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Design Specifications
Our ideal real life wind turbine would be 1 meter in height. It would be ideal for an urban environment with a compromise set between size and efficiency. However we do not plan on building the life size model. Next semester, we plan on building a prototype that would be relatively 1/10 the scale of our ideal model. Through dimensional analysis it will be possible to make the proper performance comparisons with the other models.
Due to constraints in budget and knowledge we have decided to design and build a simple three blade Darrieus wind turbine. The blades will be flat and would involve no specific curvature that would certainly complicate our design. For our first prototype we plan on utilizing galvanized aluminum sheets to serve as the material for our blades. This aluminum offers great flexibility; it is ideal for easy shaping. Also it is cost effective for building several prototypes.
For more detailed blade designs we have the option of using 3-D printers at a Fabrication Laboratory at the Community College of Baltimore County. In this case the blade material would most likely be a light weight, and ductile, thermoplastic. The exact dimensions of the blades are still to be determined for testing next semester. Through rigorous testing an analysis of prototypes the exact design details will be achieved.
Due to constraints in budget and knowledge we have decided to design and build a simple three blade Darrieus wind turbine. The blades will be flat and would involve no specific curvature that would certainly complicate our design. For our first prototype we plan on utilizing galvanized aluminum sheets to serve as the material for our blades. This aluminum offers great flexibility; it is ideal for easy shaping. Also it is cost effective for building several prototypes.
For more detailed blade designs we have the option of using 3-D printers at a Fabrication Laboratory at the Community College of Baltimore County. In this case the blade material would most likely be a light weight, and ductile, thermoplastic. The exact dimensions of the blades are still to be determined for testing next semester. Through rigorous testing an analysis of prototypes the exact design details will be achieved.
Envisioned Application
Click here to see an animated version of our envisioned application