User:Nkapustin/Project1/CDIO

Problem Statement
The goal is to build a wind turbine (or use an existing prototype), quantify and measure power generation, and demonstrate the benefit of recent technological advances (e.g. wind lens). A Conceive document is not applicable.

Requirements for each element or component derived from system level goals and requirements
The requirements for this wind turbine were generated from the previous groups work. They include:
 * 1) quantify power generation
 * 2) measure power generation
 * 3) demonstrate the benefit of recent technological advances
 * 4) show how shrouded wind turbines work better than traditional wind turbines

Alternatives in design

 * 1) serial monitor display
 * 2) LCD monitor display

The initial design
The initial design included reading the wind turbine power generation through the serial monitor on the screen by connecting the Arduino to the computer.

Experimental prototypes and testing conducted during design
N/A (I THINK)

Appropriate optimization in the presence of constraints
The constraints made us design the circuit to do a certain task and it also had to consume as little power as possible. It also had to fit onto the device itself so it would be extremely compact and easy to transport. These were all accommodated through the design that it took up less than 8 inches of space on the actual device, and could be easily mounted.

Iteration until convergence
(I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS IS)

The final design
The final design included an 20x4 LCD screen, and Arduino Uno, and the wind turbine.

Utilization of Knowledge in Design
While creating the circuit and having to solder the pins into the LCD screen, we had to have prior knowledge of these skills to complete the task at hand. Breadboarding the circuit was not the hardest thing that we had done so far in the project, due to the fact that we had software design most of our circuit.

Technical and scientific knowledge
In order to determine the voltage, current, wattage, and resistance we needed to use formulas.
 * $$P = I^2 R = \frac{V^2}{R},$$

Modeling and/or Simulation
A previous group created a CAD prototype using Solid Edge. Our design was modeled using Fritzing, which is an open source software that allows users to build virtual circuits, circuit diagrams, and schematics. The initial/final design was not simulated, but tested in the later stages of the design phase with a leaf blower.

Performance, life cycle cost and value
We never planned on any of the future improvements to the product because we never finished the part of the project that was assigned to us.

Aesthetics and human factors
The main goal of this project was to finish writing the software for the Arduino. Aesthetics and human factors were not essential in this developmental phase of the project.

Implementation, verification, test and environmental sustainability
We never got around to testing any of these variables, but the point of the wind turbine project was to help sustain renewable energy to help supplement the power consumption of a house.

Robustness, evolution, product improvement and retirement
The shrouded wind turbine could be adjusted using modern wind technologies to decrease its size or could power more than just a small household device such as a lamp or an array of LEDs.