Set the fan on the lowest speed that causes the rotor assembly to begin to
turn. If using a hand fan, wave it as slowly as possible at first. You may
need more wind speed if the rotor does not turn. If the rotor does not turn
after adjusting the fan speed, try repositioning the fan so it blows more
directly onto the rotor. Other troubleshooting tips: Check the macaroni to
make sure it isn't too heavy; check the straw to make sure it spins easily in
the nacelle.
4. As you test each design, your goal is to see how many macaroni or paper
clips each rotor design can haul all the way up the tower. You should test
each rotor design three times to prove the maximum amount of macaroni or
paper clips it can haul.
5. Start with one macaroni. The string should be tied around the paper clip and
bring the macaroni up to the top as the rotor turns.
6. Next, attach a second macaroni on the string and see if the rotor can haul
two macaroni. If so, continue with three macaroni, and so on.
7. Once you have maxed out the amount of macaroni your turbine can haul,
continue your trials with paper clips. Take off the last macaroni you added
(which made it too heavy) and keep the other macaroni on the string. Then
add paper clips to the string. You can add five at a time to the string and test
again. Keep adding until the turbine can no longer haul any more weight.
Record the maximum number of macaroni and paper clips your turbine
hauled in the chart below.
8. Remember to repeat the trial three times for each design.
9. Test your other design by repeating steps 5 to 8.
10. After testing both rotor designs, compare the results in the chart. Which design was able to haul more weight? What factors do you think contributed to the success of one design over the other?
11. Analyze the data and draw conclusions about which rotor design is more efficient and effective in hauling weight up the tower. Consider the materials used, the design of the rotor blades, and any other factors that may have influenced the results.
12. Think of how you could improve your rotor designs for better performance. Consider experimenting with different materials, shapes, sizes, or angles of the rotor blades. Make note of any ideas for future iterations of your wind turbine project.
13. Share your findings and conclusions with others, such as classmates, teachers, or family members. Discuss the challenges you faced, the strategies you used, and the results you achieved. Consider ways to collaborate with others on similar projects or to incorporate feedback for future improvements.
14. Reflect on the process of building and testing your wind turbine rotor designs. What did you learn about aerodynamics, engineering, and problem-solving? How could you apply these skills and knowledge to other projects or real-world scenarios? Consider how wind energy is used in the world and its potential for sustainability and environmental impact.