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leXsolar-Wind
Student‘s manual
Wind Large
Layout diagram leXsolar-Wind Large
Item-No.1404
Wind Wind
rotor set rotor set
1400-12 1400-12
leXsolar CD
Base unit big
with manuals
1100-19
L3-03-016
The layout diagram for the lower insert

can be found on the last page.
Contents
This booklet contains instructions for experiments as well as the corresponding templates for the evaluation
of the following experiments:
1.1 Changing wind speed by changing the distance (phenomenologically) .................................................. 11

1.2 Changing wind speed by changing the distance (voltage measurement) ................................................ 12
1.3 Changing wind speed by changing the distance (output measurement) ................................................. 14
2.1 Start-up wind speed at a wind turbine..................................................................................................... 16
2.2 Comparison of the start-up wind speed of a Savonius and a three-blade rotor ....................................... 18
3.1 Change the turbine voltage by connecting a consumer (with resistance) ................................................ 20
3.2 Changing the turbine voltage by connecting several consumers ............................................................ 22
4. Examine the wind speed behind the rotor................................................................................................. 24
5.1 Energy balance sheet at a wind turbine .................................................................................................. 26
5.2 Calculating the efficiency of a wind turbine ............................................................................................. 28
6. Storing electric energy .............................................................................................................................. 30
7.1 Energy conversion in a wind turbine ....................................................................................................... 32
7.2 Examine color wheels using a wind turbine ............................................................................................ 33
8.1 Comparison of a Savonius rotor and a three-blade rotor (phenomenologically) ...................................... 35
8.2 Comparison of a Savonius rotor and a three-blade rotor (voltage measurement) ................................... 37
8.3 Comparison of a Savonius rotor and a three-blade rotor (output measurement) ..................................... 39
9.1 Comparison of two, three and four-blade rotors (phenomenologically) ................................................... 42
9.2 Comparison of two, three and four-blade rotors (voltage measurement) ................................................ 44
9.3 Comparison of two, three and four-blade rotors (output measurement) .................................................. 46
10 Characteristic curves of a wind turbine .................................................................................................... 49
11.1 Influence of the wind direction (phenomenologically) ............................................................................ 51
11.2 Influence of the wind direction (voltage measurement) ......................................................................... 52
11.3 Influence of the wind direction (output measurement) .......................................................................... 54
12.1 Influence of the rotor blade pitch (phenomenologically) ........................................................................ 56
12.2 Influence of the rotor blade pitch (voltage measurement) ..................................................................... 57
12.3 Influence of the rotor blade pitch (output measurement) ....................................................................... 59
12.4 Influence of the rotor blade pitch on the start up speed of a wind turbine ............................................. 61
© leXsolar GmbH 2011 3
13.1 Influence of the blade shape (phenomenologically) .............................................................................. 64
13.2 Influence of the blade shape (voltage measurement) ........................................................................... 65
13.3 Influence of the blade shape (output measurement) ............................................................................. 66
Pages 5 to 9 contain more detailed explanations of the instructions and execution of experiments.
4 © leXsolar GmbH 2011

General information
Identification of the components
Standard equipment of lexsolar-Wind
Component Description Symbol in

experimental setup
Base unit
Wind machine universal
Wind turbine on module

plate
Wind rotor set

(4 blades optimized profile, 4
blades flat profile, 6 hubs for
different number of blades (3
or 4) and blade pitches:
20°,25°,30°,50°, 90°)

LED module (light-emitting
diode)
Savonius rotor (with

generator module)
Resistance module
R = 33 Ω
Capacitor module
C = 220 mF
Potentiometer module
R = 0 Ω …1.1 kΩ
MwI expansion (measuring without instruments)1
Motor module (with turntable

and color wheels)
Light bulb module
1
included in the extension “Measuring without measuring tools”

Horn module
Anemometer extension
Wind force transducer

with mount

Handling and usage instructions
There are some instructions and guidelines on handling the equipment and components to
take note of when carrying out experiments with lexsolar-Wind.
Measuring the wind speed (anemometer extension):
To measure the wind speed you have to remove

the wind turbine from the base unit. Afterwards
you plug in the holder for the wind measurement
device as you can see in the sketch. For a more
precise measurement you can calculate the
average from the left and the right measuring
point.
Installing and replacing the rotor blades
First, a hub with the desired rotor blade pitch and the number of
blades should be selected. (The hubs are labeled on the back.)
The Two-blade rotor and the Four-blade rotor can both be
constructed with the Four-blade hub.
After that, the rotor blades are installed. During the insertion of the
blades, make sure that they are installed with the rounded side up.
After installation of the rotor blades, the hub-cap will be mounted

and lightly pressed against the hub.
To replace the blades, a small nose is located at head of the hub. If the
nose is pressed lightly on a hard surface, the hub-cap can be removed
easily.

