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Alternative Energy Worksheets
Marketed and Distributed by:- DataHarvestGroupLtd
1EdenCourt
LeightonBuzzard
Beds.LU74FY
Tel:01525373666
Fax:01525851638
e-mail:[email protected]
www.data-harvest.co.uk
BasedonoriginalworkfromECOSTYLEandtheNEF
DocumentNo:D0156 - No 2
©DataHarvest.Freelyphotocopiableforusewithinthepurchasersestablishment.
CurrentsensorElectricalload(Motormodule)
Voltagesensor
Contents
Students Worksheets
Solar Water Kit01-Howhotdoesthewaterget?.............................................................................................................. 1-3
02-Howmuchenergyiscaptured?........................................................................................................... 4-6
Solar Photovoltaic Kit03-Isthevoltageproducedbythesolarelectricpanel
dependentontheleveloflight?........................................................................................................ 7-9
04-Howmuchpowerisproducedbythesolarpanel?......................................................................... 10-12
05-Dotheangle/positionofthesolarpanelhaveanyeffect?........................................................ 13-16
Wind Turbine kit06-Doesthenumberofbladesontheturbinealterthevoltageproduced?................................ 17-19
07-Doesthespeedofthewindalterthevoltageproduced?........................................................... 20-22
08-Doesthevoltageandcurrentvarywithaload?............................................................................ 23-25
09-Doestheangleofthebladeshaveanyeffect?............................................................................. 26-28
Teacher’s NotesIntroduction................................................................................................................................................... 29-30
Solar Water Kit01-Howhotdoesthewaterget?............................................................................................................. 31-32
02-Howmuchenergyiscaptured?......................................................................................................... 33-34
Solar Photovoltaic Kit03-Isthevoltageproducedbythesolarelectricpanel
dependentontheleveloflight?........................................................................................................ 35-36
04-Howmuchpowerisproducedbythesolarpanel?........................................................................ 37
05-Doestheangle/positionofthesolarpanelhaveanyeffect?.................................................... 38-39
Wind Turbine kit06-Doesthenumberofbladesontheturbinealterthevoltageproduced?................................ 40-41
07-Doesthespeedofthewindalterthevoltageproduced?.......................................................... 42
08-Doesthevoltageandcurrentvarywithaload?............................................................................ 43
09-Doestheangleofthebladeshaveanyeffect?............................................................................ 44-45
Page 1DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Solar Water Kit
01 - How hot does the water get?
ReadThe solar water heater absorbs energy from the sun to heat water. Your task is to find out how hot
thewatercanget.
What you need1.AnEASYSENSElogger
2.SolarWaterHeater
3.Sunshine
4.2SmartQTemperaturesensors
5.ASmartQLightlevelsensor(0–100,000Lux)
6.Water
7.RubberbungwithshortlengthofPVCtube
What you need to do1.ConnecttwoTemperaturesensorsandthe100,000LuxLightlevelsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.
2.CutashortlengththePVCtube(about10mmlong)andpushintothetopoftherubberbung.
GentlyinsertoneoftheTemperaturesensorsintothePVCtubeinthebung.
3.Taketheclearstopperoutoftheendofthemetaltubelocatedinthecentreofthesolarwater
heater.
4.Fillthemetaltubetothetopwithcoldwater.Pushtherubberbung(withTemperaturesensor)
intothetube.Seefig. 1onpage2.
5.Placethewaterheaterintheinsulatedcase.MakesuretheleadsfortheTemperaturesensorand
digitalthermometerareinthegroovesprovidedbeforeclosingthecase.
Temperaturex2andLightlevelAnyEASYSENSE 15minutes
Note: EASYSENSEQ3or5userscanusetheinternallightsensorsettothe100,000LuxrangeinsteadoftheSmartQLightlevelsensor
Note:ThedigitalthermometerprovidedwiththeSolarWaterheaterisnotmadeuseofduringthisinvestigationbutthethermometer/bungshouldbeleftinplacetoprovideaseal.
Note:Thisinvestigationdescribesusingthedataloggerconnectedtothecomputer.WithsomeEASYSENSEloggers(i.e.thosewithLCDscreens)itispossibletocollectdatabyselectingEasyLogfromthelogger.
Page 2DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
6.Putthesolarwaterheaterindirectsunlight,pointingandangledtowardstheSun.Positionthe
otherTemperaturesensortomeasurethetemperatureoftheair.PointtheLightlevelsensor
towardstheSun.
7.OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectEasyLogfromtheHomepage.
8. ClickontheStarticontobeginlogging.
9. After at least 15 minutes click on Stop to finish logging.
SAFETY:Thewaterinthetubecanbecomehotenoughtobeahazard.Openthecaseand
allowthewaterheatertocoolbeforehandling.
ResultsAddaTitletothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedinto
yourreportdocumentasrequired.
Lightsensor
Temperaturesensor
Groove Groove
Digitalthermometer
Insulatingfoam
Solarwaterheater
TemperaturesensorconnectedtoanEASYSENSElogger
Rubberbung
Temperaturesensor
PVCsleeveFig. 1.
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page �DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Questions1.Usethegraphforlightleveltodescribethesunlightduringtheexperimente.g.theSunwasmostly
behindtheclouds.
2.Whatisthedifferenceinthestartandendtemperatureinthesolarheatertube?
3.Whatwasthedifferencebetweentheairtemperatureandwaterheateratthestartandendof
logging?
4.Usethegraphtodecidewhetherthetemperaturerosesteadilyornotduringyourexperiment.Try
toexplainwhythishappened;thinkaboutthesunlightduringtherecordingtime.
5.Solarwaterheatingcollectorsareusedaspartofasolarheatwaterheatingsystemtoprovidehot
waterforahousehold.Whatdoyouthinkwouldbetheadvantageousanddisadvantagesofthistype
ofsystem?
Page �DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Solar Water Kit
02 - How much energy is captured?
ReadThe solar water heater uses energy from the sun to heat water. Your task is to find out how hot
thewatercangetandthentousethisinformationtocalculatetheenergygainedbythewater.
What you need1.AnEASYSENSElogger
2.TheSolarWaterHeater
3.Sunshine
4.ASmartQTemperaturesensor
5.Water
6.RubberbungwithashortlengthofPVCtube
7.Electronicbalanceormeasuringcylinder(tomeasure25cm3max)
8.Smallbeaker
What you need to do1.ConnecttheTemperaturesensortoanEASYSENSElogger.
2.CutashortlengththePVCtube(about10mmlong)andpushintothetopoftherubberbung.
GentlyinserttheTemperaturesensorintothePVCtubeinthebung.
