The Effect of Changing the Number and Angle of Blades on the Energy That a Windmill Can Produce
The purpose of this experiment was to determine what configuration of a model windmill would produce an optimal energy output. One independent variable was the number of blades on the model windmill, varying between 3, 4, and 5 blades. The other independent variable was the angle of the blades measured perpendicular to the wind direction, varying between 10°, 20°, and 30°. These variables were selected because they were found to have the most noticeable effect on the energy output of the model windmill. Both the number and angle of the blades affected the surface area that was accelerated by the wind, consequently accelerating the rotation of the windmill. This experiment determined that 5 blades, each at a 10° angle, produced the highest kinetic energy output. Using a two-factor DOE, this experiment verified that both the number of blades and the blade angle affected the kinetic energy produced by the model windmill.
Research Done By:
Scott Jarema
Sterling Heights High School
Billy Jensen
Warren Mott High School
Warren Consolidated Schools