Reflection For Senior Project

My senior project entailed determining the highest efficiency wind energy generation. Using the information collected during the research process, I created a small scale, as well as a large scale wind turbine to test the different flows of wind. The small scale wind turbine measures 9 inches high and is 1/600 of a commercial wind turbine. The larger turbine is eight feet high and has a span of three feet. The inspiration behind my project is environmental engineering and sustainability. I have had many opportunities throughout high school such as a summer internship and robotics club, that have influenced my senior project product’s design and aesthetic. The final result of product is exceptionally better than I expected because of the time, research, and effort I put into creating something with the capability of

creating energy with simplistic design and control mechanism. When starting the project I felt that I would not have enough time to create two very different wind turbines, and be able to test their capabilities in varying wind speeds. I am highly satisfied with all the work I put into my project, and the outcome of the two turbines, because they represent my passion for engineering and knowledge.
While working on the project, I have gained many skills regarding engineering and mechanics.

I have learned how to use many power tools, and I have learned how to use the mathematical equations behind the laws that make it possible for wind turbines to produce useable energy. My mentor and my father worked with me and taught me how to use a wind tunnel, drills, grinders, and many other tools. I also learned more about the engineering design process through creating the layout and construction of my wind turbines. By gaining many skills throughout the school year, I am better prepared for the an engineering major in college. By having the necessary skills for an engineering major, I will be more prepared for my college because I will have a greater amount of prior knowledge that will be relevant for classes. The knowledge that I have gained over the past months of school is not only pivotal in the progression of educational path, but also my potential career. I plan to become an environmental engineer, and I will need to know how to power tools, how to wire simple machines, and also how to use mathematics to determine problems and enact

solutions.
Even though I did an prodigious amount of research on wind turbines and the effects of fluid dynamics, my product can still be improved in multiple ways. For example, the hub that connects the blades to the motor constantly loosens. This causes the blades to wobble, which decreases the energy efficiency of the turbine. Also, the bearing that allows the wind turbine’s blades and motor to turn to align correctly, is very tight and it requires a large amount of wind to change the directional orientation of the blades. As I continue to gain knowledge and expand my skills, I will have the ability to increase the complexity of the design. I plan to review my project in the future, and possibly redesign the turbine to have a higher energy efficiency under a greater load. I would want to recreate this project because I believe that there is greater possibilities for what can be done with small scale wind turbines. This project has influenced my educational decisions, and I believe that it has been a great opportunity for me to immerse myself into a field of study. The design and construction process of the wind turbine was tedious; however, the final product displays the amount of time and effort put into it.