3.Taketheclearstopperoutoftheendofthemetaltubelocatedinthecentreofthesolar
waterheater.
4.Fillthemetaltubetothetopwithcoldwater.Pushtherubberbung(withTemperature
sensor)intothetube.SeeFig. 1.
5. Placethewaterheaterintheinsulatedcase.MakesuretheleadsfortheTemperaturesensorand
digitalthermometerareinthegroovesprovidedbeforeclosingthecase.
TemperatureAnyEASYSENSE 15minutes
Note:Thisinvestigationdescribesusingthedataloggerconnectedtothecomputer.WithsomeEASYSENSEloggers(i.e.thosewithLCDscreens)itispossibletocollectdatabyselectingEasyLogfromthelogger.
Note:ThedigitalthermometerprovidedwiththeSolarWaterheaterisnotmadeuseofduringthisinvestigationbutthethermometer/bungshouldbeleftinplacetoprovideaseal.
Page 5DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
6. Putthesolarwaterheaterindirectsunlight,pointingandangledtowardstheSun.
7. OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectEasyLogfromtheHomepage.
8.ClickontheStarticontobeginlogging.
9. After at least 15 minutes click on Stop to finish logging.
SAFETY:Thewaterinthetubecanbecomehotenoughtobeahazard.Openthecaseandallowthe
waterheatertocoolbeforehandling.
10.Whenthesolarheaterhascooledenoughtobesafelyhandled,removetherubberbungandtipthe
water from the tube into a beaker. Use a balance to find the weight (mass) of water used. If a
balanceisnotavailabletipthewaterintoameasuringcylinderandmeasurethevolume.Forwater
thevolume=themassing(i.e.100cm3water=100g).
Groove Groove
Digitalthermometer
Insulatingfoam
Solarwaterheater
TemperaturesensorconnectedtoanEASYSENSElogger
Rubberbung
Temperaturesensor
PVCsleeveFig. 1.
Temperaturesensor
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page 6DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Results1.AddaTitletothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyour
reportdocumentasrequired.
2.UseValues to find the rise in temperature (temperature at end – temperature at beginning).
3.Calculatetheenergygained(injoules)usingfollowingformula:
4.2 x mass of water in g x temperature rise in 0C
Questions1.Whydidthecalculationforenergygainedcontainthevalue4.2?Whatdoesitrepresent?
2.Ifyouwantedtoheat100litresofwaterto600Cfromastartingpointof200C,howmuchenergy
wouldberequired?Theanswerwillbeinkilojoules(kJ)–converttomegajoules(MJ).
3. If you used a gas boiler with 0.5 (50%) efficiency to heat 100 litres of water, how much energy
wouldittake?
4. If the solar heater had an efficiency of 30% (it could capture 30% of all the energy arriving at its
surface).Howbigwouldthesolarcollectorhavetobetoraisethetemperatureof100litresof
waterby400C? It’s a very sunny day and the solar energy from the sun provides 6 kWh/m2.
Size of the solar collector wouldneedtobe= Energy required inkWh
Energy captured per m2 ofthesolarcollector
Tocalculatetheenergy requiredinjoules=4.2xmassofwateringxtemperaturerisein0C.
Converttomegajoules(MJ).Then3.6MJ=1kWh.
Energy captured per m2ofthesolarcollector=Solarenergyperm2 x solar collector efficiency
Extension workDesign and make a simple collector that will allow water to flow in cold and out hot.
Page �DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Solar Photovoltaic Kit
0� - Is the voltage produced by the solar electric panel dependent on the level of light?
ReadThe solar panel (photovoltaic cell) has special components that will transfer the sun’s radiation directly
into electricity. You will investigate whether it will produce a voltage from both sunshine and artificial
lightandhowstrongthelightneedstobetoproduceavoltage.Thesolarelectricpanelworkslikea
batterysotomakeitpowersomethingyouwillneedacompletecircuit.
What you need1.AnEASYSENSElogger
2.TheSolarpanel
3.ASmartQVoltagesensor(±12or20V)
4.ASmartQLightlevelsensor(0–100,000Lux)
5.TheLEDmodulebox
6. Artificial light source and sunshine
What you need to do1. ConnectaVoltageandLightlevelsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.
VoltageandLightlevelAnyEASYSENSE Snapshot
Note:ThisinvestigationdescribesusingSnapshotmodewiththedataloggerconnectedtothecomputer.WithsomeEASYSENSEloggers(i.e.thosewithLCDscreens)itispossibletocollectdatabyselectingSnapshotfromthelogger.
Note: EASYSENSEQ3or5userscanusetheinternallightsensorsettothe100,000LuxrangeinsteadoftheSmartQLightlevelsensor.
Solarpanel V
+
+ +
-
-
Page �DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
2.ConnecttheVoltagesensorinparallelasshowninthediagramabove.Connectthepositive(red)
leadfromthesolarpaneltotheredsocketontheLEDandthenegative(black)plugtotheblack
socket.Connectthepositive(red)leadfromtheVoltagesensortotheredplugontheLEDandthe
negative(black)leadtotheblackplug.
3.OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectSnapShotfromtheHomepage.
4.ClickontheStarticontobeginlogging.
5.PointthesolarpanelandLightlevelsensoratalightsourceandthenclickinthegraphareatotake
areading.Doubleclickinthecommentscellalongsidethereadingandtypeinthelightsourceused
andanyotherusefulinformation.
PhotovoltaicCell
Voltagesensor
LED
Blacklead Redlead
Blacklead Redlead
Blacksocket Redsocket
PhotovoltaicCell
Voltagesensor
Lightsource
LED
Lightlevelsensor
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page �DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
6.Movethesolarpanelintodifferentkindsoramountsoflight/shadingandtakeareading
ateachplace.Typeinanyusefulreferencesinthecommentscolumn.
7.Takeareadingusingsunlightinfrontofandbehindapaneofglass.
8. Move the solar panel to different distances from the same light source (use an artificial light
source)andtakeareadingateachdistance.Typethedistanceinthecommentscolumn.
9.ClickonStop to finish logging.
ResultsAddaTitletothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedinto
yourreportdocumentasrequired.
Questions1.Whatkindofenergydoesthesolarelectriccellgenerate?
2.WhatkindofenergydowegetfromtheLED?
3.Doesthesolarpanelalwaysproducethesamevoltage?
4.Whatfactorsdoyouthinkaffectthevoltageproduced?
5. Does the distance from an artificial light source make a difference to the voltage produced?
6.Doesshadingthesolarpanelmakeadifferencetothevoltageproduced?
7.Didthepaneofglassalterthereadingsfromthesun?