Charts for the experiments
The following are the charts needed to determine the wind speed of individual experiments if
the anemometer extension does not exist (or is not in use).
Wind speed at constant voltage at the wind machine
Wind speed at constant distance from wind machine

Air density (depending on the ambient temperature)

Examine the brightness of a light-emitting diode, which is powered by a wind turbine.
- leXsolar main board

- Wind machine with power
supply (variable)
- Wind turbine module (with
three rotor blades, 25°,
optimized profile)
- LED module
- Cable
In this experiment you can examine how electricity generated by the wind turbine changes when the wind
speed changes. The variation of wind speed is done by changing the voltage at the wind machine.
1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up.

2. Change the voltage at the wind machine with the variable power supply. Start with 6V.
3. Observe how the brightness of the light-emitting diode changes and enter your observations in the table.
Color in the corresponding number of fields.
Voltage at the 6V 7,5V 9V 12V Example

wind machine
bright
The LED lights weak

up...
not at all
Now complete the sentences:
With a lower voltage at the wind machine, the LED is ______________________.
The ___________________ the wind speed, the brighter the LED.
11
Examine the voltage at the turbine when the wind speed at the wind turbine is changed.
- leXsolar base unit

- Wind machine module with power supply
- Wind turbine module (with three rotor
blades, 25°, optimized profile)
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- wind force transducer

2. Change the wind speed by variation of the voltage at the power supply Vsup. What do you observe at the
voltage meter? Write down your observations.
3. Now measure the voltage V at the turbine at different wind speeds and enter your values in the table.
4. You can determine the values for the speed with the wind force transducer or read it off the respective
chart (see page 9).
Vsup in V
v in m/s
V in V
You can determine the values for the speed with the wind force transducer or read it off the respective chart
(see page 9).
12
1. Enter your measurements in the specified charts.
2. What is the correlation between the wind speed and the voltage at the wind turbine?
2.
13
Examine the output delivered by the wind turbine when it is loaded by a fixed resistance.

- Wind machine module with power
supply
- Wind turbine module (with three
rotor blades, 25°, optimized profile)
- Resistance module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- Ammeter

2. Measure the voltage and amperage at the wind turbine respectively at different distances to the wind
machine (5, 10, 15, 20, 25cm) and enter your values in the table.
d in cm 5 10 15 20 25
v in m/s
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
(see page 9).
14
1. Calculate the respective electrical output for the respective distances. Then enter the value pairs into the
relevant charts.
2. Describe the correlation between output and wind speed at the wind turbine.
3. What conclusions can be drawn from this for the operation of real wind turbines?
Supplementary:
In real wind turbines, whose blades are firmly attached to the hub, the following correlation exists between
output and wind speed of the rotor.
Can you explain why the output decreases again at very high wind speed?
1.
2.
3.
15
Examine how high the wind speed must be for the wind turbine to be able to start.

supply
A wind turbine only starts to turn when there is sufficiently high wind speed. This is called start-up wind
speed. With this experiment you can examine how high the start-up speed is in this model of a wind turbine.

2. Set different voltages V on the power supply unit and observe the wind turbine. Enter your observations
in the specified table.
3. Determine the wind speed at the moment the wind turbine starts and write down your value. (Take the
value of the relevant chart (see page 9) or follow step 4 if you have a wind force transducer.)
4. Switch off the wind machine, remove the wind turbine and restart the wind machine. Now measure the
wind speed with the wind force transducer at the respective distance.
The wind turbine

…does not
V in V ...starts
start
3
 Start-up wind speed:
4,5
vA = 6
7,5
9
12
16
1. What conclusions can you draw from these insights for the operation of wind turbines?
2. Find out more about the start-up speeds of real wind turbines and compare it with your measured values.
Can you explain the differences?
3. Average wind speeds in Europe are depicted on the map.
Quelle: http://www.wind-energie.de/de/technik/entstehung/windpotential (16.11.2010)
Based on this illustration, explain with reasons in which areas wind turbines can be used efficiently.
Where is the use of wind energy less profitable?
Solutions to the exercises
17
Examine the start-up wind speed of a Savonius rotor and compare it with that of a three-blade rotor.

