New & Improved Trubines

So...after working and researching the different types of turbines which have been developed, I decided to investigate the Helical turbine. The main advantage of this type of turbine, is that it is derived from both the Savonius and Derrieus turbine...and hence, it has the best of both worlds in the sense that it has drag and lift capabilities.
After several attempts of developing one, I finally managed to build a few myself. The craftmanship of the turbines are far from exquisite, but the efficiency is still there. I found that these were much lighter in weight as well as easier to rotate and generate movement. One thing which I noticed but was not at all surprised with, was the aspect that the wider the aerofoils were, the less efficient my turbines were, due to there being more surface drag. So the question now becomes, how small of an aerofoil do I have to develop so I reach an optimal relationship between lift and drag.

Abstract: Wind Turbines and Technology

Abstract:

The focus which my project is directed towards is in regard to the element of wind and the properties that accompany this natural phenomenon. The studio project which I am involved with is in a community with many social and economic problems. The intention of incorporating wind systems to this project was based on achieving a supplementary form of energy and full spectrum of motion to fulfill similar mechanical equipments.

The focus of wind mechanisms and the aspect of application for building systems have been recently researched in a general premise. Attention towards learning and researching both vertical and horizontal axial windmills and turbines is my primary focus for this project. The research involved would be based on the components essential in a turbine, such as the gears, generators, high torque shafts and aerofins. In addition, further exploration would be applied to storage of energy and use of electricity which is generated by these devices. Aspects of battery packs, on the small scale, as well as transformers for larger scale could be involved in the research. In conjunction with this, exploration into alternative wind capturing devices such as air impermeable fabrics and lightweight plastics is yet another element which could further enhance the studio project. Research into these sorts of technology could be applied to establish efficiency of both types of common turbines. Related ideas which deal with my project are the aspect of air flow and the “Bernoulli Effect”. The process of developing a device which diverted and concentrated air flow into specific space is another aspect which I intend to inquire.

Finally, other than simply focusing on the product of wind turbines, the research could potentially be directed by the historical application of wind turbines. What were they previously used for in building applications and what new development and innovative ways are they being applied today. For the most part, the research in focused on the generation of energy in the form of electricity (Power), but also, it will touch on the generation of sound, irrigation and agriculture.

EUREKA!!....I DID IT!

So....after many countless and miserable nights attempting to have my wind turbines generate any amount of energy, I finally manage to generate some voltages. Although this is only a first step, it helps guide me to modify and experiment with my turbines and design.
Some of the observations which I noted which helped and enhanced the effectiveness of my turbines were: Wind Direction. It was noted that when the fan was blowing towards the turbines at a perpendicular angle, it was initially harder for the turbines to move. As the wind direction was moved and modified, the easier the start up began.
Wind Volume: Other observations that were noted dealt with the aspect of wind volume, when more wind was redirected into a concentration area, instead of a general path, the turbines picked up more rotation.
Size: Although I believe I am reaching a point where the size of the turbines cannot be enlarged much more (Due to maintaining appropriate proportions with model) I do think the the amount of wind extracted can be increased, by making the turbines larger.
Design: Although this may actually be the most important element, the design of the turbines need to be refined to produce the best turbines, with the limited amount of engineering background and knowledge which I have or have attained.
So...after a long and definitely overdue period, here is my images captured during experimentation.

Turbines....2.0 New and Improved

After working on sketches to develop newer wind turbines, I finally had these new ones cut out and assembled. I find they work out much easier than my previous models and hence, they should be able to generate some energy. My primary concern with these turbines is that they be as efficient as possible and eliminate as much drag as well.
Through my research and experimentation, I limited my wind capturing devices to 4 types which I found to be the most efficient. Although they lack some aesthetic quality, they accomplish the aspect of movement through wind. Although these are my second iterations, I find there are still other possibilities for improvements, such as size of turbines, size of aerofins and number of intermediate connectors.

Completion and Revision

After completion of my final lasercutting, problems regarding scale and proportions of life size wind turbines has come to me as my primary concern. Due to the fact that my model is built at a 1:50 scale, the size of my generator (motor) needs to be appropriately scaled down as well. In doing so, the energy output of the smallest motor I can find, does not allow me to produce sufficient amount of energy let alone, any energy. the problem with using a larger motor is that a) it is not realistically an appropriate size as well as it becomes much more difficult to turn the wind devices and produce energy.

