Wind-Mullet.rtf.docxVIP

Wind Mullet Brandon Irby John Mullen Mitchell Rieger Corey Young Section: A1 Team Number: 6 EF 152 Fall 2009 Abstract Extracting wind energy from mechanical energy is not a new concept; it was used by the Persians to grind grain in the 10th century(1). However, only recently is it undergoing a large commercial interest in the United States. Instead of grinding grain, common wind turbines are used to power homes and business. Therefore, the task of this project is simple: build a wind turbine from scratch capable of powering a 1.5 V 25 mA light bulb. Yet, while this initially appears simple and straightforward, the task ended up being quite complicated, possessing a great number of variables that could have been designed incorrectly. During testing of the windmill, 0.9 V was produced, for approximately five consecutive seconds, with estimated efficiency included. Ultimately though during final testing, one component, most likely the magnetic coil used, failed, resulting in an inoperable machine. Introduction The formal task at hand is to build and design a entirely original windmill that will generate alternating current electricity, while adhering to specific guidelines for budget ($40) and dimensions (0.5m by 0.5m by 0.8m). The purposes of this project are to experience ways that engineers communicate (presentations, reports, and spreadsheets), build problem-solving techniques by working as part of a team, and finally to apply physical theories discussed in the Engineering Fundamentals 152 lecture. Before being able to create an electricity-producing windmill, elementary understandings of certain physical theories such as electromagnetic induction, Faraday’s Laws, and AC generator theory must be obtained. After the physical aspects are isolated and researched, an outline of a device design was in order. Further development of these ideas shortly followed, eventually resulting in something resembling a windmill possessing propeller type blades connected to a rotati