets, more turns of wire, closer spacing between magnets and wire, and increased velocity all increase electrical output

Use fan blades to convert the wind energy into rotational energy in the generator

Rotational energy converted into electricity by magnetic field and wire

Efficiencyρ = Density of air = 1.204 kg/m3

A = Area of fan blades = π*(.3m)2 = .2827 m2

v = Velocity of wind = 20 mph = 8.94 m/s

PTheoretical = 1/2ρAv3 = 121.6 Watts

I = Current = .3 AmpsV = Voltage = 45 VoltsPActual = I*V = 13.5 Watts

η = PActual/PTheoretical * 100 = 11.1%

Learning Experiences

Need lots of wireNeed to get magnets close

to wireNeeds to spin very fast Splicing wires is more

trouble than it’s worth

Massive Failures

ConclusionSplicing was a problem.Lack of knowledge about electricity and magnetismThe biggest problem was trying to build a decent fan.We learned that more is always better.We were successful at lighting and burning out the bulb.If we could do it again we would have done more

research on generators and windmills.