WINDMILLS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Intro to Physical ScienceSherry Carr, Martha Cortes, Richard Gathright, and Diana

RojasC. Dianne Phillips, Instructor

Introduction

Our goal with this project is to explain and show how a windmill works and how it generates renewable energy

Project Overview

We built a windmill that demonstrates how wind can be turned into usable energy.

We used different types and sizes of blades to compare and contrast the efficiency.

Objectives

To create a wind energy demonstration that can be used at the college level, as well as the elementary level

We created a lesson plan that can be used at the elementary level to show what renewable energy is and explain it in a way that they understand

Our goal was to power a Christmas bulb that required 1.75 Volts

The Power of Wind

Wind power can be calculated using the formula P=½p(π r2)V3

P= Power in the Wind p= Density of the Air r= Radius of swept area V= Wind Velocity

A regular house fan produces 7.85 Watts of power on high

The Windmill

Project Data

Number of Blades

Inches of Blade

Wind Direction Blade Angle

ResultsVolts of electricity

3 16direct-fan on

low45 degrees

too much drag

0

3 14direct-fan on

high 45 degrees better 0.56

3 13direct-fan on

high45 degrees better 0.79

4 13direct-fan on

medium45 degrees better 0.8

4 13direct-fan on

low0

more drag than before

0.68

4 13direct-fan on

high45 degrees

more drag than before

0.66

3 13direct-fan on

medium45 degrees

more drag than before

0.6

2 13direct-fan on

medium45 degrees excellent 0.93

2 13direct-fan on

high45 degrees excellent 1.07

4 blade mini fan

 direct fan on

high  best yet 5.60

CurriculumCourse Content

We used the scientific method to produce the experiment, collect data, and interpret the results.

Renewable energy resources Physics concepts

Conservation of Energy Work-Energy Principle Magnetic Induction Lenz’s Law

Activity Curriculum

Used the turbine to demonstrate Wind Energy.

Created a lesson plan that is geared for 3rd grade but can be modified for all ages, including college.

Word Document

Technology

Technology to be used or already used is:

Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft PowerPoint The Internet Building materials for

the windmill Digital Camera Cell Phones

How will this service the community?

Our project will serve the community by informing about:

reducing greenhouse gas emissions minimize electric costs bettering the environment using wind and

other renewable sources of energy

Our school and community contacts include:

Dianne Phillips, Bonnie Grimes Elementary School, NWACC Physical Science

Community Involvement

We taught Ms. Lay’s 3rd grade class at Bonnie Grimes Elementary in Rogers, AR about Wind Energy and renewable.

Created a small pinwheel demonstration that the kids could easily make and enjoy.

Skills Developed

Team We built on our team skills to ensure that the work was

evenly distributed and thoroughly finished to the best of our abilities

Technological The team increased their knowledge of:

Certain computer programs Internet research Mechanical and electrical skills Physics Renewable Energy

Communicational We developed good communication skills in order to

succeed in this project

Outcome

Our experiment was successful in all aspects of the project.

We were able to teach younger students about renewable energy and at the same time, teach ourselves.

Acknowledgements

Bonnie Grimes Elementary School Debra Lewis, Principal, Bonnie

Grimes Ms. Lisa Lay, 3rd grade teacher Third grade class C. Dianne Phillips, NWACC Physical

Science Instructor Kidwind.org Lowes