How to Build a Classroom Wind Generator
A wind generator, or turbine, uses the power of the wind to generate electricity. A rod connects turbines to a generator. When the wind causes the turbine to spin, this motion generates an electrical current. Ideally, it takes winds of at least 15 MPH to generate electricity efficiently. Stronger winds will generate a higher voltage so the speed of the wind determines how much electricity the turbine can generate. Building a small turbine in a classroom setting can effectively demonstrate this process to students.
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Things You'll Need
- Goggles
- Small electric motor
- Ruler
- Rubber band
- 2 wires
- Insulated alligator clips
- DC voltage meter
- 4 paper clips
- Scissors
- Cardboard
- Cork
- Fan or hair dryer
Instructions
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1
Put on a pair of goggles. Attach a small electric motor to the end of a ruler. The shaft should be placed along the edge of the ruler. Use a rubber band to secure the motor.
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2
Connect two wires to the motor. Attach the wires to outlets on the motor. Place insulated alligator clips on the other ends of the wires and attach the clips to a DC voltage meter.
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3
Straighten the lower half of four paper clips. The inner hook should remain intact. Trim the straightened end of the paper clip so that only 1 cm protrudes from the hook.
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4
Use a pair of scissors to cut four pieces of cardboard measuring 2 cm by 25 cm. These four pieces will be the blades. Tape the paper clip hooks to the middle of each blade. Insert the ends of the paper clip into the piece of cork. They should be evenly spaced around the small end of the cork and approximately 1/2 cm from the edge.
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5
Attach the large end of the cork to the motor. Firmly push the shaft of the motor into the center of the cork. Position the blades at a 45-degree angle from the edge of the ruler.
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6
Place a small fan or hair dryer 30 cm from the blades on the wind generator. Turn the fan or hair dryer on to make the blades turn. Read the display on the voltage meter to determine how much electricity is generated.
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