Transcript EF152-1

John Utley
Quinton Lowry
Will McNabb
Overview
 Our device is made out of basic materials. The propeller is
made out of an oatmeal can and a gears are made out of a
coffee can and miniature wheels.
 The device took two weeks of changing our minds and
about eight hours of actual labor.
 The generator consists of a Plexiglas shell surrounding six
magnets which spin on an axle. The Plexiglas is enveloped
by wire.
Approximate Costs
Magnets-----------–-$9.00
Magnet Wire--------$8.00
Axle------------------ $5.00
Tape------------------$.50
Oatmeal can-------- $2.00
Plexiglas------------- $5.00
Frame---------------- $4.00
Tires------------------$1.00
Cup-------------------$.50
Coffee can-----------$2.50
$9.00
$8.00
$5.00
$ .50
$2.00
$5.00
$4.00
$ 1.00
$.50
+ $2.50
$37.50
Device Function
 The function of the device is relatively simple. The
oatmeal can pieces naturally pick up the wind due to
their curved shape, which turns the axle they are
connected to. This axle is connected to a large coffee
can, which turns a small wheel, increasing the speed of
the generator.
Construction Issues
 The biggest issue with our project was procrastination.
 The original generator shell was made out of K’NEX,
but the K’NEX weren’t strong enough to support the
wire wrapped around it.
 We changed the generator shell to Plexiglas and had a
few problems with gluing the pieces together.
Eventually we settled on brackets.
 The windmill blades broke off several times.
 Also, the magnets were lopsided, resulting in
difficulties while spinning.
Calculations
 Theoretical power in Windmill:
P= ½  A V 3
P= ½ (1.225 kg/m 3 )(.3429m) 2(1.7m/s) 3
P= 1.1116 watts
 Actual power
 P= V * I
 P= .8volts * .02amps = .016 watts
.016 watts
 Efficiency = --------------- = 1.4%
1.1116 watts
Conclusion
 Project went well once we picked a design and started
on it.
 Biggest issue is the weight of the magnets. While they
produce plenty of voltage when turned by hand, the
fan lacks the strength to do the same.
 If we had a stronger fan, our generator could very well
power the universe.