Measuring+signal+output+variables+of+the+Wind+Tunnel


 * Date: ** 23rd June 2011

Following on from the preliminary tests carried out on the Solar PV panel on 16th of June2011, the team decided to investigate and measure the signal output variables of the wind tunnel.
 * Experiment: ** Measuring signal output variables of the Wind Tunnel

o Rutland 913 Wind Charger o Axial Fan o Variable Speed Drive
 * Apparatus: **
 * Wind Tunnel
 * Instruments: **
 * Clip-on Ammeter
 * Digital Multi-meter
 * Digital Thermometer
 * Lux Meter

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate,measure and compare the relevant signal output variables of the wind tunnel. The following measurements were taken from the pin outs on the 25 way D-connecter: Pin Signal 2 Gnd 3 0 - 2.5v dc Wind charger Current 7 0 - 2.5v dc Battery Voltage 8 0 - 2.5v dc Temperature 10 0 - 2.5v dc Light Level 11 Approx 2.5v dc fixed ref
 * Purpose of the Experiment: **


 * Methodology: **

The pin outs on the wiring panel for both Battery Voltage and Wind Charging current were traced and identified with the purpose of taking accurate readings. Measurements were taken in increments of 10hz (0 – 50Hz). This method was achieved by manipulating the speed of the fan using the variable speed drive. Calibrated instruments were used to measure the variables on the wiring panel. It was decided that data was to be documented in real-time to aid future reports. The documented data will be used to calculate ranges for each variable. These variables will be analyzed and compared to the ranges provided by the supervisor. This method will also enable the team to compare theoretical and instrument calculated results. The mathematical equations obtained from marlec were entered into the excel spreadsheet for theoretical calculations, July 4th in the college library.

1. Cables relevant to Battery voltage and wind charge on the distribution panel were traced. Once the cables were found a voltmeter was used to read the battery voltage, and an ammeter was connected to read the wind charging current. 2. Another team member taking the readings with a voltmeter on the 25way D connector to compare and establish results. . 3. Remaining team member was responsible for efficiently documenting the results as deduced in real time. 4. Readings were also simultaneously taken for both lux level and temperature levels. 5. Results obtained are analyzed and compared to ranges provided by the supervisor.
 * Procedure: **


 * Results: **
 * |||||||||||||| ** VSD set to 0Hz (NO LOAD) **  ||
 * ** Output ** ||  ** Pin Out **  ||  ** Voltmeter **  ||  ** Range **  ||  ** Calculated Input **  ||  ** Instrument Measurements **  ||  ** Calculated Variables **  ||
 * ** Ground ** || 2  ||   ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||  0  ||
 * ** Wind Charge ** || 3  ||  0.022  ||  1-10A  ||  N/A  ||  .1A  ||  non linear  ||
 * ** Battery **** Voltage ** || 7  ||  0.297  ||  0-12vdc  ||  2.27Vdc  ||  2.38v  ||  2.376  ||
 * ** Temperature ** || 8  ||  0.337  ||  (-20) - 40°  ||  (-12.8)°  ||  25  ||  -14.11200086  ||
 * ** Light Level ** || 10  ||  0.065  ||  0 - 30000lux  ||  720lux  ||  420lux  ||  135.47505  ||
 * ** Fixed Reference ** || 11  ||  0.529  ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||   ||


 * ** VSD set to 10Hz 82v Line ** ||
 * ** Output ** ||  ** Pin Out **  ||  ** Voltmeter **  ||  ** Range **  ||  ** Calculated Input **  ||  ** Instrument Measurements **  ||  ** Calculated Variables **  ||
 * ** Ground ** || 2  ||   ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||  0  ||
 * ** Wind Charge ** || 3  ||  0.022  ||  1-10A  ||  N/A  ||  .1A  ||  non linear  ||
 * ** Battery **** Voltage ** || 7  ||  0.296  ||  0-15vdc  ||  1.41Vdc  ||  2.38v  ||  2.368  ||
 * ** Temperature ** || 8  ||  0.338  ||  (-20) - 40°  ||  (-2.72)°  ||  25.4  ||  -14.05974887  ||
 * ** Light Level ** || 10  ||  0.064  ||  0 - 30000lux  ||  720lux  ||  412lux  ||  133.08168  ||
 * ** Fixed Reference ** || 11  ||  0.526  ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||   ||


