Category EV L15 Blow Your Stack

Abstract In this project, I utilize the stack effect in order to create an updraft

powerful enough to be used to generate electricity. By utilizing the stack

effect, I can produce wind energy by heating the air under the stack. I first

had to have the base professionally made. Once the base was made, I

began riveting duct work together. Once the stack was assembled, I

covered three sides of my stack with black plastic and used a concave

mirror to heat the air in the bottom of the cone. This heat created a draft,

which I measured using an anemometer. I then recreated this wind speed

to test the energy output with a turbine I made from salvaged parts. At the

top of the stack, the anemometer gave a highest reading of 20.1 mph or

8.985 m/s. When I recreated that wind speed, the turbine produced 3.1

volts without the resistor, and produced 1.2 volts with a 10 watt, 10 ohm

resistor attached. Calculations show that my turbine is 24% efficient, I also

found that my turbine would make .12 amps and .144 watts of power with

a 20.1 mph wind. Based on my findings, I know that by utilizing the stack

effect, I can produce electricity and I believe solar stacks would be a great

option for electricity production both because of their low operations

costs, and their sustainability.

Bibliography Christ, S. (2007). Solar Tower of Power More than a lot of Hot Air.

Koerner,P. (2008). Green Building: Jetson Green. Retrieved February 6,

2009 from www.jetsongreen.com

Leahy, S. (2005). Solar Tower of POwer Finds Home. Retrieved January

21, 2009 from www.wired.com

Solar Tower Thermal Energy Generator. (2005). Retrieved January 21,

2009 from www.mostlyhotair.com

Woody, T. (2006). How Australia got hot for solar power. Retrieved

January 21, 2009 from www.cnnmoney.printthis.clickability.com
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