- Wind machine module supply
optimized profile)
- Savonius rotor (with generator
module)
A wind turbine only starts to turn when there is sufficiently high wind speed. This is called start-up wind
speed. With this experiment you can examine how high this speed is in different types of wind rotors.
1. Set the experiment with the three-blade rotor up according to the experiment set-up.
2. Set different voltages V on the power supply unit and observe the wind turbine. Enter your observations
in the specified table.
3. Remove the three-blade rotor and now use the Savonius rotor with the generator module and perform the
same test once more. Also write down your observations.
4. Determine the wind speeds at the moment the two wind rotors start and write down the respective values.
(Take the value of the relevant chart (see page 9) or follow step 5 if you have a wind force transducer.)
wind speed with the wind force transducer at the respective distance.
18
The three-blade rotor... The Savonius rotor…
…does not …does not
V in V …starts. …starts.
start. start.
3
4,5
6
7,5
9
12
vA
vA … start-up wind speed
1. Compare the two experimentally determined values for the start-up speed with each other. Which of the
two rotors starts at a lower wind speed?
2. Think about which wind rotor is better suited to operate in regions with high, low or strongly changing
wind speed and explain your decision.
3. If you would build a wind turbine at home, which wind rotor would you use? Give reasons for your
decision.
1.
2.
3.
19
Examine how the generated turbine voltage changes when the turbine is connected to a consumer
(resistance).

- Wind machine module with
power supply
optimized profile)
- Resistance module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
1. Build up the experimental setup initially without the resistance module.

2. Set the voltage at 12 V on the power supply unit and start the wind machine. Measure the turbine voltage
without the resistance attached (Vidling).
3. Now plug the resistance into the socket provided and write down your observations and then measure
the voltage that is generated with the resistance attached (Vload).
Vidling =
Vload =
20
1. Calculate the difference between the idling voltage (open-circuit voltage) and the voltage under load by
connecting the resistor.
2. Why does the voltage of a voltage source (a turbine in this case) change when a resistance is connected
to it. Try to formulate an explanation.
1.
2.
21
Examine how the generated voltage changes when the turbine is connected to different types of consumers
(horn, light bulb and motor).

supply
- Horn module
- Motor module (with hub)
-Light bulb module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
1. Build up the experimental setup initially without a horn, motor or lamp module.
2. Set the voltage at 12 V on the power supply unit and start the wind machine.
3. Measure the voltage at the turbine when no module is connected (Vidling).
4. Now plug the horn, motor with hub and light bulb one after the other into the socket provided, write down
your observations and the respective voltage generated at the turbine.
Vidling = Vmotor =
Vhorn = Vlight bulb=
22
1. Which component was responsible for the biggest change in the voltage at the turbine and which had the
least effect?
2. Explain the behaviour of the voltages that you observed.
3. What conclusion can you draw from it for the resistances of the individual devices? Compare it with each
other (> , < , = ).
1.
2.
3.
RhornR motor R
Rhorn bulb RbulbR motor RhornR idling
> > >
23
Examine the wind speed behind the rotor by using the wind force transducer.

supply
rotor blades, 25°, optimized
profile)
- Wind force transducer with mount
1. Build up the experiment up according to the experiment set-up initially without the wind turbine. The base
unit is rotated by 90° in this experiment. Measure the wind speed on the left and on the right of the wind
turbine without plugging in the wind turbine (vwithout). You can find details regarding the measurement of
wind speed on page 8.
2. Now plug in the wind turbine and repeat the measurement (vwith). The wind force transducer should be
mounted behind the turbine.
Vwithout in m/s Vwith in m/s

left
right
̅
v̅ with
=
v̅
24
1. Calculate the average wind speed (mean average of the measurement points left and right) and calculate
the relation of the wind speed with and without wind turbine (see table).
2. Name a cause for the reduction in the wind speed by the wind turbine.
3. Albert Betz could calculate in the 1920s that a wind turbine, which works perfectly (i.e. convert the
maximum possible energy from the wind), can slow down the wind speed to a third.
Estimate how close your small wind turbine gets to this value or how far it is away from it.
Also name possible reasons for this.
Supplementary: Explain using your investigations, why a minimum distance between the individual wind
turbines is needed in large wind farms to avoid loss of output.
2.
3.
25
Examine experimentally the energy balance sheet of the wind turbine when it is loaded by a fixed resistance.

power supply
profile)
- Resistance module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- Ammeter
The energy balance sheet presents a comparison of the kinetic energy of the air (wind energy) in front of the
rotor to that of the energy used by the wind turbine. For this purpose the quotient from the actually converted
output by the wind turbine and the output of the wind in front of the rotor is considered. We call this quotient
power coefficient ε.
This figure makes an assertion about how much wind energy the wind turbine can actually convert into
electrical energy. Thus ε is comparable to the efficiency of a wind turbine, which however is defined
differently in wind energy technology.
1. Set up the experiment as seen in the experiment setup. Set the voltage at 9 V on the power supply unit.
2. First measure the wind speed with the wind force transducer (without wind turbine) or determine the
respective value from the chart provided (see page 9).
3. Then add the necessary equipment (wind turbine, resistance module and measuring instruments), and
measure the respective voltage and amperage values.
4. Also measure the temperature in the room and the diameter d of the rotor on the wind turbine, which you
can use to calculate the target surface A.
26
You can get the value for
Vwind = the density ϱ of the air from
ϑ= ϱ = the relevant chart by using
the room temperature ϑ
d= (see page 10 for chart).
V= I =
1. Calculate the target surface of the wind rotor for the flowing air and the energy of the wind in front of the
wind rotor.
(Wind energy , work surface area A )
2. Calculate the rated output of the wind turbine from your readings. (Rated output: PN=U∙I) and calculate
the quotient ε.
3. The wind energy is not fully converted at the wind turbine. Why does depreciation take place and
consequently “loss” of energy? Into which forms of energy is the wind energy converted?
Solutions to exercises
1.+2.
3.
27
Determine experimentally the efficiency of the wind turbine when it is loaded by a fixed resistance.

