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.