8.Ifyouweretousesolarpanelsathometocreateelectricity,wherewouldthebestplacebetoput
them?Why?
9. Makealistofitemsthatmakeuseofsolarelectricpanelse.g.acalculator.
10.Somesolarpowereddeviceswillstilloperateatnighttimee.g.solargardenlights.Howdotheydo
this?
Page 10DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Solar Photovoltaic Kit
0� - How much power is produced by the solar panel?
ReadThe solar panel (photovoltaic cell) has special components that will transfer the sun’s radiation
directlyintoelectricity.Youwillmeasurethecurrentandvoltagesproducedbythesolarpanel
andthencalculatepower.Powerismeasuredinwatts(W)andkilowatts(kW).
What you need1. AnEASYSENSElogger
2.Solarpanel
3.ASmartQVoltagesensor(±12or20V)
4.ASmartQCurrentsensor(±100mA)
5.ASmartQLightlevelsensor(0–100,000Lux)
6.LED,buzzerandmotormodulebox
7. Artificial light source
What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltage,CurrentandLightlevelsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.
2. First connect the Voltage sensor to the LED as shown in diagram 1 – it’s important to connect the
positive(red)leadoftheVoltagesensortothepositive(red)socketontheLEDmodule.Connect
theredleadfromthesolarpaneltotheredsocketontheLED.
Voltage,CurrentandLightlevelAnyEASYSENSE Snapshot
Note:ThisinvestigationdescribesusingSnapshotmodewiththedataloggerconnectedtothecomputer.WithsomeEASYSENSEloggers(i.e.thosewithLCDscreens)itispossibletocollectdatabyselectingSnapshotfromthelogger.
Note: EASYSENSEQ3or5userscanusetheinternallightsensorsettothe100,000LuxrangeinsteadoftheSmartQLightlevelsensor.
Page 11DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
3.ConnecttheCurrentsensorinseriesasshownindiagram2.Connectthepositive(red)leadofthe
CurrentsensortotheblacksocketontheLEDmoduleandtheblackleadfromtheCurrentsensor
totheblackplugfromthesolarpanel.
4.OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectSnapShotfromtheHomepage.
Solarpanel V
+
+ +
-
-A +-
PhotovoltaicCell
Voltagesensor
LEDBlacksocket
Redsocket
Redlead
RedleadBlacklead
Blacklead
Diagram 1
PhotovoltaicCell
Voltagesensor
LED
Blacklead
Blacklead
Currentsensor
RedleadBlacksocket
Diagram 2
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page 12DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
5.PointthesolarpanelandLightlevelsensoratthelightsourceandthenclickinthegraphareato
takeareading.DoubleclickinthecommentscellalongsidethereadingandtypeinLEDandthelight
sourceused.
6.ReplacetheLEDwiththemotormoduleboxandclickinthegraphareatotakeareading,typein
motor.Repeatusingthebuzzermodulebox.
7.Movethesolarpanelintodifferentkindsoramountsoflight/shadingandtakeareadingateach
place.Typeinanyusefulreferencesinthecommentscolumn.
8.ClickontheStopicontostoprecording.
ResultsAddaTitletothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedinto
yourreportdocumentasrequired.
WorkouttheelectricpowerofthesolarcellbyusingthePowerpost-logfunction:
1. FromtheToolsmenuselectPost-log Function.
2. SelectaPreset function,thenElectricity from the first drop-down list and Calculate Powerfrom
thesecondlist,Next.
3. SelecttheVoltageandCurrentsensorfromthedrop-downlists,Next.
4. Enterthemultiplierintotheparametersbox,e.g.whencurrentisrecordedinmAandvoltsisinV
enteramultiplierof0.001.Makeminimum= 0andmaximum= 0.25,Finish.
Questions1.Whatkindofenergydowegetfromabuzzer,motororLED?
2.Isthepowersuppliedbythesolarpanelalwaysthesame?
3.Doesthepowerchangeifyouchangethecomponenttoamotororbuzzer?
PhotovoltaicCell
Voltagesensor
Lamp/Lightsource
Electricalload(Buzzer,LED,Fan)
Lightlevelsensor
Currentsensor
Page 1�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Solar Photovoltaic Kit
05 - Does the angle/position of the solar panel have any effect?
ReadThephotovoltaicpanelconsistsofaseriesofsolar(photovoltaic)cellswhicharemadefromspecial
materialsthatcantransformtheenergyfromthesunintoelectricity.InBritainphotovoltaicpanels
areusuallymountedonarooffacingsouthangledat30°.Youwillinvestigatetheeffectpositionofthe
panelhasonthepowerlevelproduced.
Powerismeasuredinwatts(W)andkilowatts(kW).Tocalculatepowerwemustmeasureboththe
voltageandcurrentinacircuitwhenitisconnectedtoacomponent.
What you need1. AnEASYSENSElogger
2.Solarpanel
3.Sunshine
4.ASmartQVoltagesensor(±12or20V)
5.ASmartQCurrentsensor(±100mA)
6.ASmartQLightlevelsensor(0–100,000Lux)
7.LEDormotormodulebox
Extension activity: SmartQLightlevelsensor0–1,000Lux
What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltage,CurrentandLightlevelsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.
2. First connect the Voltage sensor to the LED as shown in diagram 1 – it’s important to connect the
positive(red)leadoftheVoltagesensortothepositive(red)socketontheLEDmodule.Connect
theredleadfromthesolarpaneltotheredsocketontheLED.
Voltage,CurrentandLightlevelAnyEASYSENSE 10minutes
Note:Thisinvestigationdescribesusingthedataloggerconnectedtothecomputer.WithsomeEASYSENSEloggers(i.e.thosewithLCDscreens)itispossibletocollectdatabyselectingEasyLogfromthelogger.
Note:EASYSENSEQuserscanusetheinternallightsensorsettothe100,000Luxrange(insteadoftheSmartQLightlevelsensor.
Page 1�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
3.ConnecttheCurrentsensorinseriesasshownindiagram2.Connectthepositive(red)leadofthe
CurrentsensortotheblacksocketontheLEDmoduleandtheblackleadfromtheCurrentsensor
totheblackplugfromthesolarpanel.
4.Positionthesolarpanelsothemaximumsunlightcanberecorded.PointtheLightlevelsensoratthe
samedirection(towardsthesun).Writedownthecompassdirectionitisfacing.
Solarpanel V
+
+ +
-
-A +-
PhotovoltaicCell
Voltagesensor
LEDBlacksocket
Redsocket
Redlead
RedleadBlacklead
Blacklead
Diagram 1
PhotovoltaicCell
Voltagesensor
LED
Blacklead
Blacklead
Currentsensor
RedleadBlacksocket
Diagram 2
Page 15DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
5. OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectEasyLogfromtheHomepage.
6.ClickontheStarticontobeginlogging.
