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Build functioning wind turbines that generate electricity; we don´t mean LEGO models that look like miniature wind turbines. This book is for people who want to learn how real turbines work, and to build them using LEGO and Mindstorms EV3.
You´ll find specific instructions on building, links to parts purchasing, distillation of complex science ideas into practice, and pointers for trying something new. With the knowledge you gain here, you´ll be able to compete in turbine design competitions, such as the KidWind Challenge, Collegiate Wind Competition, and locally organized contests. Examples are given that fit within the KidWind Challenge, including adherence to rules of the competition such as that a specific generator be used.
The complexity of making a wind turbine a can make it difficult to know where to start. This book addresses many aspects of the turbine with practical examples. You´ll follow specific design instructions for turbine construction, supported by suggestions and background science to go in new directions. Assembly diagrams are used throughout, made with the Studio utility from bricklink.com. Parts are identified in the assembly diagram, as well as in parts lists in the Appendix.
What You´ll Learn


Build a turbine from scratch

Use LEGO to learn aspects of electrical engineering, such as loading turbine output and impedance matching

Connect a generator to do useful things such as charging a battery or powering LEDs

See how generators, gear systems, aerodynamic blades, lab and outdoor testing, and power output are used.
Who This Book Is For

Adult fans of LEGO and hardware hackers. Also coaches or students involved in a school science/technology project or design competition.

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Chapter 1: The Generator
Putting a Generator to Use

Non-LEGO Generators

Generator Wire Connections

Chapter 2: The Gearbox

Gearing Up

Compound Gears

Practical Considerations

Chapter 3: The Vertical Axis Turbine

The Generator Mount

The Gearbox Frame

The Rotor

Final Assembly

Mount for KidWind Generator

Chapter 4: Airfoil Blades

Wrapping in Duct Tape

Design Ideas

Chapter 5: The Horizontal Axis Turbine

The Generator Mount

Rotor and Blade Attachment

Final Assembly

Mount for KidWind Generator

Chapter 6: Measuring Performance

LEGO-Based Meter

Assessing Turbine Performance

Relationship Between Power and Energy

Automated Energy Measurement

Chapter 7: Steering into the Wind

Final Assembly

Outdoor Testing

Chapter 8: Powering Things

Charging a Battery

Chapter 9: A Dual-Rotor Turbine

Electrical Connection

Chapter 10: A Pneumatic Generator

Pneumatic Connection

Appendix: Parts Lists

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Grady Koch emphasizes building things from LEGO that can be applied to practical use in science, engineering, or security. He is the author of LEGO Optics: Projects in Optical and Laser Science with LEGO, High-Tech LEGO: Projects in Science, Engineering, and Spycraft with Technic and Mindstorms EV3, and Secrets of Eli´s LEGO Collection. He also writes for and runs hightechlego.com, which features various LEGO technology projects. His day job since 1987 has been as a research engineer with NASA Langley Research Center. There he works with technology for remote sensing atmospheric phenomena. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering. And he holds three patents in the field of wind measurements with lidar.

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