Wind Turbines...Model and Developments

After discussions with my professor about developing my project to further understand my direction, I managed to get some time to cut out a portion of my building and windturbines.
Although unsuccessful in cutting out all my pieces to greatly establish a formidable amount to distinguish it as my model, I was successful in cutting out pieces which allow me to play and observe the different type of turbines which I decided to investigate.



Throughout my investigation, I looked at several aspects which I thought would alter the efficiency and look of the turbines. I played around with materials which had different thicknesses as well as transparency and mounting connection to the building.

Construction at a Better Scale

After reviewing the commentaries I received from my review last week, I have been in the process of drawing up my model at a more appropriate scale, and one which will not take up half the room. although it may be smaller, it will allow me to focus on the entire build/warehouse instead of simply on one facade. The problems I have encountered is that my wind capturing devices also are being scale down and this develops the problem of sufficiently producing enough energy to run a LED. Referring back to my review and the discussions which were introduced then, the aspect of structure and how the building will compensate will still a question needing resolution.

Wind as a light source or sound source

Although my idea of harnessing the wind is still my main concern, I am still at a standpoint whether I should harness the energy to develop light or sound. I found some interesting links which have provided insightful inspiration and possibly direction, but my concern regarding who this design applies to continues to pester inside. The aspect of integrating some realism to this project in regards to use maintains to be a question.
This link I found caught my attention because of the simplicity of generating energy on a small scale. Each LED is indepently lit , but as a whole, the system has the potential for lighting.

Intermediate Reviews... Am I Blowing Wind?

Based on my presentation which occurred on Friday, I was given several ideas and critiques regarding the direction, as well as my influences which I should look at for my project. Some of the most immediate response which I received was regarding the structural implication as well as scale of the wind capturing devices and turbines. Although it is easy to simply state that they will attach to the side of a wall or on tip of the roof, it was pointed that there are implications of a "field full" of wind turbines on a site. Also, there was discussion regarding the integration of my previous work into this project...How is it incorporated and how does it relate? Aspect I still believe I am attempting to resolve. The application of sound and wind was also discuss during my presentation.
Therefore, in light of my review, my intention for the next period of time is to research and construct elements which incorporate more subtle application of wind and possibly sound. The elements of implementing turbines in the same historical fashion as before, for electricity, agriculture and water pumping, I believe, still has merit an application in my project, but question regarding why, need to be resolved. Other aspect which will need to be address promptly is in regards to the size of my project. The intention was to make it large to the turbines created would be of appropriate size in which they could properly function and capture wind. The negative side to this dilemma, is that it creates the problem of needing to address a larger model and all sides of it. In relationship with my other courses, which relate to this, research needs to also focus on light weight plastic as well as air impermeable fabrics.
Until then I will continue to create devices to catch my wind.

Development of Wind Devices

After looking at few models of Savonius wind turbines, I began working on my own iteration of these types of turbines. due to the possibility of fabrication of these by lasercutting, These are my drawing which I will be cutting myself. The precision may not be as accurate, but the intention of capturing the wind still will be. I intend on making several types which will help me determine and research which is most effective as well as suitable for the proposed site and building that I have chosen.

Simple Wind Devices and further research

So after diverting my research in the wrong direction. I have returned my attention back to wind capturing devices. Initially, I tried to look at the most innovative and complex products which were being developed. Fortunately, I have been given inspiration in simpler means of capturing wind.
here are a few examples of projects which are being developed by individuals who are simply looking for efficient wind power energy.
Although the research displays several different types of wind turbines, the attempt is to see which one will produce the most amount of electrical energy. Because the site is located within the urban content, the ideal choice of research is focused on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines.

Laser cut Drawings

After deciding on having the building as my substrate and focus for my project, I drew up my model, which will be placed into our lasercutting machine on Monday. If problems persist with the machine, I'll have to find alternative means of cutting out the immense amount of windows.

Building Substrate and Proof of Concept...all in question.

