Elenco Green Projects - Manual (Page 41)

Windy Time
Project #55 Big Blade Wind Horn
Place the water wheel on the motor (M4) and
mount the motor on the pivot. Connect the red
and black snap wires to the circuit as shown.
Set the meter (M6) to the 5V setting.
Hold the “water-windmill” in a strong, steady
wind (such as near an electric fan), and adjust
its position on the pivot to get the highest
voltage on the meter. If the wind is strong
enough, the horn will sound. Blocking the
wind on one side of the fan with your hand
may direct the air flow better and make the fan
work better.
The water wheel was
made to use with
water, but wind can
push it too.
The 470 μF capacitor (C5) can store a small
amount of electricity. The clock needs very
little electricity to operate, so the capacitor can
run it for a while when the wind is not blowing.
The red LED is like a one-way light, only
allowing electricity to flow in one direction.
Here it is used to prevent electricity stored in
the capacitor from discharging through the
motor when the wind is not blowing.
Project #56
+
5V
Build the circuit shown. Set the meter to the 5V setting. Blow
on the fan or place it in a strong wind (either outside or near
an electric fan). The meter measures how much voltage your
“windmill” produces. You may need to give the fan a push to
get it started. The clock display (T2) should be on, and stay on for a while
when the wind is not blowing. Together the “windmill” and
capacitor can run the clock using free, clean wind power. The
red LED (D1) will not light.
If you would like to set the time on the clock, see page 4.
+
+
5V
+
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