7. After 10 minutes click on Stop to finish logging. Select Overlay.
8.Turnthesolarpanelroundabout90degreestofaceadifferentcompassdirectionandclickon
Starttobeginlogging.
9.Repeatstep8twice.
ResultsUseAdd Texttoidentifyonthegraphthelinethateachcompassdirectionrepresents.AddaTitle
tothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyourreport
documentasrequired.
WorkouttheelectricpowerofthesolarcellbyusingthePowerpost-logfunction:
1. FromtheToolsmenuselectPost-log Function.
2. SelectaPreset function,thenElectricity from the first drop-down list and Calculate Powerfrom
thesecondlist,Next.
3. SelecttheVoltageandCurrentsensorfromthedrop-downlists,Next.
4. Enterthemultiplierintotheparametersbox,e.g.whencurrentisrecordedinmAandvoltsisin
Venteramultiplierof0.001.Makeminimum= 0andmaximum=0.25,Finish.
Questions1.Didalteringthepositionofthesolarpanelmakeanydifferencetothelevelofpower?
2.Whatdoyouthinkwouldhappentothepowerfromthesolarpanelsatnight?
3.Photovoltaicpanelsareusedinremoteareaswhereitistooexpensivetoconnecttothenational
grid.Howwouldtheseusersensureaconstantelectricalsupply?
PhotovoltaicCell
Voltagesensor
Lightsource
LED
Lightlevelsensor
Currentsensor
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page 16DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Extension1.YoumayhavenoticedthatastheCurrentincreasesthebrightnessoftheLEDalsoincreases.
Investigatetoseeifbrightnessisagoodwaytomeasurecurrent.UseaSmartQ0–1,000Lux
LightlevelsensorpointingfacedownwardsontotheLEDusingaringofBlutacktoprovidealight
seal.
2.Tryalteringtheangleoftiltofthesolarpaneltothesun,howdoestheanglealterthepower
produced?
Powerfromthesolarpanel
Blu-Tack
Lightsensor
LEDmodule
Page 1�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
VoltageAnyEASYSENSE 20seconds
Wind Turbine Kit
06 - Does the number of blades on the turbine alter the voltage produced?
Read
Awindturbinecanharvestthepowerofthewindtogenerateelectricity.Windturnsthebladesof
thewindturbinegenerator.Thebladesareattachedtothehubwhichisattachedtothegearshaft.
Whenthewindblows,thebladesandhubturntheshaft,whichrotatesinsidethegeneratorand
produceselectricity.Theamountofpowergenerateddependsonseveralfactorsapartfromthewind
speedandwindavailability.Youaregoingtomeasurethevoltageproducedbythewindturbinewith
differentnumbersofbladesrangingfrom2upto12blades.
Beforeyoustart,predictwhichnumberofbladeswillgivethehighestvoltagereading.Ifyoucan,try
togiveareasonforyourprediction.
Thepolarityofthecurrentgeneratedbythewindturbineisdependentonwhichwaythehubrotates.
Themotormodulewilloperateregardlessofpolaritybutthedirectioninwhichitspinswilldependon
therotationaldirectionofthegeneratormotor.Thefasterthegeneratormotorrotates,thefaster
thepropellerwillspin.
What you need1.AnEASYSENSElogger
2.Windturbine
3.ASmartQVoltagesensor(±12or20V)
4.Motormodulebox
5.Electricfan
What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltagesensortoanEASYSENSElogger.
Page 1�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
2.ConnecttheVoltagesensortothemotormoduleinparallelasshown.Connectthepositive(red)lead
oftheVoltagesensortotheredsocketonthemotormodule.Connectthenegativeplugfromthe
Voltagesensortothenegative(black)socketonthemotor.
3.Connecttheplugsfromthewindturbinetotheblackandredsocketonthemotormodule.
4.Positionthewindturbinewithadeskfanaknowndistanceawayfromtheturbinee.g.50cm.Make
surethecentreofthefanislevelwiththecentrepropellerhub.
5.Put2bladesonoppositesidesofthehubsothattheybalance.Makesuretheyaretwistedinthe
samedirectionandtothesameanglee.g.45°.Checkthattheturbinerotatessmoothlyandthe
bladesdonotcatch.
6. OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectGraphfromtheHomepage.
7. Fromtheloggingwizardselectatotalrecordingtimeof20seconds.
8.Switchonthefanandafterafewseconds(whenthebladesareturningataconstantspeed)click
ontheStarticontobeginlogging.
Redsocket
Voltagesensor
Motormodule
Blacksocket
Blacklead
Windturbine
Redlead
VoltagesensorElectricalload(Motormodule)
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page 1�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
9. Whenlogginghasstoppedswitchoffthefanandletthewindturbinecometoastop.
10.SelectOverlay.
11.Changethebladepatternontheturbinetouse3blades(spacedoutsotheybalance).
12.SwitchonthefanandafterafewsecondsclickontheStarticontobeginlogging.
13.Repeatusing4,6,9and12blades.
ResultsAddaTitletothegraphandthenSaveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedinto
yourreportdocumentasrequired.
Questions1. Describehowenergyistransferredwithinthecircuite.g.thewindenergymakestheturbineturn.
2.Howmanybladesgivethehighestvoltage?Isthiswhatyoupredicted?Trytoexplainwhyyour
resultsagree(ordisagree)withyourprediction.Whatmightbehappening?
ExtensionMeasurethevoltage,currentandpowerproducedbythewindturbineusingbladesofdifferent
shapes.Keepthespeedofthefan,thedirectionandangleofthebladesthesamethroughout
theinvestigationbutusesetsofdifferentshapedblades.
Page 20DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Wind Turbine Kit
07 - Does the speed of the wind alter the voltage produced?
ReadYou are going to measure the voltage produced by the wind turbine with different speeds of ‘wind’.
Mostdesktopfanshavemorethanonespeedsetting.Youwillusethefantoduplicate
windataminimumofthreedifferentspeeds.
Beforeyoustart,predictwhichfanspeedwillgivethehighestvoltagereading.Ifyoucan,tryto
giveareasonforyourprediction.
What you need1. AnEASYSENSElogger
2.Windturbine
3.ASmartQVoltagesensor(±12or20V)
4.Motormodulebox
5.Electricfanwithatleastthreespeedsettings
What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltagesensortoanEASYSENSElogger.
