KidWind PVC / Geared Wind Turbine Build
This hands-on lab explores the principles of wind energy and turbine design through the construction and testing of modular wind turbines. Students build both direct-drive and geared turbine models, experimenting with blade variables such as pitch, number, shape, and material to optimize performance. The curriculum guides learners through measuring electrical output, including voltage and amperage across various resistive loads, as well as calculating mechanical work and power through weight-lifting experiments. By analyzing the relationship between wind speed, torque, and rotational speed, students gain a practical understanding of aerodynamics, energy conversion, and the physics of renewable power generation.
Uploaded by demo on 2026-07-19 · ready · Electronics · Original source ↗
Files: geared_turbine_manual.pdf · BASIC_WINDEXPKIT_MANUAL.pdf · NSF_ATE_provenance.txt
Readiness checks
Latest report — 2026-07-19 16:00
Readiness: KidWind PVC / Geared Wind Turbine Build
Verdict: Ready · 2026-07-19 · est. parts cost $150–$200
The lab is fully implementable. All proprietary mechanical components are active catalog items from Vernier Science Education. Structural materials are easily sourced from local hardware stores. Electronic components, including generators and load resistors, maintain high stock levels at major distributors. A logic error in the original snapshot's bill of materials regarding LED part numbers has been corrected to ensure the lab functions as intended.
Action required
| Part | Problem | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| LED Bulbs | Snapshot lists 1N4148, which is a signal diode that does not emit light. | Purchase SSL-LX5093LYD or equivalent 5mm LEDs. |
| Weight Lifting Kit | Proprietary kit components are rarely sold individually. | Sourced as part of the Basic Wind Experiment Kit (KW-BWX) or via Vernier support. |
Parts
1. Proprietary KidWind Components
| Part | Spec/Package | Status | Stock | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KidWind Crimping Hub | 12-Hole Plastic | Ready | Good | $25.00 | Vernier |
| Hub Quick Connect | Motor Adapter | Ready | Good | $19.00 | Vernier |
| Hex Lock | Plastic Collar | Ready | Good | $9.00 | Vernier |
| Geared Head Assembly | 7:1 Gearbox/Nacelle | Ready | Good | $19.00 | Vernier |
| Blade Pitch Protractor | Measurement Tool | Ready | Good | $5.00 | Vernier |
| Tower Base Set | 3-Leg Base + Socket | Ready | Good | $29.00 | Vernier |
2. Structural and Mechanical Parts
| Part | Spec/Package | Status | Stock | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Tower | 1" x 20" Dowel | Ready | Local | ~$5.00 | Home Depot |
| PVC Fittings | 1" Sch 40 (Set) | Ready | Good | $0.88 | Grainger |
| HDPE Pipe Spacers | 1" Pipe (2" Cuts) | Ready | Good | $2.50 | Home Depot |
| Hex Driveshaft | 8" Steel | Ready | Good | $19.00 | Vernier |
| Blade Materials | Balsa/Plastic Mix | Ready | Good | $1.22 | Skool Krafts |
| Weight Lifting Kit | Spool/Bucket/Weights | Ready | Limited | — | Vernier |
3. Electronics and Power Output
| Part | Spec/Package | Status | Stock | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC Hobby Motor | Adafruit 711 (130) | Ready | 1,184 | $1.95 | DigiKey |
| Digital Multimeter | Basic DC | Ready | Good | $19.99 | Harbor Freight |
| LED Bulbs | SSL-LX5093LYD (5mm) | Ready | 5,940 | $0.31 | DigiKey |
| Incandescent Bulbs | 1.5V E10 Base | Ready | Good | $0.75 | MiniScience |
| Resistor 10 Ω | 1/4W Axial | Ready | 24,812 | $0.10 | DigiKey |
| Resistor 30 Ω | 1/4W Axial | Ready | 9,683 | $0.10 | DigiKey |
| Resistor 51 Ω | 1/4W Axial | Ready | 7,930 | $0.10 | DigiKey |
| Resistor 100 Ω | 1/4W Axial | Ready | 225,960 | $0.10 | DigiKey |
| Supercapacitor | 10F 2.7V Radial | Ready | 31,605 | $1.90 | DigiKey |
| Alligator Clip Cords | 10-Pack | Ready | Good | $3.49 | Harbor Freight |
| Water Pump | 3V DC Submersible | Ready | Good | ~$5.00 | Amazon |
| Power Output Board | Sound/Light PCB | Ready | Good | $11.95 | DABOS |
Substitutes
| For part | Substitute | Differences | Judgment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4148 (LED) | SSL-LX5093LYD | Corrects component type from signal diode to light-emitting diode. | Required for visual output. |
Verify any substitute against its datasheet before ordering.
