Vernier Software & Technology

# Wind Power

## Introduction

Power from the wind has become an increasingly popular option for electricity generation. Unlike traditional energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas that contribute large quantities of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, wind power relies on a non-polluting, renewable, ever-present  resource—the wind. In recent years, the cost of harnessing energy from the wind has become more affordable making it a viable alternative for many communities.

A wind turbine generally consists of a two- or three-bladed propeller made of aluminum or fiberglass mounted on the top of a tall tower. It converts energy from the mechanical energy of moving air to electrical energy by means of a generator. The wind causes the shaft of the turbine to spin which in turn causes a generator to produce electricity.

In this experiment, you will measure the power output of a wind turbine, investigate the relationship between power output and wind speed, and determine the relationship between power output and rotor shape.

You will use a small motor as a generator and a pinwheel as the turbine. The power output of the pinwheel can be determined by measuring the current and voltage produced by the motor. Power is determined using the relationship

$P{\text{ }} = {\text{ }}V{\text{ }}I$ ${\text{Power}} = {\text{voltage}} \times {\text{current}}$

## Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Use a Current Probe to measure current output.
• Use a Voltage Probe to measure voltage output.
• Calculate power output.
• Determine the relationship between power output and wind speed.
• Determine the relationship between power output and rotor shape.

## Sensors and Equipment

This experiment features the following Vernier sensors and equipment.

You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?

## Agricultural Science with Vernier

See other experiments from the lab book.

 1 Introduction to Data Collection 2 Acids and Bases 3 Diffusion through Membranes 4 Conducting Solutions 5 Osmosis 6 Respiration of Sugars by Yeast 7 Reflection and Absorption of Light 8 Soil pH 9 Soil Salinity 10 Soil Temperature 11 Soil Moisture 12A Photosynthesis and Respiration (CO2) 12B Photosynthesis and Respiration (O2) 12C Photosynthesis and Respiration (CO2 and O2) 13 Transpiration 14A Cell Respiration (CO2) 14B Cell Respiration (O2) 14C Cell Respiration (CO2 and O2) 15 The Greenhouse Effect 16 Energy in Food 17A Enzyme Action: Testing Catalase Activity 17B Enzyme Action: Testing Catalase Activity 18A Lactase Action 18B Lactase Action 19 Oxygen Gas and Human Respiration 20 Biochemical Oxygen Demand 21 Animal Temperature 22 Lemon "Juice" 23 Ohm's Law 24 Energy Content of Fuels 25 Photovoltaic Cells 26 Wind Power 27 Watershed Testing 28 Interdependence of Plants and Animals 29 Biodiversity and Ecosystems

### Experiment 26 from Agricultural Science with Vernier Lab Book

#### Included in the Lab Book

Vernier lab books include word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.