Josh “J-Man” Clark Brad “Fender” Rhodes Nick “Texas Pete” Rutledge Haochen “Mr. T” Zhang Powerhouse

Introduction Task: Design and build a windmill that will generate at least 1V of electricity to illuminate a small bulb. Process: We chose to use a modified desk fan to act as the primary structure. We then constructed a cardboard generator using magnet wire and high-powered magnets. The electricity generated was then sent to a small circuit board to power a series of LED lights.

Generator  We used cardboard to construct the magnet housing due to its simplicity and low cost.  We invested a large part of the budget in powerful magnets to maximize generator output.  30 gauge magnet wire was used for the coils.

Fan We obtained a 12” desk fan for the main structure. The fan motor was stripped of all functioning parts except the shaft, so that the existing bearings would allow the shaft to spin freely. A platform was attached to support the generator.

Electrical Output The generator outputs AC voltage, the diode bridge converts it to DC. The circuit then uses a series of transistors and voltage dividers to determine the relative voltage level and lights up the appropriate number of LED’s.

Budget Industrial Strength Magnets: $16.00 Fan: $4.00 Magnet Wire: $4.00 Minor Components (platform, circuit board, etc.): $9.39 Subtotal: $33.41 Tax (9.25%): *33.39 = $3.09 Grand Total: $36.50

Calculations Variables Declared Radius Length (dist from wind source) Molecular Mass Air Pressure Power Output Voltage V = 15.5 V Area of Blade Coverage Equations Used Kinetic Energy Assume 1 second: Measured Output: Efficiency:

Powerhouse Summary Design Difficulties  Several attempts were required to build the finalized support platform.  The circuit board was complex to wire correctly.  Both of these problems at some point contributed to going over budget.  By stripping unnecessary parts, we forged a more perfect machine. Conclusion  Our original hypothesis was correct, that the strength of the magnet was the prime factor.  Due to the strength of the magnet, we generated on average 15.5V, approx. 10 times the required voltage. Project VideoProject Video w/ Audio