supply
- Resistance module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- Ammeter
The wind energy cannot be fully used by a wind turbine. The physicist Albert Betz calculated the maximum
output value that a wind turbine can achieve. It is called Betz’s ideal value Pid, Betz. It depends on the
capacity/output of the wind and can be calculated with
Pid,Betz = cp,Betz∙PWind.
whereby cp,Betz = 0.593 and of equal size for all wind turbines. The wind energy in turn depends on wind
speed, rotor area and density of the air and can be calculated by the following equation:
From the Ideal output and the experimentally determined net power output, the efficiency of the turbine η can
now be determined:
.
1. Set up the experiment as seen in the setup Set the voltage at 9 V on the power supply unit.
2. First measure the wind speed with the wind force transducer (without wind turbine) or determine the
respective value from the chart provided (see page 9).
3. Then add the necessary equipment (wind turbine, resistance module and measuring instruments), and
measure the respective voltage and amperage values.
4. Also measure the temperature in the room and the diameter d of the rotor on the wind turbine, which you
can use to calculate the target surface A.
28
You can get the value for
Vwind = the density ϱ of the air from
the relevant chart by using
ϑ= ϱ =
the room temperature ϑ
d= (see page 10 for chart).
V= I =
1. Calculate the target surface of the wind rotor for the flowing air and the energy of the wind in front of the
wind rotor. (Target surface: A =π/4∙d2)
2. Calculate the rated output of the wind turbine and thereafter with the aid of all the results the efficiency of
the wind turbine with the aid of the formulas provided. (Rated output: PN = U∙I)
3. Find out about the efficiency of real wind turbines and compare your results with the real values. Name
possible reasons for the differences.
Solutions to the exercises
1.+2.
3.
29
Observe the storing of electric energy by a capacitor on the model of a wind turbine.

supply
- Capacitor module
- LED module
- Cable
CAUTION! Observe the polarity when setting up the experiment. (Minus to minus and plus to plus)
At the start of the experiment, the diode is still removed from the set-up. Cable 1 and cable 2 are plugged
into the respective sockets.
1. Set up the experiment initially without the LED module. Set the power supply to 9V and start the wind
machine. The capacitor is charged as soon as the wind turbine turns on.
2. Charge the capacitor for approximately one minute. Then remove cable 1 from the base plate.
3. First switch off the wind machine.
4. Then plug the LED module and cable 2 into the base plate and observe the light-emitting diode.
1. Explain the energy storage procedure, as it occurs in this experiment. Also name all energy conversions
that occur in the experiment.
2. Give examples in which storage of energy in everyday life plays a role. Which electric component other
than the capacitor can be used to store energy?
3. Think about why the storage of electric energy generated by wind turbines is particularly important. Where
would such storage be usefully employed combined with wind power?
30
1.
2.
3.
31
Use a wind turbine to light up a light bulb and to blow a horn.

- Light bulb module
- Horn module
- Cable
1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up with the horn (regarding the polarity!)
2. Set the wind machine to 12V and start the power supply.
3. Then switch off the power supply and replace the horn with the light bulb. Write down your observation.
Complete the following text.
Wind is ____________________ of air masses. Air consists of particles. The air particles have kinetic
______________. It flows past the _____________________ of the wind turbine. The wind rotor extracts
energy from the wind and converts it into ___________ movement. This generates voltage in the
_________________. This ______________ the light bulb and lets _____________________ make a
sound.
32
Use a wind turbine to observe the color mixture with the aid of color wheels.

supply
profile)
- Motor module with turntable and
colour wheels
- Cable
1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up with the motor module:
Clip the rotation disk onto the motor. Only one other cardboard disk will be added to
the rotation disk during the following experiments. The cardboard disk is secured by two
colored plastic clips.
If necessary you can use a plug to take the clips off the rotation disk. Carefully press the
plug against the clip from underneath.
2. Set the wind machine to 12 V and start the power supply. Observe the rotating color wheel.
3. Switch off the power supply, exchange the color disks and redo the experiment.
Write down your observations. Color in the field with the corresponding color that is formed during the
rotation and write in the name of the color.
33
Green-red wheel:
Red-blue wheel:
Green-blue wheel:
Green-red-blue wheel:
Based on your observation now color in the drawing to reflect the color mix. Also identify the different color
fields.
red blue
green
34
Compare a Savonius rotor with a three-blade rotor by examining the LED that is illuminated.