Other dependencies
- Firmware/Software: Not checked (None required for base lab).
- Video Support: KidWind.org/videos verified as active.
- Fabrication: Requires drilling a wire exit hole in the PVC T-fitting and manual cutting of HDPE pipe into 2-inch lengths.
- Consumables: Duct tape, masking tape, and hot glue are required for motor mounting and blade construction.
- Testing Equipment: High-velocity circular fan (14 to 18 inch) is required for wind simulation.
Watch list
- Weight Lifting Kit: This set is difficult to source as individual spare parts; instructors may need to fabricate buckets and spools if the kit version is unavailable.
- Web Resources: Instructional videos are hosted on a single domain; consider local downloads of assembly guides to prevent disruption.
Snapshot What the lab depended on when it was uploaded — the baseline the readiness checks research against.
This snapshot describes the "KidWind PVC / Geared Wind Turbine Build" lab, an educational kit designed to explore wind energy through mechanical work (weight lifting) and electricity generation. The hardware relies on a combination of specific proprietary plastic components, standard schedule 40 PVC fittings, wood structural elements, and hobbyist-grade electronic components.
Bill of Materials
There are no board design files for this lab; the following lists are reconciled from the assembly manuals for the "Basic Wind Experiment Kit" and the "Geared Wind Turbine Kit."
1. Proprietary KidWind Components
These parts are specific to the KidWind system. Their mechanical dimensions (hole diameters for dowels, hex-shaft fittings) are critical for compatibility with the rest of the kit.
- KidWind Crimping Hub (12-Hole)
- Quantity: 1
- Description: A circular plastic hub with 12 perimeter holes designed to "crimp" and hold 1/4 inch wood dowels.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind Crimping Hub.
- Hub Quick Connect (HQC)
- Quantity: 1
- Description: Plastic adapter that presses onto the motor/driveshaft and allows the Crimping Hub to snap on/off.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind Hub Quick Connect.
- Hex Lock
- Quantity: 2
- Description: Small plastic collars with a hex-shaped inner bore to lock components onto a hex driveshaft.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind Hex Lock.
- Geared Head Assembly
- Quantity: 1
- Description: A pre-assembled nacelle containing a gearbox (approximately 7:1 ratio) and an internal DC motor.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind Geared Wind Turbine Head.
- Blade Pitch Protractor
- Quantity: 1
- Description: A specialized tool for measuring the angle (pitch) of blades inserted into the hub.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind Blade Pitch Protractor.
- Tower Base Set
- Quantity: 1 set
- Description: Includes 1 center hub (3-way socket), 3 plastic legs, and 1 locking disc (to secure the wood tower to the hub).
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind Turbine Base Kit.
2. Structural and Mechanical Parts
These are commodity or raw materials used for the turbine frame and blade construction.
- Wood Tower
- Quantity: 1
- Description: 20 inch tall wood post (FSC certified renewable wood). Diameter must match the base hub socket (standard 1 inch).
- Sourcing Plan: general web research: 1 inch diameter wood dowel 20 inches long.
- PVC Fittings (1 inch diameter, Schedule 40)
- Quantity: 1 T-Fitting, 1 Elbow, 1 Coupler, 2 Slip Caps.
- Description: Standard plumbing fittings used to create the "nacelle" (head) for the basic turbine.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: 1 inch schedule 40 PVC fitting kit (T, elbow, coupler, cap).
