
Windmill Blade Shape, Size, and Electrical Output
Medium
Does a trapezoid blade spin a windmill better than a square or triangle? Blade shape and size control how much electricity a generator produces.
You build a windmill connected to a small motor and amp meter. You cut 96 blades in four shapes and three sizes. You test every combination at three different blade angles and record the milliamps.
The largest trapezoid blades at 75 degrees produced the most electricity. The smallest blades in every shape produced none at all.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that a trapezoid shaped blade at 75 degrees with the largest surface area will generate the greatest amount of electricity.
Method & Materials
You will build a windmill, attach a motor to it, and measure the electricity produced with an amp meter. You will also cut out blades in different shapes and sizes and attach them to the windmill.
You will need a windmill, an amp meter, a fan, a tape measure, an electrical motor, and 24 blades in different shapes and sizes.
Eureka Crate — engineering & invention kits for ages 12+ — monthly projects that build real-world skills. (Affiliate link)
See what’s includedResults
The results showed that the trapezoid blades with an area of 98cm2 at 75 degrees produced the most electricity. Even though the trapezoid shape was the most efficient, the other blade angles and surface areas may be better shapes for a windmill.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it helps us understand how different blade designs can affect the amount of electricity produced by a windmill.
Also Consider
Consider testing different blade angles and surface areas to see if they produce more electricity than the trapezoid shape. Also, consider testing different wind speeds to see how it affects the electricity produced.
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.Related video
These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Share this Science Project:
Related Science Fair Project Ideas
Design a model insect from simple materials and see if you can make it stand on water using surface tension.
Medium
Design a protective case from household materials and find out whether your raw egg survives a high drop.
Medium
Build a working model elevator from thread reels and string that moves up and down when you turn a spool.
Medium
Share this Science Project:
