Basic Wind Experiment Kit

Documents included:

• Instruction Manual PDF

Materials included:

• A0018 - Basic Wind Experiment Kit materials listPDF
• A0020 - Basic Wind Experiment Kit - Classroom Pack materials listPDF

Specs:

• Understanding clean energy
• Exploring energy transformations
• Exploring the relationship between energy and forces
• Developing and using physical models
• Understanding differences between energy and power
• Collecting data with advanced tools
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Using mathematics to explain and understand data
• Designing controlled experiments
• Optimizing designs

• Q How long does it take to set up the kit?
• A Initially it will take about 15 minutes to set up the kit. Once it's assembled, it takes 2-3 minutes to disassemble and reassemble. It may take about 15 minutes to set up activities such as blade design and weightlifting.

• Q Can I reuse this kit?
• A You can use the kit over and over, year after year. The turbine can be disassembled and stored in its box. At some point you may need more blade consumables, but that should be all you need.

• Q How is the Basic Wind Experiment Kit different from the Advanced Wind Experiment Kit?
• A The Basic Wind Experiment Kit is an affordable option that reduces complexity because it does not have a gearbox or complicated drive trains. This can make it easier for young students who want to explore wind power. The kit does not have a gearbox, so it will produce less power. It cannot pump water using our water pump, but a set of good blades and a stiff wind will allow you to light LED bulbs.

• Q What can I use for a wind source?
• A The best wind source is a simple box or floor fan. There are many different kinds, ranging from $15 to $80. Typically, more expensive box or floor fans will provide higher wind speed settings. Hair dryers are NOT recommended because they will not produce enough wind speed, and their diameters are not wide enough. You can also take the turbine outside and see how it reacts to “real” wind! You may need to attach a vane to your turbine so it yaws, or tracks the wind.

• Q I am doing a science fair project. If I purchase this kit, what else will I need?
• A You will need wind, basic tools to cut blades (such as scissors or a craft knife), glue or duct tape (we love duct tape), imagination and curiosity!

• Q How many blades can fit on the wind turbine?
• A The turbine hub can hold 12 blades at one time.

• Q How tall is the tower?
• A It is 2 feet from the top of the turbine (nacelle) to the ground.

• Q Does the Basic Experiment Kit generate enough power to light bulbs and run the water pump?
• A With good blades you will be able to get the Basic Wind Experiment Kit to light an LED. The kit comes with a set of pre-made blades that will light an LED. This turbine has a very hard time pumping water because it cannot produce enough power without a gearbox.

• Q What can I use to make blades?
• A The kit comes with balsa wood and coroplast, a plastic kind of cardboard. But you can use anything stiff and light to make blades. Examples include styrofoam trays, index cards, manila folders, old science fair project boards, and pizza boxes. You name it, we have seen it made into turbine blades. CAUTION: DO NOT USE METAL TO MAKE BLADES. This is very dangerous because blades can accidentally detach during tests.