- HDPE Pipe Spacers
- Quantity: 3 (2 inch lengths)
- Description: High-Density Polyethylene tubing used as internal spacers/bushings within the PVC nacelle.
- Sourcing Plan: general web research: 1 inch HDPE pipe 2 inch length.
- Hex Driveshaft
- Quantity: 1
- Description: Steel shaft with a hexagonal profile to match the hub and hex locks.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind 8 inch Hex Driveshaft.
- Blade Materials
- Quantity: 25 Dowels (1/4 inch diameter), 5 Balsa Wood Sheets (18 inch), 5 Corrugated Plastic Sheets (16 inch).
- Description: Stock material for students to cut into airfoil shapes.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: 1/4 inch wood dowels, balsa wood sheets, corrugated plastic sheets.
- Weight Lifting Kit
- Quantity: 1 Plastic Spool, 1 Plastic Bucket, 4 feet of string, 25 metal weights (washers, approx. 13g each).
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind Weight Lifting Kit.
3. Electronics and Power Output
These parts are used to measure and utilize the energy produced by the turbine.
- DC Hobby Motor (Generator)
- Quantity: 1
- Specs: Small DC motor used as a generator. Operating range 0.5V to 3.0V typical at test RPMs.
- Substitution: Any small brushed DC motor (size 130 or 260) with low starting torque.
- Sourcing Plan: distributor lookup (representative example): Adafruit 711 or similar low-voltage DC hobby motor.
- Digital Multimeter
- Quantity: 1
- Specs: Basic handheld DMM capable of measuring DC Volts (20V range) and DC Milliamps (200mA range).
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: basic digital multimeter.
- LED Bulbs
- Quantity: 2
- Specs: 5mm T-1 3/4 through-hole LEDs. Requires approximately 1.75V to 2.0V forward voltage.
- Sourcing Plan: distributor lookup: 1N4148 (standard red/green LEDs).
- Incandescent Bulbs
- Quantity: 2
- Specs: Bi-pin or screw-base miniature lamps rated for 1.5V to 3V.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: miniature 1.5V incandescent bulb.
- Resistors (Load Set)
- Quantity: 4
- Values: 10 Ω, 30 Ω, 50 Ω, 100 Ω.
- Specs: Axial leads, at least 1/4W power rating.
- Sourcing Plan: distributor lookup: 1% 1/4W axial resistors in specified values.
- Supercapacitor
- Quantity: 1
- Specs: Value not specified in manual, typically 1.0F to 10F at 2.5V or 5.0V.
- Sourcing Plan: distributor lookup (representative example): 10F 2.7V radial supercapacitor.
- Alligator Clip Cords
- Quantity: 1 set (Red/Black)
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: alligator clip test leads.
- Water Pump and Cylinder System
- Quantity: 1
- Description: Small 2.0V – 2.5V DC water pump and a graduated cylinder.
- Sourcing Plan: general web research: low voltage 3V DC submersible pump.
- Power Output Board
- Quantity: 1
- Description: A simple breadboard or PCB with terminals for connecting LEDs, resistors, and meters.
- Sourcing Plan: retail shopping search: KidWind Power Output Board.
Temporal Dependencies and Logistics
- Software and Firmware: This lab does not require firmware or specialized software. It relies entirely on physical measurements using a multimeter.
- Video Support: The manuals reference help videos at
www.KidWind.org/videos. These are at risk of disappearing or moving if the domain structure changes. - Fabrication:
- PVC Modifications: One "T-fitting" requires a small hole drilled into it to allow wires to exit (as seen in DIY PVC tower instructions).
- Nacelle Construction: Requires 10 inch lengths of 1/2 inch wide duct tape to secure the motor into the PVC coupler.
- Standard Tooling: The lab assumes access to wire strippers, tape (duct and masking), and hot glue or regular glue.
- Testing Environment: Requires a high-velocity circular fan (14 to 18 inch diameter recommended) to simulate wind. The manual suggests a wind speed of 10-13 MPH.