Interactive Primary Newsletter 36 Sun and Wind (Renewable Energy Special)

Model wind turbine To engage the interest of the children and demonstrate that a wind turbine can generate useful electrical power, you can easily set up a simple model. This will show that the power of the wind turning a propeller can generate enough electricity to light an LED (light emitting diode). Figure 9 - Model turbine (propellor, terminal block & red LED) All that is required (Fig.9) is a solar motor, a propeller, a two-way terminal block, an LED---AND A STIFF BREEZE! (We can supply all components {except the wind!} separately or as a kit - £2.50 including p&p). Connecting the LED for this purpose, where the solar motor is acting as a generator, contrary to normal practice you must connect the long leg of the LED to the black lead. As your pupils become more aware of opportunities for producing electricity by alternative means they will be able to find examples in their local area. Apart from solar powered calculators, some road side warning signs (often “SLOW DOWN” outside schools) are powered by solar cells, ornamental lights in gardens have solar cells which charge a battery during the day to provide light at night and some small fountains for gardens are operated by solar powered cells. Figure 9 - Lighthouse on Brough of Birsay, Orkney Mainland. Solar panels are useful even this far North! Other applications which use solar power include parking meters (well in Edinburgh at least), bus shelter lights, remote emergency telephones, lighthouses (Fig.10) and navigation buoys. Let’s get cooking!