We devise an undergraduate experiment to evaluate the wind turbine power coefficient. The apparatus features a commercial miniature rotor hub that allows both blade replacement and adjustment of the pitch angle. The blades are 3D printed. Three pedagogical objectives are emphasized: (1) the demonstration of a practical application of rotational mechanics, (2) the illustration of wind harvesting by parameter optimization, and (3) the appreciation of where the unharvested wind energy goes. Analysis of the student performance shows that the three objectives are partially achieved.

Topics
Wind energy, Wind turbines, Rotational dynamics, Aerodynamics, 3D printing, Students, Learning and learning models, Educational aids, Curriculum, Laboratories
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© 2021 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2021
American Association of Physics Teachers

Supplementary Material

Supplementary materials- zip file
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