Introduction

A load is a device that uses electrical energy to accomplish its task. The simplest form of a load is a resistor. In most cases, resistors are used to adjust the amount of energy that reaches another load connected to the circuit by changing a voltage or diverting a current. Additional examples of loads include lights, fans, heaters, and more complicated devices such as televisions or computers. Any device that uses electricity can be considered a load.

In this experiment, you will measure the power output of a wind turbine and determine the optimal load. That is, you will determine the resistance for which the power output is greatest. You will then compare the optimal load to the internal resistance of the generator.

Objectives