Wind energy STE

Wind energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources for electricity generation. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of moving air into electrical energy using rotor blades and generators. Understanding the physical principles behind wind energy conversion is essential for pupils, apprentices and students entering the fields of electrical engineering and renewable energy.

The performance of a wind generator depends on many factors, including wind speed, rotor blade design, blade pitch angle, number of blades, rotor orientation, and the electrical load connected to the generator. Each of these parameters affects the energy conversion efficiency and power output in different ways.

In these experiments, students investigate the fundamental relationships that govern wind generator performance. They measure voltage, current, power, and rotational speed under various conditions and analyse how changes to the turbine configuration or operating environment affect electrical output. The experiments progress from basic energy balance calculations to more advanced topics such as blade aerodynamics, pitch control, and the practical considerations of wind farm design.

The following topics are investigated in the experiments:

• Energy balance and efficiency (power coefficient)
• Rotational speed and tip speed ratio
• Voltage and current characteristics under load
• Comparison of rotor types (Savonius and horizontal axis)
• Effect of wind speed on power output
• Effect of wind direction (yaw angle)
• Effect of blade number on performance
• Comparison of optimised and flat blade profiles
• Effect of blade pitch angle
• Effect of obstacles on power output
• Full load hours and annual energy yield

Learning objectives

• Understand the energy conversion process in wind generators
• Calculate efficiency and power coefficient of a wind turbine
• Investigate the relationship between wind speed and electrical output
• Compare different rotor designs and blade configurations
• Understand the importance of rotor orientation and pitch control
• Analyse the impact of environmental factors on wind generator performance
• Apply measurement techniques using voltage, current, and rotational speed sensors
• Evaluate wind generator performance using the concept of full load hours

Target audience

The experiments are designed for pupils, apprentices and students learning about renewable energy systems and electrical power engineering. They provide practical experience with real measurement equipment and hands-on investigation of physical principles. The experiments are suitable for secondary school pupils and vocational training students.