intro to physical science sherry carr, martha cortes, richard gathright, and diana rojas c. dianne...
TRANSCRIPT
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
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.