For the past 5 years, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute's engineering program has implemented educational programs touching on subjects from robotics to renewable energy technology. As part of this, a team was tasked with designing a vertical axis wind turbine from scratch for the Bureau of Indian Education's renewable energy challenge. Their solution was a turbine with 6 balsa wood blades in a vortex shape, powered by the magnetic interaction between magnets in the rotor and stator. A second energy module was also designed to store the turbine's energy in batteries and use it to pump water, which would pass through a hydro turbine and power LED lights.

1. Southwestern Indian Polytechnic InstituteAlbuquerque New Mexico R.O.S.E S.T.E.MsResearch Outreach in Student Education inScience Technology Engineeringand Mathematics

2. In partnership with the The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Education and the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development

3. PresentsIndian Education Renewable Energy Challenge 2010

4. Wind Turbine Abstract A hand full of engineering interns, students and mentors were presented with the challenge of entering the Indian Education Renewable Energy Challenge. The goal is to design a wind turbine powered system that will generate and store wind energy and then use that energy, stored either mechanically or electronically, to power an array of LEDs. Obviously, as in most competitions, there are certain constraints that have to be followed, which will be discussed later on in the following proposal. A decision had to be made about how we would go about generating and storing energy from the turbine, then how we would utilize that energy to light as many LEDs as possible. We needed to weigh the pros and cons of using either a vertical axis or horizontal axis turbine according to the constraints outlined by the BIE. A second energy module would be needed power the LEDs, but we would have to produce the energy with flowing water. The process of putting it all together was a tough task since a lot of difficult decisions had to be discussed and explored thoroughly. The components needed to be systematically arranged so that they can work together in an organized manner. We also would need a structurally sound frame to hold it all together, taking into account all the stresses that would be put on the building. In the end we have two great energy sources to use which are the wind and water combined with the earth’s gravitational pull.

5. Wind Turbine TeamVertical, Horizontal, Hydro DesignsFall 2009Tierney Yazzie-NMSU MentorRalph Kelly-UNM MentorFay Garreau-SIPI InternJason Thomas-SIPI InternAnthony Maloney-SIPI InternCalvin Silas-Engr 105Joseph Hernandez-Engr 105Steven Polacca-Engr 105Elcaro Lee-Engr 105Cidro Tom-Engr 105Reggie Overton-InternHardy Brannon-Engr 105

6. Wind Turbine TeamVertical, Horizontal, Hydro DesignsSpring 2010Ralph Kelly-UNM MentorMarvin Roybal UNM MentorJoseph Hernandez- SIPIIntern/Engr 280Steven Polacca-SIPI Intern/Eng280Calvin Silas-Intern/Engr 280Elcaro Lee-Engr 280JoBeth Dupree-Engr 105Preston Hill-Engr 105John David-Engr 105Charlie Brown-Engr 105Jeremy Sampson-Engr 105

7. SIPI Vertical Wind TurbineProposalSummary:For the past 5 years Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute’s Engineering Program has implemented various educational programs to its science and technology department. The programs touch on subjects from robotics to IT communication systems and now have their sights on renewable energy technology. Introduction: Our team will build and design a vertical axis wind turbine from scratch to obtain the knowledge, understanding, and concepts of how a wind turbine operates. Along the way, we expect to run into some problem and difficulties, which will provide more problems solving challenges to our team.

8. The Goal: The BIE (Bureau of Indian Education) renewable energy challenge is based on wind energy which consists of two modules, the wind turbine and the energy module. Module 1 is the turbine module. The design requirements are to make the turbine blades from balsa wood with the maximum diameter of three ft. The base of the turbine must be stabilized during operation in a 4ft² areas and must be portable. Module 2 is the energy module. It will collect the energy being produced by the wind turbine. This energy will be stored in (2) 6v rechargeable batteries. Once the batteries are charged it will power the water pump that transport water out from storage container A into storage container B. There will be a release valve located below storage container B. When the container is filled, the valve will be turned releasing the water. This flow of water will operate a hydro turbine producing hydro electric power which will light up as many LED’s as possible in the LED array. SIPI Vertical Wind TurbineProposal

9. The Solution: Module 1. The turbine will be a vertical axis turbine capable of operating in any wind direction. The blade design is made from a total of (24) strips of balsa wood 8”x ¼”x 36” and each blade is reinforced with (5) 1”x3/16” balsa wood wheels. It will have an eclipse curvature profile from the top view and a half dome like shape from the side view. The blade’s overall diameter is 16”, 36” in height and ½” thick. Each blade will be made from (4) strips of balsa wood (dimensions mentioned above), where two strips are glued together, (5) ½” arch slots are carved along one side of strip where it measures 36” to embed reinforcement wood wheels, another two strips of balsa wood are glued together and arch slots are carved, now both glued strips can be locked in place. The turbine will have six blades arrayed in 360º polar from the center of the rotor and mounted above the stator.SIPI Vertical Wind TurbineProposal

