Back to The Power Challenge

Module 5: Supercharge

I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho – A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions

You’ve created some powerful turbine blades. But could they be improved?

In this module, you’ll experiment with blade design variables to supercharge your turbine before the final challenge.

Improve

You’ve reached the final stage of the engineering design process – improve.

The improve stage is about using all your knowledge and data to make your solution even better.

Lewis and Cha Cha are back with some tips to help you get started:

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Torque

Remember what Lewis and Cha Cha said about torque? It’s the twisting power that makes turbine blades rotate. Torque decides how fast your turbine spins, and how much wind it needs to start spinning.

  • Too much torque means the turbine can spin in low winds, but doesn’t spin very fast.
  • Not enough torque means the turbine needs more wind to spin, but can spin faster.

Blade design variables

The best way to influence torque is by changing your blade design variables.

Variables are things that change or can be changed. People with STEM jobs use variables to experiment and test the best way to achieve their goals.

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Activity 5.1: Improve

Reflect on everything you’ve learned so far to help your turbine generate the most electricity possible!

Ngohe 5.1: Whakapai ake

Nā, whakaarotia ngā akoranga katoa kua mau ā mohoa kia nui noa atu te hiko e whakaputaina mai ana!

Reminder!

Make sure you find a light source to use in the next module – this could be a desk lamp, or a strong torch.

Tools down!

Tino pai rawa atu! You’ve:

  • Made final improvements to your turbine
  • Competed against each other to light up your town
  • Completed student surveys
  • Answered the challenge pātai – I wonder how to power a brighter future?