This key experiment uses data technology to measure the energy conversion of a range of energy convertors. Wind, solar or fuel cell devices are explored.

Description
With the approach and the probes described you can measure voltage and current output for any electrical energy source. This includes generators, turbines, solar cells, fuel cells and batteries. Using this collected data you can calculate power. This method can be used for a variety of electrical energy generators such as wind, solar and fuel cells.

Principle
Power = Current * Voltage
Energy = Power * Time
Graphical techniques are combined with calculus to find average power and total energy in a time period.

Tasks
• Determine the power output of the wind turbine using data logging technology
• Determine the energy output of the wind turbine for a fixed time period.

Ideas for Extended Investigations
• Compare power outputs at different rates of input energy and determine the efficiency. Compare the data to determine the optimum input energy rate to achieve the maximum efficiency.
• Investigate ways to increase efficiency by changing variables that affect the input energy. Identify the variables that make the most significant changes.

Last edited 22nd Aug 2018