WindTurbine_TestFlight_2009-11-18.mov

Airborne Wind Turbine

Lifting turbine with party helium balloons -- Theresa & Uri, 2009-11-18

Observations
Party Helium balloons are sufficient to lift the turbine
These balloons are fun
Possible learning activities
Calculate how many balloons it takes to lift the turbine
Attach streamers to the tether lines at fixed intervals and observe wind velocity (speed & direction) -- chart & graph
Needs
At least 30 balloons;
Two tether lines with fishing poles to stabilize the orientation of the turbine;
This activity requires a flight kit for each student team (4-5 students), as having a single kit for the whole class will leave most students just to observe (unengaged, etc.)
Open questions
How to make the turbine stationary so the wind can power it. That is, if the turbine is not anchored, the whole device will just blow in the wind and its rotor will not rotate.

Stanford University School of Education Copyright ©2009

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• WindTurbine
• TestFlight
• 2009
• 11
• 18