power supply
- Savonius rotor (with generator
module)
profile)
- LED module
- Cable
1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up. First use the three-blade-rotor.
2. Switch on the power supply and observe the LED.
3. Switch the power supply off again and remove the three-blade rotor. Now place the Savonius rotor
module on the base plate.
4. Start the wind machine and write down your observations by filling out the cloze text.
The Savonius rotor turns __________________ than the three-blade rotor.
The LED is ___________________, illuminated when the Savonius rotor is used.
35
Examine the Savonius rotor more closely. What difference can you detect in the construction between the
two rotors? Make a sketch of both rotors.
Answer:
36
Compare a Savonius rotor with a three-blade rotor by examining the voltage generated.

supply
- Savonius rotor (with generator module)
- Cable
- Voltage meter
1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up. Start with the Savonius rotor.
2. Switch on the power supply and measure the voltage supplied by the Savonius rotor (VSavonius ).
3. Switch the power off again, remove the Savonius rotor module from the set-up and insert the three-blade
rotor in place of the Savonius rotor.
4. Switch on the power supply again and measure the voltage supplied by the three-blade rotor (V3-blade ).
5. Write down your measurements and other observations.
VSavonius =
V3-blade =
37
1. Examine the rotor more closely. Then try to explain the functioning principle of the Savonius rotor. Make
a sketch.
2. How big is the voltage difference between the two types of rotors in this model? Can you explain the
difference? Write down your assumptions.
1.
2.
38
Compare the output of a wind turbine powered by a Savonius rotor with the output of a three-blade rotor.

- Savonius rotor (with generator module)
- Resistance module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- Ammeter
1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up. First use the savonius rotor.
2. Switch on the power supply and measure the voltage VS and amperage IS for several wind speeds
which the Savonius rotor supplies. Vary the wind speed by changing the voltage at the power supply
VSup.
3. You can determine the values for the speed with the wind force transducer or read it off the
respective chart (see page 9).
4. Now do the experiment with the three-blade rotor at the respective wind speeds and write down your
measurements and other observations.
39
Savonius rotor Three-Blade rotor
VSup v VS IS PS VSup v V3 I3 P3
in V in m/s in V in mA in mW in V in m/s in V in mA in mW
(see page 9).
1. Calculate the output for the respective distances and enter your values in the charts provided.
2. Compare the two rotors. Consider the following aspects:
 Outward appearance
 Rotation axis
 Rotating speed
 Start-up speed
 Rated output
 Functioning principle
3. Name possible reasons why Savonius rotors can hardly be used for energy generation. Are there areas
where they are used meaningfully?
1.
Savonius rotor: Three-Blade rotor:
40
2.
Savonius rotor Three-blade rotor
Outward
appearance
Rotation axis
Rotating speed
Rated output
Functioning
principle
3.
41
Examine the brightness of a light-emitting diode, which is powered by a wind turbine with two, three or four
rotor blades.

supply
- Wind turbine module (with two, three
and four rotor blades, 25°, optimized
profile)
- LED module
- Cable

2. Put the 2-blade rotor on the wind turbine and turn the wind machine on (exciter voltage 9V) Observe the
LED.
3. Now change the rotor blades and place the three and four-blade rotors one after the other on the wind
turbine and observe the LED (You can find details regarding the change of the rotor blades on page 8).
4. Write down your observations and make a cross in the respective fields of the table.
The LED lights up...

bright faintly no light
2 blades
3 blades
4 blades
42
How does the brightness of the LED change when it is powered by different rotors? Describe your results.
Supplementary: In Europe mainly three-blade rotors are used in wind turbines. Try to find a possible
explanation.
Answer:
Supplementary:
43
Examine the voltage at the wind turbine at different numbers of rotor blades.

supply
- Wind turbine module (with two,
three and four rotor blades, 25°,
optimized profile)
- Cable
- Voltage meter
The individual rotors need different amounts of time until they produce a consistent peripheral speed and so
a consistent voltage. The voltage should only be recorded when the reading no longer changes.

