Wind generator for science fair help?
Okay.I've been having trouble with this project.
What is the best propeller design for a wind generator?
Would you maximize the surface orthogonal to presumed wind direction? How would this affect long term wear? As we look for alternate energy sources, the design of alternative energy generators will become increasingly important.
I don't understand what the control and variables would be.
Best answer:
Answer by Rudydoo
Hey Cheese, here is an answer to a previous question I answered some time ago. I cut and pasted for you to check out. Below are some other sources for you to check out online.
Hey Young, good question. If you take a moment to read through all these different answers, you'll see that there are a lot of different positions on this subject. The short answer is the most efficient wind turbine design is the horizontal axis single blade turbine. Most people have never heard of or seen one in North America, they were common years ago in many parts of Europe where the winds were very light, and so efficiency was a chief concern. The single blade extended only in one direction away from the hub, and on the opposite side was a large bowling ball shaped counter weight. The reason this type is most efficient is that the one airfoil has complete use of the passing air. When you add a second blade, you can capture the wind twice as often, but the combination of two blades to swing through the air, and the turbulence left behind from one blade interferes with the second one in its path, much like a boat leaving a wake behind for another one to pass through. The next most efficient design is the 2 blade, but it is nearly as efficient as the single blade, better for slightly higher and less steady winds. They work best in areas where the wind blows mainly in one direction all day and the rotor head does not have to change direction often. When you are in a situation where the wind changes direction frequently, like the upper midwest, the three blade units are the best, because no matter what orientation the blades are in, the gyroscopic moment on the tower is steady while the unit is turning to a different direction. This is the main reason the 3 blade units are so common in North America. The 5 or 10 percent loss in efficiency is more than offset by the longer longevity of the tower and equipment, they run much smoother. Once you get beyond the 3 blades, additional blades do not offer any additional advantages, but each additional blade costs a bit more in efficiency losses. For this reason, most wind turbine manufacturers today primarily make 3 blade units. There are a few 2 blade units out there, Southwest windpower has one I believe for home use. There are also a few very small units for remote applications with 6 or 8 blades, but these are made purely for extremely high wind applications, like an artic weather station or onboard an ocean going vessel. One thing worth mentioning is that even the most efficient wind turbine design in the world will not be more than about 50 percent efficient, meaning only about half the energy that blows through its blades will be converted to electricity. There is also a lot of hype today for the vertical rotor. They really are about the least efficient, but are popular because they eliminate the tower complications.
The two people who are considered the gurus on this subject are Mick Sagrillo and Paul Gipe. Paul has written a book called, "Wind Power for Home and Business," and Mick has authored several papers and articles and written several books on renewable energy as well, and continues to teach workshops in Wisconsin on the subject. We were fortunate enough to go to one of his classes at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair several years ago. I would suggest looking for Paul's book at the library, or anything by Mick, or surfing to one of the websites below, it's all very interesting reading, and you'll be getting better information on the subject this way. Take care, Rudydoo
Give your answer to this question below!
Meters kit for any AC and DC current,volt, kit-1
 | US $63.25 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 16:26:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $63.25 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
New EAGLE Wind turbine generator 250 watt 12volt battery charger
 | US $129.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 16:39:17 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Related posts:
- How can I make/buy a wind generator for a science fair project?
- Green Science Windmill Generator by Toysmith
- What factors affect the efficiency of a wind mill/wind turbine? What is the physics related to it?
- Wind Turbines Information and Costs
- What is the best design for a small scale wind turbine blade?