The Effect of Blade Length and Shape Windmill Science Fair Projects

PURPOSE

The purpose of this experiment was to determine how the length and shape of windmill blades affected the amount of power produced.

I became interested in this idea when I saw windmills on a family trip. There were different types and I wondered which one produced the most energy.

The information gained from this experiment will be helpful for people who want to generate their own electricity as well as managers of large energy corporations.

This also makes a great project for classrooms, science camps and groups. Check out the discount prices.

HYPOTHESIS

My first hypothesis was that the 4 cm. blades would produce a greater amount of electricity than the 12 cm. or 8 cm. blades. My second hypothesis was that the square blades would produce more energy than the regular blades of the same length.

I based my hypothesis on a statement by a previous seventh grade researcher, Ashleigh Buckendal, who said, "The longer blade will not produce the most energy, it produces the least. The shortest blades create the most."

EXPERIMENT DESIGN

The constants in this study were

The type of wood used to make the windmill and the blades
The generator used to produce electricity
The millivoltmeter used to measure the amount of power produced by the windmill.
The height of the windmill
The angle of the blades, 45°
The hair dryer used to provide wind
Distance away from windmill the blow dryer is placed
The speed of the blow dryer
Amount of time for each trial

The manipulated variables were the shape and size of the blades on the windmill.

The responding variable was the amount of energy produced by the different types of windmill blades.

To measure the responding variable I used a millivoltmeter attached to the windmill’s generator.

MATRIALS

Continue this abstract here... windmill science fair projects for kids.