 * ** VSD set to 20Hz 156v line ** ||
 * ** Output ** ||  ** Pin Out **  ||  ** Voltmeter **  ||  ** Range **  ||  ** Calculated Input **  ||  ** Instrument Measurements **  ||  ** Calculated Variables **  ||
 * ** Ground ** || 2  ||   ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||  0  ||
 * ** Wind Charge ** || 3  ||  0.067  ||  1-10A  ||  N/A  ||  2.2A  ||  non linear  ||
 * ** Battery **** Voltage ** || 7  ||  0.398  ||  0-15vdc  ||  1.41Vdc  ||  3.2V  ||  3.184  ||
 * ** Temperature ** || 8  ||  0.581  ||  (-20) - 40°  ||  (-2.72)°  ||  25.8  ||  -0.929992017  ||
 * ** Light Level ** || 10  ||  0.106  ||  0 - 30000lux  ||  1440lux  ||  430lux  ||  233.60322  ||
 * ** Fixed Reference ** || 11  ||  0.904  ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||   ||


 * ** VSD set to 30Hz 227v Line ** ||
 * ** Output ** ||  ** Pin Out **  ||  ** Voltmeter **  ||  ** Range **  ||  ** Actual Input **  ||  ** Instrument Measurements **  ||  ** Calculated Variables **  ||
 * ** Ground ** || 2  ||   ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||  0  ||
 * ** Wind Charge ** || 3  ||  0.247  ||  1-10A  ||  N/A  ||  2.8A  ||  non linear  ||
 * ** Battery **** Voltage ** || 7  ||  0.777  ||  0-15vdc  ||  1.41Vdc  ||  6.19V  ||  6.216  ||
 * ** Temperature ** || 8  ||  1.57  ||  (-20) - 40°  ||  (-2.72)°  ||  25.9  ||  61.39591252  ||
 * ** Light Level ** || 10  ||  0.285  ||  0 - 30000lux  ||  1440lux  ||  330lux  ||  662.01645  ||
 * ** Fixed Reference ** || 11  ||  2.465  ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||   ||


 * ** VSD set to 40Hz 224v Line ** ||
 * ** Output ** ||  ** Pin Out **  ||  ** Voltmeter **  ||  ** Range **  ||  ** Actual Input **  ||  ** Instrument Measurements **  ||  ** Calculated Variables **  ||
 * ** Ground ** || 2  ||   ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||  0  ||
 * ** Wind Charge ** || 3  ||  0.322  ||  1-10A  ||  N/A  ||  3.3A  ||  non linear  ||
 * ** Battery **** Voltage ** || 7  ||  0.897  ||  0-15vdc  ||  1.41Vdc  ||  7.2V  ||  7.176  ||
 * ** Temperature ** || 8  ||  1.613  ||  (-20) - 40°  ||  (-2.72)°  ||  26  ||  64.4294485  ||
 * ** Light Level ** || 10  ||  0.3  ||  0 - 30000lux  ||  1440lux  ||  390  ||  697.917  ||
 * ** Fixed Reference ** || 11  ||  2.464  ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||

It was found that results had to be taken quickly due to variations as the batteries began charging as both voltage and current changed. For each of the four frequency ranges both temperature and lux levels were taken and recorded. The above tables indicate the results obtained.
 * ** VSD set to 50Hz 222v Line ** ||
 * ** Output ** ||  ** Pin Out **  ||  ** Voltmeter **  ||  ** Range **  ||  ** Actual Input **  ||  ** Instrument Measurements **  ||  ** Calculated Variables **  ||
 * ** Ground ** || 2  ||   ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||  0  ||
 * ** Wind Charge ** || 3  ||  0.556  ||  1-10A  ||  N/A  ||  0.2  ||  non linear  ||
 * ** Battery **** Voltage ** || 7  ||  1.363  ||  0-15vdc  ||  1.41Vdc  ||  10.95  ||  10.904  ||
 * ** Temperature ** || 8  ||  2.616  ||  (-20) - 40°  ||  (-2.72)°  ||  26  ||  142.8416908  ||
 * ** Light Level ** || 10  ||  0.311  ||  0 - 30000lux  ||  1440lux  ||  420lux  ||  724.24407  ||
 * ** Fixed Reference ** || 11  ||  2.463  ||  N/A  ||  N/A  ||   ||   ||
 * Observations:**

The noise from the fan was found to effect the digital multi-meter readings, so a clip-on ammeter was acquired and found to be much more stable. Because of the batteries charging, voltages and currents fluctuating, readings had to be taken quickly in order for some accuracy to be maintained. It could be seen from the wind generation from the fan that the batteries began charging with rising voltages at the increasing Hertz increments. With this part of the experiment completed, the team's attention was now turned towards wind profiling with anemometer speed recordings along with PV and load current results.
 * Conclusions**