2.ConnecttheVoltagesensortothemotormoduleinparallelasshown.Connectthepositive(red)lead
oftheVoltagesensortotheredsocketonthemotormodule.Connectthenegativeplugfromthe
Voltagesensortothenegative(black)socketonthemotor.
VoltageAnyEASYSENSE 20seconds
Note:Themotormodulewilloperateregardlessofthepolaritygeneratedbythewindturbinesoisbestusedinthisinvestigation.
Page 21DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
3.Connecttheplugsfromthewindturbinetotheblackandredsocketonthemotormodule.
4.PositiontheWindturbinewithadeskfanaknowndistanceawayfromtheturbinee.g.50cm.Make
surethecentreofthefanislevelwiththecentrepropellerhub.
5.Put12bladesequallyspacedonthehubsothattheybalance.Makesuretheyaretwistedinthe
samedirectionandtothesameanglee.g.45°.Checkthattheturbinerotatessmoothlyandthe
bladesdonotcatch.
6.OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectGraphfromtheHomepage.
7.Fromtheloggingwizardselectatotalrecordingtimeof20seconds.
8.Switchonthefanatitslowestspeedsetting,andafterafewseconds(whenthebladesappearto
beataconstantspeed)clickontheStarticontobeginlogging.
9.Whenlogginghasstoppedswitchoffthefanandletthewindturbinecometoastop.
10.SelectOverlay.
Redsocket
Voltagesensor
Motormodule
Blacksocket
Blacklead
Windturbine
Redlead
VoltagesensorElectricalload(Motormodule)
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page 22DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
11.Changethespeedofthefanandswitchon.AfterafewsecondsclickontheStarticontobegin
logging.
12.Repeatusingeachspeedsettingonthefan.
ResultsUseAdd Texttoidentifythegraphproducedbyeachfanspeed.AddaTitletothegraphandthen
Saveyourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyourreportdocumentasrequired.
Questions1.Whichfanspeedgavehighestvoltage?Isthiswhatyoupredicted?Trytoexplainwhyyourresults
agree(ordisagree)withyourprediction.Whatmightbehappening?
2.Whatareyoudoingtotheair(apartfrommakingitgofaster)whenyouincreasethefanspeed?
Page 2�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Wind Turbine Kit
0� - Does the voltage and current vary with a load?
ReadYouaregoingtomeasurethevoltageandcurrentproducedbythewindturbinewithdifferentloads
(electricaldevices)connectedtotheoutputoftheturbine.Thepowercanthenbecalculatedand
compared.
What you need1. AnEASYSENSElogger
2.Windturbine
3.ASmartQVoltagesensor(±12or20V)
4.ASmartQCurrentsensor(±100mA)
5.Motormodulebox
6.LEDmodule
7.Buzzermodule
8.Electricfan
What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltageandCurrentsensortoanEASYSENSElogger.
2.ConnecttheVoltagesensorinparallelacrossthemotormodule(load)asshownindiagram1.
Connectthepositive(red)leadoftheVoltagesensortotheredsocketonthemotor.Connectthe
negativeplugfromtheVoltagesensortothenegative(black)sideofthemotor.Connectoneofthe
blueplugsfromthewindturbinetotheredsocketonthemotormodule.
VoltageandCurrentAnyEASYSENSE 20seconds
Redsocket
Voltagesensor
Motor
Blacksocket
Blacklead
Windturbine
Redlead
Diagram 1
Page 2�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
3.ConnecttheCurrentsensorinseriesasshownindiagram2.Connectthepositive(red)leadofthe
CurrentsensortotheblacksocketonthemotormoduleandjointheblackleadfromtheCurrent
sensortotheotherblueplugfromthewindturbine.
4.PositiontheWindturbinewithadeskfanaknowndistanceawayfromtheturbinee.g.50cm.Make
surethecentreofthefanislevelwiththecentrepropellerhub.
5.Put12bladesequallyspacedonthehubsothattheybalance.Makesuretheyaretwistedinthe
samedirectionandtothesameanglee.g.45°.Checkthattheturbinerotatessmoothlyandthe
bladesdonotcatch.
Windturbine V
+
+
-
-
M
+- A
Currentsensor
Electricalload(Motormodule)
Voltagesensor
Voltagesensor
Motor
Redlead
Blacklead
WindturbineDiagram 2
Blacklead
BlacksocketCurrentsensor
Page 25DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
6. OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectGraphfromtheHomepage.
7. Fromtheloggingwizardselectatotalrecordingtimeof20seconds.
8.Switchonthefanandafterafewseconds(whenthebladesappeartobegoingroundataconstant
speed)clickontheStarticontobeginlogging.
9.Whenlogginghasstoppedswitchoffthefanandletthewindturbinecometoastop.
10.UnplugthemotormodulefromthecircuitandreplacewiththeLEDmodule.
11.SelectOverlay.
12.Repeatsteps8–9.UnplugtheLEDmodule,replacewiththebuzzermoduleandrepeat.
ResultsUseAdd Texttoidentifythegraphproducedbyeachload.AddaTitletothegraphandthenSave
yourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyourreportdocumentasrequired.
WorkouttheelectricpowerofthesolarcellbyusingthePowerpost-logfunction:
1. FromtheToolsmenuselectPost-log Function.
2. SelectaPreset function,thenElectricity from the first drop-down list and Calculate Powerfrom
thesecondlist,Next.
3. SelecttheVoltageandCurrentsensorfromthedrop-downlists,Next.
4. Enterthemultiplierintotheparametersbox,e.g.whencurrentisrecordedinmAandvoltsisinV
enteramultiplierof0.001.Makeminimum= 0andmaximum= 0.25,Finish.
Questions1. Describehowenergyistransferredwithinthecircuite.g.thewindenergymakestheturbineturn.
2. Isthepowersuppliedbythewindturbinealwaysthesame?
3. Doesthepowerchangeifyouchangethecomponenttoamotororbuzzer?
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page 26DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Wind Turbine Kit
09 - Does the angle of the blades have any effect?
ReadYouaregoingtomeasurethevoltage,currentandpowerproducedbythewindturbinewithblades
positionedatdifferentangles.
Beforeyoustart,predictwhichangleofthebladeswillgivethehighestreadings.Ifyoucan,try
togiveareasonforyourprediction.
What you need1. AnEASYSENSElogger
2.Windturbine
3.ASmartQVoltagesensor(±12or20V)
4.ASmartQCurrentsensor(±100mA)
5.Motormodulebox
6.Electricfan
What you need to do1.ConnectaVoltageandCurrentsensorto
anEASYSENSElogger.
