Wind energy is one of the best sources of alternative energy. Wind refers to the movement of air
from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. Wind is caused by uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun. Hot air rises up and cool air flows in to take its place. Winds will always exist as long as solar energy exists and people will be able to harness the energy from till then.It is a renewable source of energy and does not produce any pollutants or emissions during operation that could harm the environment, other than those required for maintenance.
Wind power is one of the cleanest and safest method of generating renewable electricity. Wind farms can be created to trap wind energy by placing multiple wind turbines in the same location for the purpose of generating large amounts of electric power.Wind power consists of turning energy from the wind to other energy forms. There are different ways to harness it. For example windmills produce mechanical energy, enable sails to move boats and generate electricity.
But what I will be doing is quite different from building sails on boats. In fact I will be attaching a sail onto a car. A completely different process that messes with all the rules of science. First, buoyancy, which does not exist for cars. Different rules of science apply in this type of project. Like weight, it impacts cars a lot since they are much heaver, or are they that is? Without an engine and transmission, cars are about 15% lighter. But there are way more parts in a car to power it like a flywheel or a seat that weigh a lot once added up together. The force of wind also impacts the ability of the force to move a car. Not only does the car have to be lightweight but it also has to have enough wind force to get pushed.
Using a source of power to create energy which is turned into wind I will find the amount of air needed to force the car to move since natural wind is not going to be available when presenting. To reclaim the energy wasted from the fan or object that will contribute the air, wind turbines far far away will spin. To calculate the energy needed I will use science or also known as the Beaufort scale.a scale of wind forces, described by name and range of velocity, and classified as from force 0 to force 12, or, sometimes, to force 17. Using that method the car will have speed.
Battery Powered Cars (Blog 1)
What Powers
Batteries?
Batteries are
the most used form of electricity and although they might not be as efficient
and clean as solar power, they are loaded with power and there are power
outlets for them everywhere including in mostly every building whereas solar
power doesn't use outlets. Batteries have three parts, an anode (-), a cathode
(+), and the electrolyte. The cathode and anode (the positive and negative
sides at either end of a traditional battery) are hooked up to an electrical
circuit. The chemical reaction in the battery causes a build-up of electrons at
the anode.
Definition: An
electric battery is a device consisting of two or more electrochemical cells
that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The terminal marked
positive is at a higher electrical potential energy than is the terminal marked
negative. The terminal marked positive is the source of electrons that when
connected to an external circuit will flow and deliver energy to an external
device. When a battery is connected to an external circuit, electrolytes are
able to move as ions within, allowing the chemical reactions to be completed at
the separate terminals and so deliver energy to the external circuit. It is the
movement of those ions within the battery which allows current to flow out of
the battery to perform work.
How to Make a Battery?
Don’t
throw out your pennies just yet, they’re still worth something. With just vinegar,
cardboard, pennies, sandpaper and aluminium foil you can make your very own
battery. Just follow the steps and procedures in this video below and you can
make a cost effective battery.
Your cost
effective battery can simply last power a calculator or even power a light continuously
for over 2 full days. It’s definitely a good use of time and it’s perfect for
projects you do at school. Batteries can power almost anything including cars
which we will get to but not today.
Secondary
Batteries
Secondary batteries, also known as secondary cells, or
rechargeable batteries, must be charged before first use; they are usually
assembled with active materials in the discharged state. Rechargeable batteries
are (re)charged by applying electric current, which reverses the chemical
reactions that occur during discharge/use. Devices to supply the appropriate
current are called chargers.
The oldest form of rechargeable battery is the lead–acid
battery. This technology contains liquid electrolyte in an unsealed container,
requiring that the battery be kept upright and the area be well ventilated to
ensure safe dispersal of the hydrogen gas it produces during overcharging. The
lead–acid battery is relatively heavy for the amount of electrical energy it
can supply. Its low manufacturing cost and its high surge current levels make
it common where its capacity (over approximately 10 Ah) is more important than
weight and handling issues. A common application is the modern car battery,
which can, in general, deliver a peak current of 450 amperes.
Batteries have also evolved although you may only think there is one type of battery. We use them everywhere but for this project I am teaching you the importance of them in cars. Check in next time to find out about battery motors to get a deeper understanding of how you can make your very own Battery-Powered Car.
Solar Powered Cars (Blog 1)
What powers Solar Panels?
Solar Power is arguably the cleanest and most reliable and renewable energy available, and it can be used in several forms to help power your home or business. Solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun's rays into electricity by exciting electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun.
Definition: A solar panel is a series of interconnected silicon cells joined together to form a circuit. In greater numbers the amount of power produced by these interconnected cells can be increased and used as an electricity production system. Solar panels come in different sizes for different purposes.
Lists of multiple Items Solar Panels can power include: Cars, Engines, Lights, Lawnmowers, Your House, Boats, Computers, Chargers, Ovens, Toys, Trains, Sharpeners, Helicopters, Planes, Robots, Televisions and a continuous list that will tremendously expand over years of non-stop inventions.
How would you make your own cheap Solar Panel?
A Solar Cell is the first item you will need. On ebay you can buy a pack of 40 for $19.99.
Although they are a bit damaged, they still have a lot of power. They’re 3 x 6, this is big enough to power a “car” for example. $19.99/40= 0.49975 US Dollar. If converted it would be 67 CAN cents per 3 x 6 solar cell which is a deal. Next, will need a cover for the solar cells. Any old picture frame with a glass cover would be perfect. A 20 gauge wire or any insulated wire will be needed for the tabbing. You will need to tab the wires onto the back of the solar cell in alignment with the contacts. To attach the wires, you would need to solder them.
Another set of wires will be mandatory for the positives and negatives. There are three positives and three negatives in the solar cell. Attach your first wire to all the negatives and the second wire to the positives. Put your solar cell in your frame and get your toy or item you want to power and connect the positive and the negative to the positive and the negative. Leave it out in the sun and watch it work. For a step by step tutorial explaining the procedures in a video click on the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DVSrqF4T_M
If you enjoy the easy way just tear out a solar panel from a pack of outdoor solar lights you can get from a dollar store and start using sunlight to your advantage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DVSrqF4T_M
If you enjoy the easy way just tear out a solar panel from a pack of outdoor solar lights you can get from a dollar store and start using sunlight to your advantage.
Solar Panels are very efficient and they can change the way you live forever. On my next blog, watch how I connect solar panels with motors. Learn how they work, and watch your brain explode!
Wind Powered Cars
These cars are simple to use and are very efficient. Just attach a sail to a tricycle and you're set to go. Click on the wind powered cars tab to find
out more about it.
Battery Powered Cars are shocking!
These little objects can power
a car. Want to find out how it
works so you can make your
own? Follow me through a
long journey.
Solar is a bright idea!
Follow me throughout the year on an adventure to
learn about these fascinating vehicles. Grasp the
science behind this car to eventually make your
own at a very cheap cost.
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