DIY working model of a Wind Turbine (Energy) and Solar Street Light for a science exhibition

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a simple DIY working model of a Wind Turbine (Energy) and Solar Street Light for a science exhibition using house LED lights. This is easy, low-cost, and good for school-level demonstration.

Materials Required:

Wind Turbine Model:

  • Small DC Motor (acts as generator)
  • Small Plastic or Cardboard Fan Blades
  • LED Light (small house LED, e.g., 5mm LED)
  • Wires
  • Diode (e.g., 1N4007, to prevent backflow)
  • Small Stand/Holder (plastic or cardboard)
  • Resistor (220 Ω for LED protection)
  • Switch (optional)

Solar Street Light Model:

  • Small Solar Panel (e.g., 5V, 1W)
  • Rechargeable Battery (e.g., 3.7V Li-ion Battery)
  • LED Light (same as above)
  • Charge Controller Circuit Module (optional for safety)
  • Diode (to prevent reverse current)
  • Wires, small stand (plastic/wood)
  • Switch (optional)

2. Wind Turbine Working Model Setup:

Steps:

  1. Mount the DC Motor on a stand vertically.
  2. Attach plastic/cardboard fan blades to the motor shaft.
  3. Connect wires from the motor terminals → Through a diode (to prevent backflow).
  4. Connect to the LED + Resistor → LED light (house LED).
  5. When you blow air (or use a small fan), the blades will rotate → Motor generates voltage → LED lights up.

Principle: Mechanical energy (wind) → Electrical energy → LED glows.

3. Solar Street Light Working Model Setup:

Steps:

  1. Place the small solar panel on top of a miniature street light pole or board.
  2. Connect the solar panel to a rechargeable battery through a diode (to avoid backflow).
  3. From battery → Resistor → LED light mounted like a street lamp.
  4. At daytime, solar panel charges the battery. At night, battery powers the LED automatically.
    • Optional: Add a light-dependent resistor (LDR) circuit to automatically switch LED on/off based on light.

Principle: Solar energy → Stored in battery → Powers LED light.

4. Final Presentation:

  • Display both models side by side.
  • Label:
    Wind Turbine: “Generates Electricity from Wind”
    Solar Street Light: “Uses Solar Energy for Night Lighting”
  • Demonstrate blowing air onto wind turbine → LED lights up.
  • Show solar light working under simulated day and night (cover solar panel with paper to simulate night → LED lights up).

https://www.youtube.com/@howtofunda

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