10. Vertical Wind Turbine ConceptAppendix BModule 1 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

11. The energy module’s frame design will be built in sections of three. Each section can be staked on top of the other to make one unit. The sections will be built with 2”x2” construction wood, the frame is held together with (8) ½” x 5” stainless steel bolts, (8) ½” hex nuts, and (16) 1” washers with ½” hole in the center. Vertical Wind Turbine Concept

12. Vertical Wind Turbine ConceptThe turbine will be a vertical axis turbine capable of operating in any wind direction. The blade design is made from a total of (24) strips of balsa wood 8”x ¼”x 36” and each blade is reinforced with (5) 1”x3/16” balsa wood wheels. It will have an eclipse curvature profile from the top view and a half dome like shape from the side view. The blade’s overall diameter is 16”, 36” in height and ½” thick. Each blade will be made from (4) strips of balsa wood (dimensions mentioned above), where two strips are glued together, (5) ½” arch slots are carved along one side of strip where it measures 36” to embed reinforcement wood wheels, another two strips of balsa wood are glued together and arch slots are carved, now both glued strips can be locked in place. The turbine will have six blades arrayed in 360º polar from the center of the rotor and mounted above the stator.

13. Vertical Wind Turbine Concept(18) Neodymium 42 Magnets measuring 4.5”x3”x ½” will be incased in resin and mounted below the rotor and will sit 4mm above the stator. The magnet’s casing will be held in place with (4) 1/8”x1½” bolts and (4) 1/8” hex nuts. As it is being casted a prefabricated circular magnet positioning jig will be used to keep the magnets aligned toward the center, then ¼” layer of polyester resin is poured in a flat donut shape mold. After the resin cast has cured it will be drilled with (4) 1/8” holes for mounting.

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23. ResultsVertical Turbine Performance Data

24. ResultsSee Graph for Wind speed versus PowerTest Fan 25” from front of turbineWind speed: 850 fpm 9.6 miles/hrNear front of turbine1100 fpm (top left)1000 fpm (top right)300 fpm (center)900 fpm (bottom left)950 fpm (bottom right)RPM of Turbine = 60 sec x ___ 1 _____. = 69 rpm Stip = 60 pi DT 60 sec = 45 fpm min 18 coils x Pcoil18 Pcoil minVrms = Vp x 0.707 x duty cycle Duty Cycle = 2 Pvp / Pcoil = 7.0 x 0.707 x 2 x (0.015 / 0.048) = 3.09 VrmsPower = V2rms /Rload = 3.092 / 50 = 192 mW

25. ResultsTest Fan 44” from front of turbineWindspeed: 742 fpmNear front of turbine900 fpm (top left)900 fpm (top right)261 fpm (center)650 fpm (bottom left)1000 fpm (bottom right)RPM of Turbine = 60 sec x ___ 1 _____. = 64 rpm Stip = 60 pi DT 60 sec = 604 fpm min 18 coils x Pcoil 18 Pcoil minVrms = Vp x 0.707 x duty cycle Duty Cycle = 2 Pvp / Pcoil = 7.0 x 0.707 x 2 x (0.017 / 0.052) = 3.0 VrmsPower = V2rms /Rload = 2 / 50 = 180 mW

26. Test Fan 80” from front of turbineWindspeed: 670 fpmNear front of turbine400 fpm (top left)900 fpm (top right)200 fpm (center)950 fpm (bottom left)900 fpm (bottom right)RPM of Turbine = 60 sec x ___ 1 _____. = 56 rpm Stip = 60 pi DT 60 sec = 524 fpm min 18 coils x Pcoil 18 Pcoil minVrms = Vp x 0.707 x duty cycle Duty Cycle = 2 Pvp / Pcoil = 7.0 x 0.707 x 2 x (0.020 / 0.060) = 2.8VrmsPower = V2rms /Rload = 2.82 / 50 = 160 mWResults

27. Ernest Gorman Presents theSIPI Vertical Wind TurbineClick picture to start clip

28. Win-Raider PTA3000R team is on an engineering mission consisting of inspired individuals out to research, compare concepts and establish a unique wind turbine design to the technical specifications stipulated by the Bureau of Indian Education and the Indian Energy and Economic Development. Our design, Win-Raider PTA3000R is a unique design that will seize the attention of curious individuals who are involved in the Field of Renewable Energy. The design is similar to the horizontal wind turbine; however the blade design and its reversed horizontal position in a down-wind effect will function uniquely creating much controversy among engineers. The second phase of this competition is to relate all crucial information through research, pertaining to our product specification and the competition rules and regulations. Horizontal Wind Turbine Design Proposal

