Iowa State University 2025

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Day 1 Session 1: Wind Power Challenge

Iowa State University 2025 Day 1 Session 1: Wind Power Challenge

🧠Background Knowledge

Carefully view the below videos to learn more about wind turbines.

🎓Objective

  • Build a basic wind turbine that uses wind (or a fan) to spin blades connected to a motor and generate electricity (to power a small LED).

🌬️Careers in Wind Energy

  1. Wind Turbine Technician – Installs, inspects, and repairs wind turbines.
  2. Mechanical Engineer – Designs and tests mechanical parts of wind turbines.
  3. Electrical Engineer – Develops and maintains the electrical systems in turbines.
  4. Environmental Scientist – Studies the impact of wind farms on ecosystems.
  5. Renewable Energy Consultant – Advises on energy solutions using wind power.
  6. Meteorologist – Analyzes wind patterns to determine best turbine locations.
  7. Energy Analyst – Monitors and improves energy efficiency and production.
  8. Blade Technician – Specializes in maintaining and repairing turbine blades.
  9. Project Manager – Oversees wind farm construction and maintenance projects.
  10. Logistics Coordinator – Manages the transportation of turbine components.
  11. Data Analyst – Analyzes performance data from wind turbines.
  12. SCADA Technician – Works with computer systems that control turbines.
  13. Structural Engineer – Ensures towers and foundations are safe and strong.
  14. Safety Inspector – Ensures wind farms meet safety regulations.
  15. Construction Worker – Helps build and install turbine structures.
  16. Welder – Joins metal parts used in turbine towers and components.
  17. GIS Specialist – Uses mapping tools to find optimal wind farm locations.
  18. Technical Writer – Creates manuals and safety documents for turbine systems.
  19. Policy Analyst – Studies laws and regulations about renewable energy.
  20. Wind Energy Researcher – Investigates new technologies and improvements for turbines.

🌎 Wind Energy in Iowa

PDF in HTML

Iowa Clean Energy Factsheet

đź‘·Build Your Turbine

Step 1: Prepare the Blades

  • Cut 3–6 blades from cardboard. Each should be about 4–6 inches long and curved slightly.
  • Unravel one part of the paperclips and attach the cardboard to the other, still bent end.

Step 2: Attach Blades to the Motor

  • Attach the blades evenly around the cork (this will act as the hub) with paperclips.
  • Securely attach the cork (blade hub) to the motor shaft and ruler using rubber bands

Step 3: Wire the Motor to an LED

  • Connect the Alligator clips to the motor.
  • Next, attach those to the legs of a small LED.
  • You may need to spin the blades manually first to see which direction lights up the LED.

Step 4: Test the Wind Turbine

  • Place the turbine in front of a fan or blow dryer and turn on the fan or blow dryer to observe the blades spinning.
  • If built correctly, the motor will generate electricity and power the LED. 
  • After testing the LED, measure the voltage produced using the multimeter. 
  • Move your turbine closer and further, noting voltage changes. Adjust the blade angles to see if the voltage increases or decreases. Work together to find the optimal blade angles.

📱Upload Your Work

  • Use the QR code provided below to upload a video of your creation in action. Type your first name in the “Subject” area. Be sure to add the video under the correct column. 

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