Harnessing Wind EnergyHarnessing Wind Energy

Kevin DahmKevin Dahm

July 9, 2007July 9, 2007

SailboatsSailboats

The sail dates back to at least 4000 B.C., when Egyptians developed square papyrus sails

ACTIVITYACTIVITYUsing the materials provided, design and Using the materials provided, design and

construct a sail that will power the raft. construct a sail that will power the raft.

Try to predict which Try to predict which materials/sizes/shapes will catch the wind materials/sizes/shapes will catch the wind most effectively.most effectively.

ACTIVITYACTIVITYUsing the materials provided, design and Using the materials provided, design and

construct a sail that will power the raft. construct a sail that will power the raft.

Try to predict which materials/sizes/shapes Try to predict which materials/sizes/shapes will catch the wind most effectively.will catch the wind most effectively.

This activity is taken from an This activity is taken from an Engineering is Engineering is ElementaryElementary module, “Catching the Wind.” module, “Catching the Wind.”

Designing WindmillsDesigning Windmills

Designing WindmillsDesigning Windmills

Dates to at least 400 BC

Dates to at least 900 AD

Modern Energy SystemsModern Energy Systems

QuestionQuestion

What kind of engineering is this? Discuss with neighbors for 30 seconds.

Modern Energy SystemsModern Energy Systems

Cape Wind: Wind farm off Cape CodCape Wind: Wind farm off Cape Cod

Cape WindCape Wind

Why would anyone think this is a bad idea?

Cape Wind CriticsCape Wind CriticsAestheticsAesthetics

Cape WindCape Wind

Cape Wind CriticsCape Wind CriticsAestheticsAestheticsNavigation hazardNavigation hazardAir traffic hazard (each turbine is taller Air traffic hazard (each turbine is taller

than the statue of liberty)than the statue of liberty)Create false radar signalsCreate false radar signals

Cape Wind CriticsCape Wind CriticsAestheticsAestheticsNavigation hazardNavigation hazardAir traffic hazard (each turbine is taller Air traffic hazard (each turbine is taller

than the statue of liberty)than the statue of liberty)Create false radar signalsCreate false radar signalsLocal environmental impactLocal environmental impact

BirdsBirdsFishFish

Take home messagesTake home messages

Multiple solutions to any problemMultiple solutions to any problem

Engineering practice: Predict, design, Engineering practice: Predict, design, build, test, improvebuild, test, improve

Don’t fall in love with your first idea!Don’t fall in love with your first idea!

Mechanical Engineers design and Mechanical Engineers design and produce machines that perform specific produce machines that perform specific taskstasks

Electrical Engineers design systems Electrical Engineers design systems that generate, deliver and use electricitythat generate, deliver and use electricity

Civil Engineers design and oversee Civil Engineers design and oversee construction of society’s infrastructureconstruction of society’s infrastructure

Linkage to math: Use stopwatch to determine rate at which different sailboats are moving

Linkage to societal issues: Solutions to technical problems must be efficient, economical and effective in a societal/global context