29. Horizontal Wind TurbineDesign ConceptBlade Theory: Some of the things that related to the blade design were the velocity of wind to the amount of surface area that the blades could catch and harness. Some of the parameters to consider are pitch of blades, velocity of wind, internal moment of inertia of blades, friction of generator, density of air, diameter of blades, and sweep area. One consistent equation that always came about was the Power in Wind equation with units in watts. It is as follows…

30. Calculating Power in Wind can be done using excel. The calculation can be found on figure 2.1. At best home made blades can only convert 25% of total wind power. The energy for blade power is….Horizontal Wind Turbine Design ConceptThis was derived from…

31. Horizontal Wind Turbine Design Concept We have developed a unique design taken from nature. Whales have a fin that gives them a 35% efficiency. We feel that this will give us a blade that will have high response with a sufficient amount of torque to get the blades moving at minimal wind velocities. Here is our blade design. It will be made of balsa wood and it will be constructed by hand. The balsa wood blade design has a significant importance to the product response. When a thrust of wind, magnitude to 3 miles per hour interacts in comparison to 2x magnitude response, its feed back is square its velocity. The blade will be offset at a 22.5 degree angle and will have a unique design that will catch minimal wind for rotation. The whalebone effect is compared to the interaction and response of the northern region blue whale in United States and has played a vital role in correspondence to technology. The simplicity of the structure of the whale fin vs. in airborne turbulent product of a wing magnifies the deliverance of the stability of turbulent mass.1’ 5.5”Whalebone Fin Blade Design

32. Shell & Mount Design: The whale fin blade design will be placed on the following concept that we have. Our hub design will house the generator and wiring. The shell and mount design are as follows…Horizontal Wind Turbine Design Concept

33. The final product. It is important to note that the direction the wind would be blowing is from left to right. Our product was inspired by fishing lures and it will be a down wind wind turbine. It has no control for which direction the shell and blades face. It is free floating to respond to the drag of the wind. The top will wind up to a certain tension using sturdy cords and when the wind stops blowing will unwind back to zero tension. Horizontal Wind Turbine Design Concept

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37. Steven Polacca Presents the SIPI Horizontal TurbineClick picture to start clip

38. Hydro TurbineModule 2Energy Module

39. Section 1: This section is the critical portion of the frame’s design because it supports the weight of section(s) 2 and 3. Also the bottom part of section 1 the frame design is a four sided star providing stability. Section 1 will house container A that is already filled with five gallons of water, where it connects to the inlet hose of the pump.Hydro Turbine

40. Hydro TurbineSection 2: This section will be stacked above section 1 and secured with (4) stainless steel bolts, (4) hex nuts and (2) washers (dimensions mentioned earlier). Power being produced from the turbine will enter a rectifier circuit which changes AC to DC for charging the battery. The rectifier is mounted on an Aluminumheat-sink to keep it cool and prevent damage from over heating.The negative and positive terminals of the rectifier will be wired to the battery in the correct polarity. These will be (2) 6V 9A rechargeable batteries wired in series to produce 12Vdc@ 9A, if wired in parallel the outcome would be 6Vdc@ 18A. Once the batteries are fully charge it will operate the Flo-jet pump. The pump is sealed in corrosion resistant material extending performance and life. Manufactured with injection molding technology, it eliminates potential leak paths. It operates on 12Vdc with 9A and pumps 1.3GPM @ 50 psi. Equipped with a pressure switch controlling the psi in (3) intervals of 50, 100, and 150 psi. Pump input/output barb sizes are 3/8th” in diameter, (2) three feet rubber hose will be fastened with (2) 1” screw clamps on each barb. Container A is filled with five gallons of water and will be connected to the inlet hose and water is pumped out the outlet hose to fill container B. Section 2 will house the rectifier circuit, (2) 6Vdc rechargeable batteries, (1) 12Vdc water pump, (1) hydro turbine, (1) 3ft PVC and an LED array.

41. Hydro TurbineSection 3: This section will be stacked above section 2, also secured with (4) stainless steel bolts, (4) hex nuts and (2) washers (dimensions mentioned earlier). Section 3 will house container B and connects to the outlet hose from the pump. A 1½ inch ball valve will be mounted just below the container and a 3ft PVC pipe will be fitted. After the container is filled, the valve releases water all the way through a 3ft. 1½” PVC pipe that extends downward to section 2. At the bottom end of the PVC pipe there will be the hydro turbine. The hydro turbine will be built from the ground up becoming a small compact single phase alternator. It will consist of (4) coils, each with 75 winds of 12 AWG and (4) 3”x2”x¼” Neodymium 42 magnets. Water will pass through the hydro turbines cupped blades capturing the water. The shaft will rotate producing AC electricity every time the magnets pass over the coils that will give power to an array of LED’s lighting up as many as it can with five gallons of water.

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46. ResultsClick picture to start clip

47. Acknowledgements Dr. Nader Vadiee (SIPI Coordinator /Faculty Engineering Programs)