Mechanical Team Update
By: Darren Chen
Frances Cho
David Hwang
Winnie Wang
Strengths
-Lightweight
-Rudimentary (Cardboard Box?)
-Primitive, wind turbine. Connected to:
-4 (flat) blades design
-2 generators on both ends
-Generators connected to voltage
meters by alligator clips.
Weaknesses
-Very fragile/unsupported
-Unable to be properly
mounted on vehicle.
-Inefficient
-Not efficient, yet important accomplishment:
Proof of concept!
IT WORKS!
Accomplishments:
- Completed fabrication of Prototype #2
a. Construct/Installed wood wind deflector
b. Design/Installed wind deflector with cardboard, metal
rod, C-clamps
-Testing:
a. 1st Trial = Slow speed trial in parking lot
b. 2nd Trial = Road test trial on streets
i. Recorded wind speed, voltage, current
- Results:
a. At high speeds, wind deflector was damaged. (RIP Cclamp)
b. Turbine seemed to be more efficient with the damage.
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“Huynh” design to hold blades.
(Allows easier adjustment of different
materials as blades)
Connected to 2 generators
Support Structure: Holds turbine
steady, while reducing strain onto the
generators.
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Added bearings to wooden structure
that allows spin with low friction, and
supports turbine.
Generators connected to volt/amp
meters through alligator clips.
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Closer to actual scale
Assembly is strong enough
for 60 mph winds
We were able to measure
voltage, current, and wind
speed from inside the car.
Proves our general idea
generates electricity
Easily modified and stored
Created with common
materials
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Generates very little
current
Fin design and shroud
placement not optimized
(better results without
shroud)
Components not
permanently fixed
Difficult to measure
voltage, wind speed, and
current at the same time.
Road Test Data
Power vs. Wind Speed
0,09
0,08
0,07
Power (watts)
0,06
0,05
0,04
0,03
0,02
0,01
0
0
10
20
30
Wind Speed (mi/hr)
40
50
60
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Design 3rd prototype and build
Choose efficient blade design
Redesign airflow through the turbine
Reduce mass of turbine
Make a gear box that increases rotational speed
of the generator
Determine overall shape of structure
Make sure our axle is centered and the turbine
is balanced.