2. Place the two-blade rotor on the wind turbine. Measure the voltage in dependence of the wind speed by
varying the voltage Vsup at the power supply and enter all your values in the provided fields.
3. You can determine the values for the wind speed with the wind force transducer or read it off the
respective chart (see page 9).
Repeat your measurement with the three and four-blade rotor.
Vsup in V v in m/s V2 in V V3 in V V4 in V
(see page 9).
44
1. Enter your measurements in the respective charts.
2. With which number of rotor blades the biggest voltage can be generated, which generates the
lowest? What do you assume is the correlation between the number of rotor blades and the
generated voltage?
3. The voltage generated at the wind turbine also changes at different wind speeds. Based on your
results, explain why the use of three-blade and not four-blade rotors for power generation is
preferred.
2.
3.
45
Examine the output at the wind turbine at different numbers of rotor blades.

- Wind turbine module (with two, three, four
- Resistance module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- Ammeter
The individual rotors need different amounts of time until they produce a consistent peripheral speed and so
a consistent voltage. The voltage should only be recorded when the reading no longer changes.

2. Place the two-blade rotor on the wind turbine, set a distance of 5 cm between the rotor and the wind
machine and turn on the wind machine.
3. Measure the voltage and amperage generated at different distances (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 cm) and enter the
values in the table. Then switch the wind machine off again.
4. Repeat your measurement with the three and four-blade rotor
Two-blade rotor
d in cm 5 10 15 20 25
v in m/s
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
46
Three-blade rotor
d in cm 5 10 15 20 25
v in m/s
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
Four-blade rotor
d in cm 5 10 15 20 25
v in m/s
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
(see page 9).

2. What number of blades generates the highest output, which produces the lowest? What do you assume
is the correlation between the number of rotor blades and the generated power?
1.
P2,P3,P4 in mW
47
2.
48
Record the current-voltage characteristics of the wind rotor. Also determine the load resistance at which the
maximum output is achieved.

supply
- Potentiometer module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- Ammeter
Before beginning the measurement, the potentiometer module must be adjusted to its highest possible
resistance value.

2. Set different resistance values with the potentiometer module and measure the respective amperage.
Reduce the voltage in steps of 0.2 V and enter your measurements in the table.
V in V
I in mA
R in Ω
P in mW
V in V
I in mA
R in Ω
P in mW
49
1. Enter your measurement pairs in the respective charts.
2. From the chart, determine the voltage value at which the output of the wind turbine is the greatest. How
big is the load resistance at which the maximum output at the turbine is achieved?
3. What consequence follows from these results for the operation of real wind turbines?
4. The maximum output of a wind turbine depends therefore on the load resistance at the turbine. Name
possible effects or physical variables that could also have an effect on the output of a wind turbine.
1.
2. Vmax = Rmax =
3.
4.
50
Examine how the brightness of the LED changes when the wind direction to the wind turbine changes.

supply
profile)
- LED module
- Cable

2. Turn on the wind machine with a selected voltage of 9 V.
3. Turn the wind turbine carefully to the right and left and observe the LED. Write down your
observations.
CAUTION! When rotating the base, do not reach into the rotor blades – risk of injury! – While rotating, the
wind machine should be turned off.
Wind turbines are depicted in the figures. The arrows identify the direction of the air flow (wind direction).
Which plant can generate the highest output, which the lowest? Give reasons based on your observations
from the experiment.
51
Examine the voltage supplied by the wind turbine when the direction of air flow to the rotor changes.

supply
profile)
- Cable
- Voltage meter
When setting the angle of rotation, it must be ensured that your line of vision is always perpendicular to the
angular scale.

2. At the start, adjust the angle of rotation to 0°.
3. Switch on the power supply unit (9V) and measure the respective voltage at the turbine. Enter your
measurement in the table and switch the power supply off again if necessary.
4. Now gently rotate the wind turbine by 10°. Repeat the measurements with the respective angle
adjustments and enter all measurements in the table.
α in ° 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
cos α
V in V
52
2. The size of cos α is a measure for the work surface area of the wind on the wind rotor (as shown in the
figure). Describe the dependence of the voltage on the angle of rotation and the work surface area of the
wind at the wind rotor which is represented by cos α.
3. The direction from which the flowing air hits a wind turbine is important for the voltage generated.
Describe a way of changing a system to always be capable of generating the maximum voltage.
1.
2.
3.
53
Examine the output of the wind rotor when the wind hits the wind turbine from different directions.

supply
profile)
- Resistance module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- Ammeter
When setting the angle of rotation, it must be ensured that your line of vision is always perpendicular to the
angular scale.

