Wind turbine support:

To support the motor/generator for the Wind Power event, either the KidWind Basic Wind Experiment Kit (KW-BWX) or the KidWind Advanced Wind Experiment Kit (KW-AWX) includes a tower and nacelle that can be used to support the motor, as well as an appropriate motor/generator. Or, you can purchase the following items separately:

Motor/Generator:

Any small motor can be used as the generator, including the KidWind Wind Turbine Generator with Wires, in the above list. The KidWind Motor Mount Assembly (included with the KidWind Nacelle or available separately) will hold a motor up to 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in) diameter when used in the KidWind Nacelle.

Attaching the blade assembly device to the motor/generator:

There are probably many ways to attach a CD to a KidWind Wind Turbine Generator with Wires (KW-GEN3) for the Science Olympiad Wind Energy event. You can use a CD/DVD spindle as suggested by Science Olympiad. The spindle can be pressed directly onto the 2mm shaft of the KidWind Wind Turbine Generator with Wires. Another simple way is to use a 3-D printed hub. We have designed a hub that you can 3-D print and have uploaded it to Thingiverse.com. You can find it here:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2234442

This 3-D printable hub will also connect easily to the KidWind Wind Turbine Generator with Wires. As with the CD/DVD spindle, press the hub snugly onto the generator shaft. Friction will hold the parts together. Then you can snap the CD/DVD onto the hub.

Measuring voltage:

Our recommendation for measuring the voltage output of the generator is the Go Direct® Energy Sensor (GDX-NRG) which connects via bluetooth to your computer, Chromebook, tablet, or phone. It can also connect via USB to your computer or Chromebook. You would need to download our app, Graphical Analysis. You will also need to provide a resistor between 5 Ω and 25 Ω to attach to the external load connectors on the Go Direct Energy Sensor, since the built-in internal load on the sensor is 30 Ω. An alternative is the Go Direct® Voltage Probe (GDX-VOLT).

Additional help:

If you need additional advice for using KidWind and Vernier equipment to prepare for or supervise the Science Olympiad Wind Power event, contact us at 1-888-837-6437 and ask for a member of the KidWind team. Or, email us at kidwind@vernier.com, or contact us using the Chat on our website.

Published: April 7, 2017. Updated: November 14, 2023.