User:1eagbai/Project2

Project Preference

 * Wind Turbine
 * Mobile Robot Hallway Navigation
 * MakerBot PLA Material Characterisation

Problem Statement
For the next 4 weeks, my group will be focusing on the Wind Turbine Project. Our task primarily will be to complete the design phase of the project from where the last group left off, and also come up with a step by step procedure for the next group to follow through when testing and implementing the process on the design.

For this design, we will be modelling our task for the next 4 weeks based on Wind Turbine Report Design B CDIO report. We will also be referring back to the initial CDIO Wind Turbine Report A from the past group for ideas that we will either implement or modify.

Project Plan

 * Week 1: Research on how different shrouds can effect the power generated on the Wind Turbine and also understand the current components better and perform modifications where necessary.
 * Week 2: Modify the configuration to increase power generation on the LCD display (add resistor display component on the LCD screen)
 * Week 3:
 * Week 4:

Week 1 Narrative
This week, I first went back to look at what the previous group has done to get a better an understanding of the project and what we have to do as a group to be successful given the time constraint. We looked at the current design and we made a few points Before leaving the lab, i took data to help me research and during the course of my research, I found; With this data, I have an idea of the amount of air speed from the TORO Sweep that is being used to generate power during my test.
 * A circular or different shroud design could cause more air speed to flow into the Wind Turbine; this, generated a higher voltage on the LCD display
 * A stronger air generator (in comparison to the TORO power sweep) would more likely generate more higher voltage
 * We also wanted to run a test to find out the different voltages that can be generated when the TORO sweep (air speed) is used to exert air from different distances and get values of the following;
 * Air Speed of the TORO Power Sweep - 160mph (257.5 kph)
 * CFM (cubic feet minute) - 155 (4.4 cu.m.per minute) (blow mode)

Next step was to run the test from different position and see what readings will be generated

With the detachable component attached as seen on Fig. 1.3

With the detachable component off

These value also gives us an idea of the wind pattern (vortex) that would generate more power. I modelled my weeks task based on the Experimental prototypes and testing conducted during design on our CDIO Report and I also found this design (Fig. 1.2) concept that I taught would be a good Alternative Design
 * N.B. This week, we intend to find modify the design to try and make it generate more power. We also want to find out how much voltage the fan generate as this will give is the fan limitations.
 * Fig 1.1 and Fig. 1.2 were the other design concepts that I found. 

Week 2 Narrative
This week, after speaking with Professor Edelen, my group split up put task and I was assigned to study the fan. This included, getting a exact reading on the power (Watt) and also figuring out if its runs on an AC or DC current. This seemed to be an easy research but it proved difficult I wasn't finding anything helpful. Let me explain my goal.

When I spoke with Professor Edelen, he mentioned something about the fan and how it might not be producing all the current it can because it outputs alternating current (AC) and not direct current (DC) power. So this week, my plan was to figure out what type of current this type of fans produce. The fans are DC fans for cooling a CPU however, when used to generate power like for a wind turbine, changed needs to be made on the fan to ensure it output the intended power.

This picture is similar to our fan and i plan to take the fan apart and must remove the IC. By doing so, I get the induced current from the motor, which enables the fan to be used as a power generator. The procedure for this process is simple and quick to follow and it's stated below;

The back of the fan will have a Sticker/Label, peel that off, then you will see the small hole in the middle. It will have a C Clip or Plastic C Clip take that out with an alligator clip (making sure you don't break it). Then the fan blades will come off, now you'll see the Circuit Board. There is a Diode on the + Side of where the Red + Wire is soldered﻿ into place; remove that diode or just use a small piece of copper to jump the Diode. Put the fan back on. The process is demonstrated in this step by step process

For this week, the task it to get the fan to generate watt by modifying it and also start working on the idea on better shrouds or jut modiying what we have. Also, getting the LCD to read Watt will be a priority this week. Link to Alternative Design I also went ahead to purchase a fan in a situation where we break the current one so we won't be stranded on our project. It will arrive sometime this week.

N.B. During my research I found a documentation on induced current that gave me more insight on the fan produces current without connecting the wire directly to a voltage source.

Week 3 Narrative
This week, my task was to work on the fan and with the research done from last week, remove the supply wires from fan, and with the help of the tutorial from last week, re-solder them directly in the holes of the removed induced current (IC).

Working at the engineering lab The first step was to disassemble the fan. I opened up the fan, and to do that, I used a crocodile clip to removed the rubber piece of plastic lock that holds fan shaft secured. Then I took the fan motor apart and using the tutorial and online, i was trying to figure out where the supply pins will go to enable only DC current to be outputted. The fan I was working with had a different pin location to the one on the tutorial and i tried researching on the schematics of the fan online for more information but i wasn't getting anywhere. Also the fan i was working with had 2 supply cables compared to 3 on the tutorial.



I bought a fan as a back-up so I borrowed the soldering iron to work with the new fan and convert it. I was able to open it up but during the process of trying to get the motor out, the board of the motor broke. I couldn't tell whether it was still going to work so I plan to test it in the lab on monday and if it does work, i'll try and re-solder the pins so the fan can produce DC power.

Week 4 Narrative
My task for this week was to finally make the fan by re-soldering the pins. With the new fans that i bought, I re soldered the pins and tested it to make sure it works. The fan supply pins were taken off their pins and re soldered on the coil pins; this, making the fan generate DC current. The video of me soldering the fan is here



I also came up with a drawing of the jet engine concept which could be a possible alternative for our design