This unit begins our study of wind power and turbines. Students will make a small scale and a large scale wind turbine. The small turbine project is an investigation of blade design and serves as a research and development phase in the design of a larger turbine to follow. The large turbines will be mounted temporarily outside and generate electricity that will be used to power machines and charge batteries. This unit will also feature a field trip to Cohocton Wind Farm where students will get up close to very large 2.5MW Clipper turbines and enjoy a tour by local turbine engineers. In addition, students will enjoy a presentation by a WindTamer representative as they learn about a local company that is opening the market for the unique diffuser augmented wind turbine (i.e. the daffodil turbine).
