* Note: This is an abbreviated project idea, without notes to start your background research or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated project ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a project idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.

Abstract

Try different wind turbine/propeller (chord length, pitch) designs by making models from balsa wood. Connect the spinning axle to a DC motor and measure the voltage produced across a resistor to measure power output. Use fan as wind source. (Judge, 2004)

Bibliography

Judge, T.C., 2004. "Testing Turbines for Maximum Power," California State Science Fair Project Abstract [accessed February 27, 2006] http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2004/Projects/J0110.pdf.

Variations


Last edit date: 2006-12-11 19:06:31

I Did this Project!I Did This Project!
Tell us about your experience with this science project.


characters left

characters left

characters left
Poor OK Good Very Good Excellent


Optional:  Attach a picture of your project (JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG only)



Related Links

  • Science Fair Project Guide

Project Summary

Difficulty  7 
Time required Average (about one week)


Share this Project Idea!


Facebook Twitter MySpace More Services


Donate to Science Buddies


Motorola Solutions Foundation
sponsors Summer Science
Camp Resource
Summer Science Camp Resource

Career Focus

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring related careers.

Aerospace Engineer
Humans have always longed to fly and to make other things fly, both through the air and into outer space—aerospace engineers are the people that make those dreams come true. They design, build, and test vehicles like airplanes, helicopters, balloons, rockets, missiles, satellites, and spacecraft.
  Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers are part of your everyday life, designing the spoon you used to eat your breakfast, your breakfast's packaging, the flip-top cap on your toothpaste tube, the zipper on your jacket, the car, bike, or bus you took to school, the chair you sat in, the door handle you grasped and the hinges it opened on, and the ballpoint pen you used to take your test. Virtually every object that you see around you has passed through the hands of a mechanical engineer. Consequently, their skills are in demand to design millions of different products in almost every type of industry.

Wind Energy Engineer
Every day the Earth provides us with many sources of renewable energy to power our lifestyles. Wind energy is an example of a renewable energy because wind is a naturally replenished source. But how can energy be extracted efficiently from the wind? Sounds like a job for a wind energy engineer! The wind energy engineer works on modeling, designing, and building wind turbines and wind farms. These engineers are passionate about wind, renewable energy, and the environment, and they enjoy applying their math and science skills.
  Wind Turbine Service Technician
Have you ever seen a wind farm or a collection of wind turbines? When the wind blows, the turbines rotate, turning the wind into energy for communities to use. But in order for the wind turbine to produce the greatest amount of energy efficiently, a wind turbine service technician must inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and ensure that the wind turbine is in good working order. This is a job that requires no fear of heights along with great mechanical aptitude and a good working knowledge of electronics.




Join Science Buddies

Become a Science Buddies member! It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.


Support Science Buddies

If this website has helped you, won't you consider a small gift so we may continue developing resources to help teachers and students?

 



 


It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news
about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.


Science Fair Project Home     Our Sponsors     Partners     About Us     Work for Us     Volunteer     Donate     Contact Us     Academic Outreach Partnerships     Site Map

Science Fair Project Ideas     Science Fair Project Guide     Ask an Expert     Blog     Teacher Resources     Parent Resources     Student Resources     Science Careers     Join Science Buddies    


Privacy Policy Science Buddies

Copyright © 2002-2012 Science Buddies. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Fair Use.