Wind Energy and Design
What is a renewable energy resource?
A resource that is naturally replenished on a human timescale.
What part of a wind turbine spins when the wind blows?
The blades/rotor.
What is a prototype?
An early model used to test a design.
What type of energy does moving wind have?
Kinetic energy.
What does C stand for in CER?
Claim
Name one nonrenewable energy source.
Coal, oil, natural gas, or uranium.
What is the purpose of the tower?
To support the rotor high above the ground, often where winds are stronger.
Why should a team sketch before building?
To communicate, plan, and improve ideas before construction.
Is wind power renewable or nonrenewable?
Renewable.
What does E stand for in CER?
Evidence
What energy source powers a wind turbine?
The kinetic energy of moving air (wind).
What device converts mechanical rotation into electrical energy?
The generator.
What is one variable you could change to improve a wind turbine?
Blade angle, blade length, number of blades, or blade shape.
What energy transformation happens in a wind turbine?
Wind kinetic energy → mechanical rotational energy → electrical energy.
What does R stand for in CER?
Reasoning
Give one advantage of wind energy.
It is renewable and generates electricity without burning fuel during operation.
Why are blades typically angled or curved?
To create aerodynamic forces that turn the rotor efficiently.
Why should a team change only one variable during a fair test?
To tell whether that specific change caused the result.
Why might a wind farm be built in a wide, open area?
Open spaces often have less obstruction and more consistent wind.
Is “Our turbine spun 15 times in 10 seconds” a claim, evidence, or reasoning?
Evidence: it is an observation or measurement.
Why can wind turbines not produce the same amount of electricity every day?
Wind speed changes, which affects electrical output.
What is the job of the nacelle?
To house and protect components such as the generator and drivetrain.
A turbine spins slowly even in strong wind. Name a possible design change and explain why.
Example: adjust blade pitch/angle to capture wind more effectively.
Why are very strong winds not always better for a turbine?
Extreme winds may damage equipment; turbines may shut down for safety.
A team says “Longer blades worked better.” What evidence and reasoning would strengthen this claim?
Compare measured performance with shorter blades and explain how the blade change affected capture of wind energy.