Frequently Asked Questions
How are you constructing the propellers?
We are using the online program Fusion 360 to model the design of the normal and the whale inspired propellers. Using this software, we plan on creating the design using 3-D printers in the Innovation Studio. This way we are able to keep the error minimal as they will both be made with the same material.
Why did you choose whale fins as your source of inspiration?
The blue whale weighs 300,000 pounds. In order to propel something this massive so fluidly through water, a whale must have efficient and effective hydrodynamic locomotive capabilities. By adding the bumps along the edges of the turbine blades analogous to the bumps along the edge of a whale fin, we hope to increase aerodynamic lift and reduce drag to our wind turbines, increasing energy output.
How are you converting the mechanical motion of the turbine blades into electrical energy?
We re-purposed an electric motor to act as an electric generator, using the rotation of the rotor to induce a current in the battery. This is exact opposite function of the normal usage of the motor which induces a current using a battery to rotate the rotor.
How do you know that the modified turbine blades will be more efficient than normal ones?
We will be creating two sets of blades: whale fin inspired blades and unmodified, traditional turbine blades. Connecting the electric generator to a digital multi-meter, we will be able to determine a numerical value for electrical output, allowing us to compare the efficiency of the whale fin blades relative to the unmodified ones.
How will you determine the spacing between ridges of the modified blades?
Research into whale-fin inspired blades already exists, and scientists have been able to determine a mathematical formula that relates the depth and width of the ridges to the width of the entire blade. Using this formula, we were able to accurately ascertain the dimensions of the ridges required to maximize efficiency.
Why did you choose whale fins as your source of inspiration?
The blue whale weighs 300,000 pounds. In order to propel something this massive so fluidly through water, a whale must have efficient and effective hydrodynamic locomotive capabilities. By adding the bumps along the edges of the turbine blades analogous to the bumps along the edge of a whale fin, we hope to increase aerodynamic lift and reduce drag to our wind turbines, increasing energy output.
How are you converting the mechanical motion of the turbine blades into electrical energy?
We re-purposed an electric motor to act as an electric generator, using the rotation of the rotor to induce a current in the battery. This is exact opposite function of the normal usage of the motor which induces a current using a battery to rotate the rotor.
How do you know that the modified turbine blades will be more efficient than normal ones?
We will be creating two sets of blades: whale fin inspired blades and unmodified, traditional turbine blades. Connecting the electric generator to a digital multi-meter, we will be able to determine a numerical value for electrical output, allowing us to compare the efficiency of the whale fin blades relative to the unmodified ones.
How will you determine the spacing between ridges of the modified blades?
Research into whale-fin inspired blades already exists, and scientists have been able to determine a mathematical formula that relates the depth and width of the ridges to the width of the entire blade. Using this formula, we were able to accurately ascertain the dimensions of the ridges required to maximize efficiency.
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