Josh “J-Man” Clark

Brad “Fender” Rhodes

Nick “Texas Pete” Rutledge

Haochen “Mr. T” Zhang

Powerhouse

Introduction

Task: Design and build a windmill that will generate at least 1V of electricity to illuminate a small bulb.

Process: We chose to use a modified desk fan to act as the primary structure. We then

constructed a cardboard generator using magnet wire and high-powered magnets. The electricity generated was then sent to a small circuit board to power a series of LED lights.

GeneratorWe used cardboard to

construct the magnet housing due to its simplicity and low cost.

We invested a large part of the budget in powerful magnets to maximize generator output.

30 gauge magnet wire was used for the coils.

FanWe obtained a 12” desk fan for the main structure. The fan motor was stripped of all functioning parts except the shaft, so that the existing bearings would allow the shaft to spin freely. A platform was attached to support the generator.

Electrical Output

The generator outputs AC voltage, the diode bridge converts it to DC.

The circuit then uses a series of transistors and voltage dividers to determine the relative voltage level and lights up the appropriate number of LED’s.

Budget

• Industrial Strength Magnets: $16.00• Fan: $4.00• Magnet Wire: $4.00• Minor Components (platform, circuit board,

etc.): $9.39• Subtotal: $33.41• Tax (9.25%): 0.0925*33.39 = $3.09• Grand Total: $36.50

CalculationsVariables Declared

Radius

Length (dist from wind source)

Molecular Mass

Air Pressure

Power Output

Voltage

V = 15.5 VArea of Blade Coverage

Equations UsedKinetic Energy

Assume 1 second:Measured Output:

Efficiency:

Powerhouse

SummaryDesign Difficulties Several attempts were

required to build the finalized support platform.

The circuit board was complex to wire correctly.

Both of these problems at some point contributed to going over budget.

By stripping unnecessary parts, we forged a more perfect machine.

Conclusion Our original hypothesis was

correct, that the strength of the magnet was the prime factor.

Due to the strength of the magnet, we generated on average 15.5V, approx. 10 times the required voltage.

Project Video w/ Audio