1. Mr. Conkey Physical Science/Project Recharge Unit 1:Lesson 8
Energy Basics

2. Learning Objective and Essential Questions
I will be able to use the Engineering Design Process to design blades for a windmill and wind turbine in order to generate lift and electricity
Essential Questions –
How do you design a turbine that performs tasks?
When the wind blows is that considered a form of energy?

3. Wind Energy and Wind Power
Wind is a form of Solar Energy
Caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the Sun, irregularities of Earth’s surface, and Earth’s rotation
Wind flow, or motion energy can be used to generate mechanical power or electricity

4. Windmills Versus Wind Turbinesz z
Windmills Versus Wind Turbines
Windmills – convert wind energy directly into mechanical energy
Used for tasks such as milling grain or pumping water
Wind Turbine – converts wind energy into electricity

5. Newton’s Third Law and the Bernoulli Effect
Newton’s third law (revisited) – for every action there is an equal/opposite reaction
Wind pushes air against windmill blades and blades are deflected
Bernoulli Effect – faster moving air has lower pressure
See the picture over here!

6. z z
Drag, Lift, and Torque
Drag (air resistance) – a force working against blades, causing them to slow down
Lift – aerodynamic force allowing airplanes/helicopters to fly
Torque – a force that turns or rotates something
Torque = Force x Distance