2. At the start, adjust the angle of rotation to 0°.
3. Switch on the power supply unit (12V) and measure the respective voltage and amperage at the turbine.
Enter your measurement in the table and switch the power supply off again if necessary.
4. Now gently rotate the wind turbine by 10°. Repeat the measurements with the respective angle
adjustments and enter all measurements in the table.
α in ° 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
cos α
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
54
1. Enter the measurement pairs in the respective charts.
2. The size of cos α is proportional to a specific surface area of the rotated wind turbine. What could one
call this surface area? Describe the dependence of the voltage on the angle of rotation and the surface
area mentioned. Make a sketch of it.
3. In real wind turbines it has great importance to always generate the highest possible output. How can you
ensure that a wind turbine always generates the maximum output? Think of a possible technical
implementation, how such a system can be aligned more optimally into the wind and describe your
reasoning. Get information about to the construction of real wind turbines.
1.
2.
3.
55
Examine the influence of the rotor blade pitch on the brightness of an illuminated LED.

blades, all angles, optimized profile)
- LED module
- Cable

2. Put the 3-blade rotor with a rotor blade pitch of 20° on the wind turbine and turn the wind machine on
(exciter voltage 9V).
3. Observe how the brightness of the light-emitting diode changes and enter your observations in the table.
Color in the corresponding number of fields.
4. Now change the rotor blade pitch and place the different rotors (20°, 25°, 30°, 50°, 90°) one after the
other on the wind turbine and observe the LED.
Supplement: Repeat the measurement with the flat rotor blades.
Blade pitch 20° 25° 30° 50° 90° Example

bright
The LED lights weak

up...
not at all
Now complete the sentences.
With large rotor blade pitch, the LED lights up ______________________. The LED lights up most at an
angle of.______________________.
Supplement: With the flat profile you can observe___________________________________________.
56
Examine the influence of the rotor blade pitch on the voltage at the wind turbine.

- Voltage meter
- Cable
1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up. Put the 3-blade rotor with a rotor blade pitch
of 20° on the wind turbine and turn the wind machine on (exciter voltage 12V).
2. Measure the voltage at the turbine and enter your value in the table
other on the wind turbine and measure the voltage at the turbine.
4. Supplement: Repeat the measurement with the flat rotor blades.
 in ° 20 25 30 50 90
V in V
Supplement:
flat rotor blades
57
1. Enter your measurements in the specified charts. If you are using also the flat profiles, mark the
associated curve with a different color.
2. Describe the correlation between voltage and pitch of the rotor blades.
3. What course do you expect for angles smaller than 20 °?
1.
2.
3.
58
Examine the influence of the rotor blade pitch on the output at the wind turbine.

- Voltage meter
- Ammeter
- Cable

2. Put the 3-blade rotor with a rotor blade pitch of 20° on the wind turbine and turn the wind machine on
(exciter voltage 9V).
3. Measure the voltage and amperage at the turbine and enter your value in the table
other on the wind turbine and measure the voltage and amperage at the turbine.
5. Repeat the measurement with the flat rotor blades.
6. Calculate the output of the wind turbine for each blade pitch.
Optimized profile:
/° 20 25 30 50 90
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
Flat profile:
/° 20 25 30 50 90
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
59
1. Calculate the electrical output for the respective angles (for the optimized and flat profile). Then enter the
value pairs into the relevant chart.
2. Describe the correlation between output and pitch of the rotor blades. What impact might this effect have
on the operation of real wind turbines? What influence has the shape of the blades?
1.
2.
3.
60
Examine the Influence of the rotor blade pitch on the start up speed of a wind turbine.

power supply
three rotor blades, all angles,
optimized profile)
- Voltage meter
- Cable

2. Put the 3-blade rotor with a rotor blade pitch of 20° on the wind turbine and turn the wind machine on.
3. Vary the speed of wind by changing the distance or the voltage at the power supply until the wind turbine
starts (= start speed vs). You can push the turbine a little, but it should continue without your help.
4. Now measure the voltage at the wind turbine and repeat the measurement for varying wind speeds.
(Vary the wind speed by changing the distance or the voltage at the power supply). Enter your values in
the specified table
5. Take the value of the relevant chart (see page 9) or follow step 6 if you have a wind force transducer
wind speed with the wind force transducer at the respective distance (and voltage at the power supply).
7. Repeat the measurement for all rotor blade pitches.
Rotor blade pitch 20°:
v in m/s
Vgen in V
Start speed vs=
61
v in m/s
Vgen in V
Start speed vs=
v in m/s
Vgen in V
Start speed vs=
v in m/s
Vgen in V
Start speed vs=
v in m/s
Vgen in V
Start speed vs=
1. Enter your measurements in the respective chart.

2. Describe the correlation between the voltage at the wind turbine and wind speed.
3. What influence has the rotor blade pitch on the maximum voltage at the turbine and the start speed?
4. How could this effect be used in the realization of real wind turbines, for example to prevent damage
during a storm?
62
1.
2.
3.
4.
63
Examine the brightness of a light-emitting diode, which is powered by a wind turbine with different shaped
rotor blades.