As I visit the site and understand the project slightly better, I see that the direction of my project is moving away, for the moment, on the focus of wind and wind capturing devices, but instead, it is focusing more on the theory of the rhythm and harmony within a structure.
Regarding my proof of concept, I'm still at a bit of a loss where I'm going with this. There are particular interest within my site, but none which I have given full attention to. For the next few days, questions regarding the direction of my project are going to need to be addressed and resolved. The aspect of wind capturing devices, as well as rhythm and harmony are going to have to have some relationship to my previous work in my last semester.
As for now, I will attempt to design my substrate and find a proof of concept.

Further Research into Wind Turbines

After researching information regarding windmills in Holland and other innovative turbines, I faced a question regarding if these objects can become more dynamic and responsive through human involvement and interaction. In the mean time I found some interesting information on wind turbines being used in Chicago, (The Windy City) and how it relates well with my trouble of incorporating it into our Canadian version of the windy city here in Winnipeg
Check it out: http://www.metaefficient.com/renewable-power/rooftop-wind-turbines-ready-for-commercial-use.html

Windmills & the Innovative advancements

While doing research on windmills and wind turbines, I came across various new models of wind powered equipment which have developed throughout the past decades. I hope these help in my search to incorporate these design concepts in a similar form, but in a way which relates loser with my own direction, however obscure it still seems at this point.
here are some images of the recent developments in this field of technology























Also...More directly related with my concept of persistence of vision, I found a website which describes this aspect in combination with wind turbines.
http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/218/

Site Selection...?

After discussions in studio, I have narrowed my selection down to one particular site which allows for integration of my project. I returned back to the site to get better measurements and to locate better information regarding the nature of the site, such as prevailing winds and optimal use of the sun etc.

During my site visit of Point Douglas and particularly this bldg, I found that this bldg had undergone some changes, which I intend to figure if it were structural or some other damage, due to the evidence of different material and construction.

Findings of "Time Fountains"

I don't know if this applies to anyone else or simply to my self but I found some interesting research on "Time fountains" and more specifically, the information regarding how to make one. I think this be helpful later on when I start to apply the topic of Persistence of vision to my project to relate it back to last semester work.
Check it out: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/08/how_to_make_a_time_fountain.html
The question will be if it will be possible to manipulate my project enough to move in sequence with the strobe lights, as this guy did.

Further Photos and Explanation.

After posting my selections of site late last night. I realized that viewing the pictures was nearly impossible. Although theses following pictures exclude the aspect of the surrounding environment, I thought I would still post these for more detail on the selection of bldgs and site.

This one Bldg was in the southern sector of Point Douglas. It interested me for the simple reason that it had a large flat facade which I thought I could potentially use to incorporate the question of rhythm and harmony. Overall, this area is starting to be developed, but I find this nook is still undisturbed and manipulated.

This bldg caught my eyes because the the proximity to the river. The aspect of using the wind, which travels strongly through this area and integrating my project is what intrigues me about this bldg. The possibility of further expanding deeper into Point Douglas is another question which I still need to explore.

This bldg, I was most fascinated with because of the smoke stack which accompanied the bldg. The possibility of integrating through the stack and into the bldg or the possibility of integrating a span which visually connects the two ends of the rail line together interest me. Out of all the sites, I find this to be the one with the most flexibility and potential.

The last bldg, which was difficult to access, was also a good selection due to the similar relationship to the proximity to the rail lines.




Finally, questions regarding the "persistence of memory" and capturing of movement still provide disturbing thoughts regarding the direction of my project. How do these topics relate? how do I find there relationship and one of my questions from year...why? How does this interact beyond the immediate environment.

Site Exploration and Choices in Point Douglas

After visiting the area of Point Douglas several times. the choices regarding where I believe my project should be situated is still becoming difficult to pinpoint. I have looked at several areas which I have concluded have potential for integration of my machine which captures movement through time. Based on discussions with my professor, concepts regarding rhythm, harmony and perception were brought to my attention while looking for an appropriate location. More importantly, the aspect of persistence of memory and vision were also discussed with my professor. This concept, although fresh in my thoughts, hasn't been fully researched. As far as I have had the chance, precedences such as "Time Fountains" have been the initial direction which my project has been leading. The aspect of capturing and manipulating the movement of an object is principally the direction for this semester.
Therefore, Although difficult to narrow to one specific site, I have selected the following for review.