Real Windmill for Experimentation With Wind Energy

Although the concept of a windmill is somehow a bit common, there are no originally effective designs, even after extensive research among the official Lego sets or the published MOCs or generally on the internet, that could materialize valuable STEAM functions. This model is designed to demonstrate a variety of mechanical (and electrical) functions. In order to function it needs some natural outdoor wind or an indoor fan. Handlers of the model are color coded: Yellow for additions (weight drum), red for control interaction (smooth axle connectors, Lego part #59443). The side yellow knob is rotating with a ratio of 1:40, while the back gears offer more than one combinations. It is also easy to connect a motor acting as a generator at the back (here part #87577). Rotor's wings deploy a true airfoil experience.

Finally, one can visualize the output power (raw or through the gear trains), for various weights, or for changing wind, or for various wing patterns.