- Wind turbine module (with three rotor blades,
25°, optimized and flat profile)
- LED module
- Cable

2. Put the 3-blade rotor with the optimized profile on the wind turbine and turn the wind machine on (exciter
voltage 9V).
3. Observe how the brightness of the light-emitting diode changes and write down your observations.
4. Repeat the measurement with the rotor blade with flat profile.
1. Which blade shape illuminates the LED stronger?

2. Examine the shape of the two rotor blades closer. What are the differences?
3. Do you know any examples where the flat profile is used?
1.
2.
3.
64
Examine the voltage generated at the wind turbine for different shapes of rotor blades.

supply
- Wind turbine module (three rotor
blades, 25°, optimized and flat
profile)
- Cable
- Voltage meter

2. Place the three-blade rotor with the optimized profile on the wind turbine and turn on the wind machine
(exciter voltage 9V). Measure the voltage generated at the wind turbine.
3. Repeat the measurement with the three-blade rotor with flat profile.
Vopt =
Vflat =
1. Which blade shape generates a higher voltage?

2. Place an assumption: What is the influence of the blade shape on the output of a wind turbine?
1.
2.
65
Examine the output of wind turbine for different shapes of rotor blades.

- Wind turbine module (with three rotor blades,
25°, optimized and flat profile)
- Potentiometer module
- Cable
- Voltage meter
- Ammeter

2. Place the three-blade rotor with the optimized profile on the wind turbine, set a distance of 25 cm
between the rotor and the wind machine and turn on the wind machine.
3. Measure the respective voltage and amperage for different distances at the turbine (see table).
4. Repeat the measurement for the three-blade rotor with flat profile.
Optimized profile:
d in cm 5 10 15 20 25
v in m/s
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
Flat profile:
d in cm 5 10 15 20 25
v in m/s
V in V
I in mA
P in mW
(see page 9).
66
2. Which blade shape generates a higher output?
3. What physical effect could be responsible for the behavior of the optimized blade? Compare the rotor
blade of the wind turbine to an airplane wing.
4. Which profile is therefore used in real wind turbines? Give reasons for your decision.
1.
2. Popt □ Pflat
3.
4.
67
Layout diagram leXsolar-Wind Large
Item-No.1404
LED module Capacitor Buzzer Potentiometer

red module module module
1400-08 1400-07 1100-25 1100-23
Resistor Wind turbine

module module plate
1100-22 1400-06
Light bulb Wind turbine

module module
1100-26 1400-06
Wind machine Motor module

module without gear
1400-03 1100-27
Color screens Anemometer Savonius

with mount module rotor module
1100-28 1400-02 1400-01
The layout diagram for the upper insert

can be found on the first page.
understanding
new energies
leXsolar GmbH
Strehlener Straße 24
01069 Dresden
Telefon: + 49 351 47 96 56 0
Fax: + 49 351 47 96 56 111
E-Mail: info@lexsolar.de
Internet: www.lexsolar.de
Student‘s manual
© leXsolar GmbH
All rights reserved.

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leXsolar-Wind

The layout diagram for the lower insert

1.1 Changing wind speed by changing the distance (phenomenologically) .................................................. 11

4 © leXsolar GmbH 2011

Identification of the components

Standard equipment of lexsolar-Wind

Component Description Symbol in

Wind machine universal

Wind turbine on module

Wind rotor set

© leXsolar GmbH 2011 5

Savonius rotor (with

MwI expansion (measuring without instruments)1

Motor module (with turntable

Light bulb module

6 © leXsolar GmbH 2011

Wind force transducer

© leXsolar GmbH 2011 7

Measuring the wind speed (anemometer extension):

To measure the wind speed you have to remove

Installing and replacing the rotor blades

After installation of the rotor blades, the hub-cap will be mounted

8 © leXsolar GmbH 2011

Wind speed at constant voltage at the wind machine

Wind speed at constant distance from wind machine

© leXsolar GmbH 2011 9

10 © leXsolar GmbH 2011

- leXsolar main board

1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up.

Voltage at the 6V 7,5V 9V 12V Example

The LED lights weak

Now complete the sentences:

With a lower voltage at the wind machine, the LED is ______________________.

The ___________________ the wind speed, the brighter the LED.

- leXsolar base unit

1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up.

- leXsolar main board

1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up.

- leXsolar main board

1. Set the experiment up according to the experiment set-up.

The wind turbine

Quelle: http://www.wind-energie.de/de/technik/entstehung/windpotential (16.11.2010)

Solutions to the exercises

- leXsolar main board

vA … start-up wind speed

- leXsolar main board

1. Build up the experimental setup initially without the resistance module.

- leXsolar main board

Vhorn = Vlight bulb=

> > >

- leXsolar main board

Vwithout in m/s Vwith in m/s

- leXsolar main board

- leXsolar main board

Solutions to the exercises

- leXsolar main board

- leXsolar main board

Complete the following text.

- leXsolar main board