2.ConnecttheVoltagesensorinparallel
acrossthemotormoduleasshownin
diagram1.Connectthepositive(red)
leadoftheVoltagesensortothered
socketonthemotor.Connectthe
negativeplugfromtheVoltagesensor
tothenegative(black)sideofthemotor.
Connectoneoftheblueplugsfromthe
windturbinetotheredsocketonthe
Motor.
VoltageandCurrentAnyEASYSENSE 20seconds
Note:Themotormodulewilloperateregardlessofthepolaritygeneratedbythewindturbinesoisbestusedinthisinvestigation.
Redsocket
Voltagesensor
Motor
Blacksocket
Blacklead
Windturbine
Redlead
Diagram 1
Page 2�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
3.ConnecttheCurrentsensorinseriesasshownindiagram2.Connectthepositive(red)leadofthe
CurrentsensortotheblacksocketonthemotormoduleandjointheblackleadfromtheCurrent
sensortotheotherblueplugfromthewindturbine.
4.PositiontheWindturbinewithadeskfanaknowndistanceawayfromtheturbinee.g.50cm.Make
surethecentreofthefanislevelwiththecentrepropellerhub.
5.Makesurethebladesontheturbinearetwistedinthesamedirectionandtothesameanglee.g.
45°.Checkthattheturbinerotatessmoothlyandthebladesdonotcatch.
Windturbine V
+
+
-
-
M
+- A
Currentsensor
Electricalload(Motormodule)
Voltagesensor
Voltagesensor
Motor
Redlead
Blacklead
WindturbineDiagram 2
Blacklead
BlacksocketCurrentsensor
Page 2�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
6. OpentheEASYSENSEprogramandselectGraphfromtheHomepage.
7. Fromtheloggingwizardselectatotalrecordingtimeof20seconds.
8. Switchonthefanandafterafewseconds(whenthebladesappeartobegoingataconstantspeed)
clickontheStarticontobeginlogging.
9.Whenlogginghasstoppedswitchoffthefanandletthewindturbinecometoastop.
10.SelectOverlay.
11.Twistthebladestoincreasetheangleoftheblades
12.SwitchonthefanwiththesamespeedsettingandafterafewsendsclickontheStarticonto
beginlogging.
13.Repeatusingdifferentadifferentangleofbladeeachtime.
ResultsUseAdd Texttoidentifythegraphproducedbyeachangle.AddaTitletothegraphandthenSave
yourresults.Theresultscanbeprintedorcopiedintoyourreportdocumentasrequired.
WorkouttheelectricpowerofthesolarcellbyusingthePowerpost-logfunction.
1. FromtheToolsmenuselectPost-log Function.
2. SelectaPreset function,thenElectricity from the first drop-down list and Calculate Powerfrom
thesecondlist,Next.
3. SelecttheVoltageandCurrentsensorfromthedrop-downlists,Next.
4. Enterthemultiplierintotheparametersbox,e.g.whencurrentisrecordedinmAandvoltsisinV
enteramultiplierof0.001.Makeminimum= 0andmaximum= 0.25,Finish.
Questions1.Asthebladeangleischangedwhathappenstothepower?
2.Isthepower,voltageandcurrentconstant?
3.Isthereabestangleofblade?Doesalteringthebladeanglegiveaworthwhileincreaseinvoltage?
EASYSENSEQ3or5users:Whenthesensorpageoftheloggingwizardopensdeselectthetick
nexttoanysensorsfromwhichreadingsarenotrequired.
Page 2�DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Teacher’s notesThe worksheets supplied by Data Harvest are data logging extension activities to the work sheets supplied
by the NEC in the kits. The kits and activities will allow you to bring practical renewable energy into the
classroom (and of course out in the field). The kits are easy to use and the activities cover the key stages 1
- 4 making them suitable for the age range 5 - 16. The wind turbine could even act as the start of an AS level
design project.
There are 3 sets of activities, based around the kits.
Solar Water heater1. How hot does the water get?
2. How much energy is captured?
Solar Photovoltaic panel3. Is the voltage produced by the solar electric panel dependent on the level of light?
4. How much power is produced by the solar panel?
5. Does the angle / position of the solar panel have any effect?
Wind turbine6. Does the number of blades on the turbine alter the voltage produced?
7. Does the speed of the wind alter the voltage produced?
8. Does the voltage and current vary with a load?
9. Does the angle of the blades have any effect?
Smart Q Sensors needed for the activities1. 2 x 3100 - Temperature sensors
2. 1 x 3160-12 ±12 V or 3160 ±20 V Voltage sensor
3. 1 x 3166 - ±100 mA Current sensor
4. 1 x 3122 - 0 to 100,000 Lux outdoor Light level sensor
Sensors for the Solar Water heater activities
1. 2 x 3100 - Temperature sensors
2. 1 x 3122 - 0 to 100,000 Lux outdoor Light level sensor
Sensors needed for the Photovoltaic panel activities
1. 1 x 3160-12 ±12 V or 3160 ±20 V Voltage sensor
Page �0DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
2. 1 x 3166 - ±100 mA Current sensor
3. 1 x 3122 - 0 to 100,000 Lux outdoor Light level sensor
Sensors for the Wind turbine activities
1. 1 x 3160-12 ±12 V or 3160 ±20 V Voltage sensor
2. 1 x 3166 - ±100 mA Current sensor
Additional resourcesThe National Energy Foundation produces some very useful fact sheets on renewable energy. The sheets
are available for download at the www.nef.org.uk/powered site. This is the education section of the
www.nef.org.uk website.
Also visit the Centre for Alternative technology (CAT) website for information and applications of alternative
energy. CAT has a useful catalogue section if you wish to purchase additional materials to make your own
solar panels at www.cat.org.uk.
The British photo voltaic association have pages which give information specific for solar to electricity
conversion at www.pv-uk.org.uk.
The solar trade association has useful links to information about solar water heating panels and installation,
economics of installation at www.solartradeassociation.org.uk.
If you wish to try to make a larger solar water heater the NEF recommend the use of a pre formed aluminium
panel called ‘clipfin’ which can be purchased from CAT.
Page �1DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Teacher’s notes
01 - Solar Water Kit: How hot does the water get?
ReadThe task is finding how hot a fixed volume of water in the solar water heater can get in 15 minutes using the
energy from the sun. The first time you use this apparatus you may be surprised at how much heat is
collected. On a sunny day in late April we managed to increase the temperature from 250 C to 630 C. The
warnings about the hot water should be taken seriously.
Note: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.
EASYSENSE Q 3 or 5 users can use the internal light sensor set to the 100,000 Lux range (instead of the Smart Q Light level sensor).
