KidWind Challenge 2014 Research Statement Antilles School U.S.V.I. Hurricane Winds

Research Different Designs: There are two types of turbines, vertical and horizontal. Vertical Horizontal Vertical turbines are less efficient. They have a greater amount of surface area needed which produces more drag. Blade Design

Wind Energy Used in the Virgin Islands: In the U.S. Virgin Islands conventional energy is extremely expensive, making alternate sources of energy a necessity for our islands. Wind power is clean and would be optimal for our islands due to how much wind the islands receive.

Peter Island Resort Private Island that upgraded to wind power in the past decade. The island is primarily powered by four Diesel Generators. The two wind turbines can power excess of 50% of the entire island on good windy days. Photo Credit:

First Design Blades Degree: 15 Degrees is optimal blade angle also tested at 45,30,25, 20, and 10 degrees. Stand Vertical stand made from recycled wood from past theater productions.

First Turbine without gears Blades The blade materials were made of balsa wood Final Data/Energy (4) Magnets (4) Balsa Wood Blades 4 magnets=1.7v 2 magnet 0.6v 6 wraps & 2 Magnets =2.4v 6 wraps & 1 Magnet = 1v 10 wrap & 2 Magnets = 3.4v Increased wraps increased output significantly More magnets increased energy output 8” blades (4) 1.1v – pitch 30 degrees 8” baldes (4) 1.8 v – pitch degrees 10” blades (4).9 v

Final Design Stand & Blades Degree: 15 Degrees is optimal blade angle also tested at 45,30,25, 20, and 10 degrees. Recycled wood from past theatre productions Balsa wood birdhouse was removed to improve results Gear Box 8:1 ratio KidWind Gear set We decided on a gear box to get the best possible efficiency

Wind Energy Today Local- Locally wind energy has not yet become prevalent. Global- Globally wind energy has revolutionize the world by becoming a cheap clean alternative energy source. The future Local future- Our island may not be able to depend on local utility companies such as WAPA.But we will always be able to depend upon our local trade winds that are almost constantly blowing. Global Future Designs

Thank you