A professional and thoroughly interesting hands-on practical workshop. The team were flexible enough to tailor the course to the skills and abilities of the course participants. The course has been an inspiration and we have invited them to run another course next year.
We have run workshops building DIY wind turbines to the Hugh Piggott design with student groups since 2010. Some of these have been with Engineering departments but the majority have been with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) groups. We have run over 15 workshops all over the country including at universities in Nottingham, Exeter, South Wales, Salford and many more!
I’ve only heard good feedback from the participants – thanks so much for everything you’ve done for us 🙂
I would highly recommend V3 Power!
Overview
Get hands-on with our unique build a wind turbine course! We bring all the tools, materials and expertise; you come away with practical skills, an understanding of how and why wind turbines work, and a huge sense of achievement.
What Happens?
Together we build a machine to turn the power of the wind into electricity using simple materials and a range of hand tools. All participants carve a wooden blade, turn their own copper coil, and manipulate powerful magnets. As a team we assemble all the components to finish the turbine. Finally we test it outside or using a fan and participants can see their work turned into fully charged batteries!
Why do it?
The turbine design is a great way of demonstrating the basic underlying scientific principles behind energy generation and the associated simple electrical theory behind wind turbines. We also explore the role of small wind turbines in a global context, especially withing developing countries. The practical tasks are achievable regardless of skill and experience allowing participants to feel unintimidated and capable. The range of tasks means everyone stays interested and engaged!
Where can we do it?
Our space requirements are simple – we just need somewhere with sturdy tables that people can work on all sides of (ideally not benches against a wall). This can be on campus or elsewhere. We can provide relevant insurance, risk assessments and method statements
How long does it take & what does it cost?
There is a reasonable degree of flexibility here but some guide prices for the one day couse are below. We also run condensed half day sessions and extended two day workshops. Please get in touch to discuss this.
Their expertise and familiarity with the design and process of manufacture enabled us to achieve the project painlessly. I would highly recommend that all young engineers experience this activity.
In the summer of 2017 we developed a new course with the aim of making it cheaper, more accessible and more environmentally responsible. On the course we prioritise the practical and theoretical learning outcomes and use the process of building this small wind turbine to teach about how turbines work and their use in a global context.
Read a write-up of a course with Sheffield EWB in late 2017:
- Explanation of how three-phase worked was really clear.
- I found the theory easy to understand despite my limited previous knowledge.
- I liked the mix of theory and practical.
- Good sized group for practical session task.
- It was good to build the stator and rotor by hand, it helped me understand how it works.
- I really enjoyed it!