Engineering a Compact Wind Turbine
Session Number
Project ID: ENGN 04
Advisor(s)
Dr. Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Discipline
Engineering
Start Date
20-4-2022 8:50 AM
End Date
20-4-2022 9:05 AM
Abstract
In the United States, electricity production from fossil fuels accounts for nearly 25% of greenhouse emissions. The impact of this problem inspired us to construct a lightweight, compactable wind turbine that could give users renewable energy wherever they go. Our current design includes an 8.5 x 8.5 x 2-inch plastic base. This houses the electronics which include five small generators in series and a charging voltage regulator. It also secures the mechanical hardware consisting of the generator cases and sprockets, chain, central sprocket with sleeve adapter, and mast bearings. A lightweight removable hex shaft mast engages the central sprocket and supports a large collapsible S-shaped blade. Currently, our device is capable of generating 1.2 volts in winds exceeding 4 m/s. Our ultimate goal is to charge 4 AAA batteries which can be used to produce 5 volts when configured in series. To facilitate this, we aim to increase the output voltage in our final design of the wind turbine to charge the batteries more quickly. Our hope for the future of this project is to produce a renewable energy source that is able to charge USB devices directly.
Engineering a Compact Wind Turbine
In the United States, electricity production from fossil fuels accounts for nearly 25% of greenhouse emissions. The impact of this problem inspired us to construct a lightweight, compactable wind turbine that could give users renewable energy wherever they go. Our current design includes an 8.5 x 8.5 x 2-inch plastic base. This houses the electronics which include five small generators in series and a charging voltage regulator. It also secures the mechanical hardware consisting of the generator cases and sprockets, chain, central sprocket with sleeve adapter, and mast bearings. A lightweight removable hex shaft mast engages the central sprocket and supports a large collapsible S-shaped blade. Currently, our device is capable of generating 1.2 volts in winds exceeding 4 m/s. Our ultimate goal is to charge 4 AAA batteries which can be used to produce 5 volts when configured in series. To facilitate this, we aim to increase the output voltage in our final design of the wind turbine to charge the batteries more quickly. Our hope for the future of this project is to produce a renewable energy source that is able to charge USB devices directly.