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Solar Water Heater
3. Sunshine
4. 2 x 3100 Smart Q Temperature sensors
5. 1 x 3122 Smart Q Light level sensor (0 - 100,000 Lux)
6. Water
7. Rubber bung and a short length of PVC tube (supplied)
NotesThe clear plastic filling cap of the water heater is replaced with the rubber bung (supplied). The bung has a
5 mm pre-drilled hole, the Temperature sensor is 3 mm in diameter so a small piece of PVC tubing is
supplied to adapt the hole to make a water tight seal. Cut a 10 mm long piece of the PVC tube (supplied) and
push into the rubber bung as far as it will go. It only needs to fit in about 5 mm to get a seal.
Leave the bung with the digital temperature sensor supplied in place.
The bung and plastic adapter should give a water tight seal at normal water temperatures. If the temperature
rises too far in the heater tube the increase in pressure may force the Sensor out of the bung, do not attempt
to make this connection any tighter.
Temperature x 2 and Light levelAny EASYSENSE 15 minutes
Page �2DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to any
sensors from which readings are not required e.g. Sound, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
Extension ideas1. The heating panel is made up from a copper tube attached to a sheet of black painted metal to increase
the surface area. Compare the heating effect of the solar water heater with just a plain piece of copper
pipe.
2. The metal sheet is coated with a special low emissivity back paint that absorbs and retains the heat from
the sun. Investigate which materials are the best absorbers of heat and how the colour of the absorbing
surface affects the amount of energy absorbed.
3. The metal sheet and tube are placed in an insulated box, which prevents the heat from escaping, with a
clear plastic lid on the front to maximise solar gain. Investigate how heat loss from enclosed spaces can
be reduced and if insulation helps to slow down the rate at which energy is lost.
Recording method Time
EasyLog 15 minutes Line graph
Page ��DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Teacher’s notes
02 - Solar Water Kit: How much energy is captured?
ReadThe task is calculating the energy gained by a fixed volume of water in the solar water heater after 15
minutes in the sun.
This activity is the same as No 1 ‘How hot does the water get?’ but extends the investigation into making
calculations of the energy gained as joules.
Note: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers
(i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Solar Water Heater
3. Sunshine
4. 1 x 3100 Smart Q Temperature sensor
5. Water
6. Rubber bung and a short length of PVC tube
7. Electronic balance or a measuring cylinder (to measure 25 cm3 max.)
8. Small beaker
Calculations1. Find the change in temperature (temperature at the end – temperature at the beginning)
2. Calculate the energy gained (in joules) from the following formula:
4.2 x mass of water in g x temperature rise in 0C.
To calculate the size (area) that the solar collector would need to be:
Size of the solar collector = Energy required in kWh
Energy captured per m2 of the solar collector
TemperatureAny EASYSENSE 15 minutes
Page ��DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
To calculate the energy required in joules = 4.2 x mass of water in g x temperature rise in 0C.
Convert to megajoules (MJ). Then 3.6 MJ = 1 kWh.
Energy captured per m2 of the solar collector = Solar energy per m2 x solar collector efficiency.
Notes: If a balance is not available the mass of water can be determined from its volume - 1 cm3 of water has a mass of 1 g. This conversion should include corrections for temperature, but as the volume of water is small this will be precise enough.
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to all
internal sensors e.g. Sound, Light, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
Extension ideaDesign and make a simple collector that will allow water to flow in cold and out hot.
Recording method Time
EasyLog 15 minutes Line graph
Page �5DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Voltage and Light levelAny EASYSENSE Snapshot
Teacher’s notes
03 - Solar Photovoltaic Kit: Is the voltage produced by the solar electric panel dependent on the level of light?
ReadThe activity asks the students to move the solar electric panel and EASYSENSE logger to different locations
and simply make a record of the light available and the voltage being generated by the cell.
The solar electric panel works like a battery so to make it power something they need a complete circuit. If
preferred voltage readings can be taken by connecting the Voltage sensor direct to the solar panel (without
connecting the LED module).
Note: This investigation describes using Snapshot mode with the data logger connected to the computer. Withsome EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting Snapshot from thelogger.
EASYSENSE Q 3 or 5 users can use the internal light sensor set to the 100,000 Lux range (instead of the Smart Q Light
level sensor).
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Solar panel
3. 1 x 3160-12 (±12V) or 3160 (±20V) Smart Q Voltage sensor
4. 1 x 3122 Smart Q Light level sensor (0 – 100,000 Lux)
5. LED module
7. Artificial light source and sunshine
NotesThe solar panel will produce a voltage from both sunshine and artificial light. Students may be surprised at
how bright the light needs to be to produce a voltage. As a rule the more a light source is like sunlight the
greater the voltage. It is always worthwhile using ‘real’ sunlight as an energy source whenever possible. One
simple activity is to see the effect of a pane of glass when recording; most people see glass as transparent
and therefore assume it allows all light to pass though.
Page �6DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to any
sensors from which readings are not required e.g. Sound, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
Recording method
Snapshot Table & graph
Page ��DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Voltage, Current and Light levelAny EASYSENSE Snapshot
Teacher’s notes
04 - Solar Photovoltaic Kit: How much power is produced by the solar panel?
ReadThis activity is the same as No 3 ‘Is the voltage produced by the solar panel electric panel dependent on
level of light?’ but extends the investigation into connecting different loads (LED, motor and buzzer) and
making calculations of the power. To calculate power both the voltage and current in a circuit must be
measured when connected to a component. The students can then calculate the power by using the Power
post-log function.
Note: This investigation describes using Snapshot mode with the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting Snapshot from the logger.
EASYSENSE Q 3 or 5 users can use the internal light sensor set to the 100,000 Lux range (instead of the Smart Q Lightlevel sensor).
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Solar panel
3. 1 x 3160-12 (±12 V) or 3160 (±20 V) Smart Q Voltage sensor
4. 1 x 3166 Smart Q Current sensor (±100 mA)
5. 1 x 3122 Smart Q Light level sensor (0 - 100,000 Lux)
6. LED, buzzer and motor module
7. Artificial light source
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to any
sensors from which readings are not required e.g. Sound, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
Extension ideaColoured gels or sweet papers can also be used to see if a particular colour has any effect on power
production.
Recording method
Snapshot Table & graph
Page ��DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Voltage, Current and Light levelAny EASYSENSE 10 minutes
Teacher’s notes
05 - Solar Photovoltaic Kit: Does the angle/position of the solar panel have any effect?
ReadNote: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE logger (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.
EASYSENSE Q 3 or 5 users can use the internal light sensor set to the 100,000 Lux range (instead of the Smart Q Light level sensor).
