Specifications for Wind Generating Device

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the specifications and calculations related to a wind generating device, focusing on power output, torque, and the influence of wind speed on performance. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects of wind turbine design and operation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Kirk presents a wind generating device producing 120 lbft of static torque at a wind speed of 30 mph and seeks to calculate power output at varying wind speeds.
  • Minger suggests using the formula P = Tω and emphasizes the importance of unit conversion from rpm.
  • Another participant questions how torque and speed can be known without reference to wind speed, indicating a potential gap in understanding.
  • Kirk clarifies that the 120 lbft torque is observed statically, while 15 rpm is the ideal rotational speed for the prototype.
  • A participant advises that knowing the geometry of the machine is crucial for accurate power calculations and suggests consulting a mechanical engineering handbook for guidance.
  • Another participant provides estimates for mass flow and theoretical power output based on assumptions about wind speed and efficiency, highlighting the uncertainty in their calculations.
  • A participant expresses interest in Kirk's device specifications for a competition, requesting details about blade design and other technical aspects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the calculations or assumptions regarding the wind generating device. Multiple viewpoints and uncertainties about the necessary parameters for accurate power output calculations remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding efficiency and performance metrics, indicating that the calculations depend heavily on specific design parameters and conditions that are not fully defined in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in wind turbine design, power calculations, and mechanical engineering concepts may find this discussion relevant.

yamvmax
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I made a wind generating device that produces 120 lbft static torque with a 30mph wind. The paddles that interface the wind have rotational center of 4.5ft(radius). My device will be rotating at 15rpm. How do I calculate how much power is produced at any given wind speed?

Kirk
 
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[tex]P = T\omega[/tex]
Make sure your units are correct. You will need to convert rpm
 
If you know (from where I don't know) that the device produces 120 ft-lb torque at 15 rpm, you can complete the power calculation that minger has shown by just making the necessary units conversion and doing the arithmetic.

The big question seems to be, how do you know the speed and torque a priori without reference to the wind speed?
 
Thank you for the reply minger & Dr.D

The 120 lbft force is what I observed without my device moving (no angular velocity). 15 rpm is the ideal rotational speed due to the mechanical nature of my prototype.

My intuition tells me to calculate the difference between wind speed and paddle speed (2216 ft/min) but I am not sure what to do after that.

I am a ME dropout from 25yrs ago. Maybe I need some refresher courses before I use this forum again?
 
Without knowing the geometry of your machine, it is difficult to advise you on how to make a power calculation. You might want to refer to Mark's Mechanical Engineers Handbook for the information in there on windmills for example to see how they are analyzed. That may help you with the analysis of your machine.

The alternative, of course, is to simply try to measure the torque and speed while the machine is rotating. If you can do that, the power output is easy to calculate using the formula that minger has given above.
 
You would need to know a fair bit more, but taking standard assumptions at 15 m/s with a dia of 4.5 you are looking:

Mass flow = 26.7 kg/s
Theo Power = 5.5 kW
Output from Gen = 2.8 kW

I have made loads of assumptions such as a gen efficiency of 0.5 and coeff of performance of 0.1 and Ro = 1.226.

Some notes http://users.aber.ac.uk/iri/WIND/TECH/WPcourse/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
hi Yamvmax i am also making a wind turbine
i want your help. can you tell me little specification about your wind generating device
like blade length,blade material,blade design , braking of rotor ,hub diameter, battery and generator specification ,
have you used gearbox or not ,
i am participating in a compitition
thanks in advance
 

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