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

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Solar Power: Energy from the Sun

Solar power means using sunlight to make electricity. This is done with solar panels, which catch the sun’s rays and change them into power.

The best thing about solar energy is that the sun never runs out. It is free and clean, unlike coal or oil, which cause pollution. Many houses, schools, and offices use solar panels on rooftops. It is also useful in villages where there is no regular electricity.

The price of solar panels is coming down, so more people can afford them. Since solar power does not harm the environment, it is called green energy. In the future, solar energy will play a very big role in supplying power to the world.

Wind Energy: Power from Moving Air

Wind energy is produced when wind blows and moves large turbines (like big fans). These turbines turn and generate electricity.

Wind energy is free, renewable, and does not cause smoke or pollution. It is best in areas where there is strong and steady wind, like seashores and hills.

Many countries build “wind farms” with many turbines to supply electricity to cities and towns. Although the machines are costly at first, they produce very cheap electricity later.

Sometimes wind is not constant, so it cannot be used everywhere. Still, wind energy is one of the fastest-growing clean energy sources in the world.

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

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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