This investigation involves recording for 10 minutes with the solar panel pointing to each of the four points of
the compass.
When collecting data over time it is possible to use Area to find the total power generated over the time
period. This can be useful when comparing data from different runs of the same experiment e.g. if the
position of the cell relative to the sun has been altered.
If required the EASYSENSE could be set up to record data over a longer time period. For a long term
collection of data it is not recommended to have the buzzer connected!!
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Solar panel
3. Sunshine
4. 1 x 3160-12 (±12 V) or 3160 (±20 V) Smart Q Voltage sensor
5. 1 x 3166 Smart Q Current sensor (±100 mA)
6. 1 x 3122 Smart Q Light level sensor (0 - 100,000 Lux)
7. LED or motor module box
Extension: 1 x Smart Q Light level sensor 0 - 1,000 Lux
NotesMake sure the Light level sensor and the solar cell are both pointing at the same area of the sky and check
the Sensor has not reached its maximum. If the range looks as if it will be exceeded use a piece of semi
transparent material to reduce the effective light level at the Sensor, something like a piece of tracing paper
should work.
Page ��DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to any
sensors from which readings are not required e.g. Sound, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
ExtensionDoes the light generated by the LED match the voltage/current being generated? Use a 3120 0 - 1,000 Lux
Light level sensor to record the light from the LED module. Make a ring of Blu-tack around the LED so the
Light sensor can be ‘stuck’ into position. The Blu-tack acts as a light proof seal and a holding adhesive for
the Sensor.
Recording method Time
EasyLog 10 minutes Overlay
Page �0DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Teacher’s notes
06 - Wind Turbine Kit: Does the number of blades on the turbine alter the voltage produced?
ReadThe polarity of the current generated by the wind turbine is dependent on which way the hub rotates. The
LED and buzzer modules are polarity dependent so to prevent complications use the motor module, which
will operate regardless of the polarity generated by the wind turbine.
Notes: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Wind turbine
3. 1 x 3160-12 (±12 V) or 3160 (±20 V) Smart Q Voltage sensor
4. Motor module box
5. Electric fan
NotesThe blades supplied are made from card / thick paper. Make a simple template or keep a note of the
dimensions of the blades to allow more to be made if they become damaged.
The fan should be placed with the centre of the fan directly opposite the centre of the turbine. If the fan is
offset the turbine will have a tendency to turn slightly and stabilise in a position that is not parallel to the fan.
In trial experiments this does not appear to influence the voltage output but it can make alignment of the fan /
turbine difficult.
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to all
internal sensors e.g. Sound, Light, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
VoltageAny EASYSENSE 20 seconds
Recording method Time
Graph 20 seconds Overlay
Page �1DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
ExtensionMake sets of blades in alternate materials and see if this has an effect (it shouldn’t if the material used has
the same rigidity). This could lead to discussion as to why they chose a particular material for the design /
manufacture of the blades (the blades of large turbines are made from glass fibre or wood epoxy). Pictures
of wind farm generators, windmills, water pumps and aeroplane propellers should be available for ideas.
Shape of the blades can include the length, width and aerodynamics. What we are looking for is the most
efficient system of energy collection. Costs of manufacture and installation can be included when discussing
the overall efficiency of the system.
Page �2DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Teacher’s notes
07 - Wind Turbine Kit: Does the speed of the wind alter the voltage produced?
ReadThis activity is similar to No 6 ‘Does the number of blades on the turbine alter the voltage produced?’ but in
this investigation they will test to find the voltage produced by the wind turbine with different speeds of ‘wind’.
Notes: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSE loggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Wind turbine
3. 1 x 3160-12 (±12 V) or 3160 (±20 V) Smart Q Voltage sensor
4. Motor module box
5. Electric fan with at least three speed settings
Notes: When fixing the blades to the turbine makes sure they are evenly spaced to get the balance on the shaft correct. It is also a good idea to use a small piece of card to mark the distance of the blade from the shaft to get the same distance on all blades.
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to all
internal sensors e.g. Sound, Light, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
VoltageAny EASYSENSE 20 seconds
Recording method Time
Graph 20 seconds Overlay
Page ��DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Teacher’s notes
08 - Wind Turbine Kit: Does the voltage and current vary with a load?
ReadThe voltage and current produced by the wind turbine is tested with different loads (electrical devices)
connected to the output of the turbine. The power can then be calculated and compared.
Notes: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSEloggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.
The motor module will operate regardless of the polarity generated by the wind turbine so is best used in thisinvestigation.
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Wind turbine
3. 1 x 3160-12 (±12 V) or 3160 (±20 V) Smart Q Voltage sensor
4. 1 x 3166 Smart Q Current sensor (±100 mA)
5. Motor module box
6. LED module
7. Buzzer module
8. Electric fan
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to all
internal sensors e.g. Sound, Light, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
Voltage and CurrentAny EASYSENSE 20 seconds
Recording method Time
Graph 20 seconds Overlay
Page ��DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Teacher’s notes
09 - Wind Turbine Kit: Does the angle of the blades have any effect?
ReadThe voltage and current produced by the wind turbine is tested with blades positioned at different angles.
The power can then be calculated and compared.
Notes: This investigation describes using the data logger connected to the computer. With some EASYSENSEloggers (i.e. those with LCD screens) it is possible to collect data by selecting EasyLog from the logger.
The motor module will operate regardless of the polarity generated by the wind turbine so is best used in thisinvestigation.
Apparatus1. An EASYSENSE logger
2. Wind turbine
3. 1 x 3160-12 (±12 V) or 3160 (±20 V) Smart Q Voltage sensor
4. 1 x 3166 Smart Q Current sensor (±100 mA)
5. Motor module box
6. Electric fan
NotesWhen placing the fixing the blades to the turbine make sure they are evenly spaced to get the balance on
the shaft correct. It is also a good idea to use a small piece of card to mark the distance of the blade from the
shaft to get the same distance on all blades.
The angle of the blades should be restricted to three simple positions, it is difficult to align the blades with
accuracy and attempts to do so may distract from the reason for the activity. Use the blades flat (0 degrees),
shallow (10 degrees) and a deep (45 degrees) angle. According to how the blades are fixed to the blade
holder the maximum angle may be determined by the clearance between the end of the blade and the
mounting brackets for the turbine.
Voltage and CurrentAny EASYSENSE 20 seconds
Page �5DataHarvestGroupLtd.2007
Setting up the software/logger
EASYSENSE Q3 or 5 users: When the sensor page of the logging wizard opens deselect the tick next to all
internal sensors e.g. Sound, Light, internal Temperature, Humidity and Pressure.
Recording method Time
Graph 20 seconds Overlay