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===Windbelt Basics=== | ===Windbelt Basics=== | ||
Paragraph on the basics. | Paragraph on the basics. | ||
The windbelt, invented by Shawn Frayne in 2004, is a device that converts wind power into electricity. The device is | The windbelt, invented by Shawn Frayne in 2004, is a device that converts wind power into electricity. The device is fairly simple, cosisting of a taut string or ribbon strung between two points. Wind blowing across the taut material produces the aeroelastic flutter effect, causing the ribbon to vibrate. This motion is translated into electricity by permanent magnets on the ribbon. The magnets move in and out of electromagnetic coils in accordance with the motion of the ribbon. This induces a current in the coil's wire. <ref> | ||
http://www.rexresearch.com/frayne/frayne.htm | http://www.rexresearch.com/frayne/frayne.htm | ||
</ref> | </ref> | ||
windbelts are | |||
Unlike conventional wind turbines, which require expensive bearings and gears to be efficient, windbelts are relatively easy to construct at a low cost. This makes the windbelt much more feasible than conventional wind turbines for areas with low average wind speeds. <ref> | |||
http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/50528.aspx | http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/50528.aspx | ||
</ref> | </ref> | ||
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'''Ribbon''' | '''Ribbon''' | ||
The ribbon used in Shawn Frayne's design is a mylar coated taffeta. <ref> | The ribbon used in Shawn Frayne's design is a mylar-coated taffeta. <ref> | ||
http://www.physics.org/featuredetail.asp?id=47 | http://www.physics.org/featuredetail.asp?id=47 | ||
</ref> The taffeta looks like camera film, only a bit wider. Camera film is also an alternative which works well and is inexpensive. | </ref> The taffeta looks like camera film, only a bit wider. Camera film is also an alternative which works well and is inexpensive. | ||
Revision as of 00:23, 15 February 2011
Background
The windbelt, first designed by Shawn Frayne, is a device that converts wind into usable electricity by the principle of aeroelastic flutter. Unlike conventional wind turbines, windbelts are effective at producing electricity at low wind speeds. Regions that typically have lower average wind speeds are perfect for windbelt installations. However, windbelt design is relatively new and experimental. New materials and new designs must necessarily be tested to advance this potential source of clean energy.
Oppurtunity Definition
Though conventional windmills produce relatively little power at low wind speeds, windbelts can take advantage of the areas low average wind speeds. So far, three separate groups of Humboldt State University students have built windbelts, each time improving the windbelts design. This project, completed by Greg Pfotenhauer and Agustin Gonzalez serves to further improve upon the design of the windbelt and test new materials.
Literature Review
The following is a review of the literature of the available information relating to windbelts.
Windbelt Basics
Paragraph on the basics. The windbelt, invented by Shawn Frayne in 2004, is a device that converts wind power into electricity. The device is fairly simple, cosisting of a taut string or ribbon strung between two points. Wind blowing across the taut material produces the aeroelastic flutter effect, causing the ribbon to vibrate. This motion is translated into electricity by permanent magnets on the ribbon. The magnets move in and out of electromagnetic coils in accordance with the motion of the ribbon. This induces a current in the coil's wire. [1]
Unlike conventional wind turbines, which require expensive bearings and gears to be efficient, windbelts are relatively easy to construct at a low cost. This makes the windbelt much more feasible than conventional wind turbines for areas with low average wind speeds. [2]
Frame Windbelt frames are made mostly out of wood and metal. The windbelt should be as lightweight and strong as possible. Consideration should also be taken as to how the windbelt will stand or be mounted.
Ribbon The ribbon used in Shawn Frayne's design is a mylar-coated taffeta. [3] The taffeta looks like camera film, only a bit wider. Camera film is also an alternative which works well and is inexpensive.
Magnets Neodymium magnets seemed to be the most widely used and will be used in this windbelt. [4]
Coils
The coils for windbelts can come from a variety of places. For instance, the coils from old hard drives can be used. [5] Coils can also be wound by hand, lessening the cost. [6]
References
- ↑ http://www.rexresearch.com/frayne/frayne.htm
- ↑ http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/50528.aspx
- ↑ http://www.physics.org/featuredetail.asp?id=47
- ↑ http://international.nsbe.org/documents/Final%20CDO%20Report%20-%20University%20of%20Toronto%20and%20University%20of%20Cape%20Coast.pdf
- ↑ http://hackedgadgets.com/2008/04/30/windbelt-micro-power-generator-built-from-hard-drive-voice-coil/
- ↑ http://www.appropedia.org/HSU_Chiapas_Windbelt_ASE#Rolling_Coil