“Sustainable Electricity Generation through Small-Scale Wind Turbine

Model”

A Research

presented to the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering,

and Mathematics (STEM)

SILANGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (SHS)

Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal

in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATION and IMMERSION and CAPSTONE RESEARCH

Besenio, Kathleen M.

Calcaben, Aaron Matthew L.

Lum-na, Hanida B.

Mong, Monica S.

Tantoy, Princess Nicole B.

Grade 12 – FREESIA

JENNELYN M. GOMEZ, MAT

Capstone Research Teacher

IVY GAIL B. BENITO, MAT

Inquiries, Investigation And Immersion Teacher

March 24, 2024

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgment .........................................……………………………..………………………... i.

I. INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study ...........................………………………………………………...............1

Statement of the Problem ...........................…………………………………………………………2

Significance of the Study .......................................................................................................... 3

Scope and Delimitation ................................................................................................…......... 3

Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................................ 4

Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................................ 4

Definition of Terms .................................................................................................................... 5

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Review of Related Literature and Studies................................................................................ 6

III. METHODOLOGY

Research Design ....................................................................................................................... 8

The Sample ................................................................................................................................ 8

Research Instrument ................................................................................................................. 8

Data Collection Procedure ........................................................................................................ 9

Plan for Data Analysis ............................................................................................................... 9

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

INTRODUCTION

Wind turbines play a crucial role in reducing pollution by providing a clean and renewable
source of energy. They harness the power of the wind to generate electricity, thus significantly
reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are one of the primary sources of air
pollution and climate change. By adopting wind power, we can curtail harmful emissions and
create a healthier environment for both humans and ecosystems.

Moreover, One of the reasons why we conduct this study is because wind turbines offer
a unique opportunity to enhance safety through innovative applications, such as street lighting.
The electricity generated by these turbines can be channeled to power-efficient and eco-friendly
streetlights, promoting safety in urban and rural areas, Making them well-lit and secure public
spaces, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for communities. According to Chang
(2023), Wind-powered street lights are a sustainable method to light up public spaces. Unlike
usual street lights, which require electricity from non-renewable sources, wind-powered street
lights use the wind to generate clean energy.

Besides, In mountainous regions, where traditional energy infrastructure may be

challenging to implement, wind turbines present an ideal solution. Their adaptability allows for
installation in elevated terrains, where wind currents are often stronger and more consistent.
This is also one of our reasons for conducting the study because this study will be conducted in
an area where wind can flow freely and more conveniently. This will foster sustainable
development by tapping into the region's natural resources. As stated by Jaiswal (2022), wind
turbines are particularly suitable for mountainous regions due to their ability to adapt to various
terrains and harness stronger, more consistent wind currents found at higher elevations.
 The growing global concern about energy usage and environmental sustainability
underscores the need for alternative energy sources. Incorporating wind turbines into lighting
systems is an innovative idea that uses wind to generate electricity, thereby reducing our
reliance on traditional energy sources. As Explained by Hussain (2017), said that Integrating
wind turbines into lighting systems is a forward-thinking approach that harnesses wind energy to
produce electricity, subsequently lessening our dependence on conventional energy resources.
By adopting wind power, we actively participate in creating a more sustainable ecosystem and
secure a healthier and eco-friendly environment for generations to come.

Theoretical Framework

The research aims to explore the sustainable electricity of using small-scale wind
turbines as an alternative energy source for sustainable light production. The underlying theory
emphasizes the practicality and environmental friendliness of harnessing wind energy through
efficient turbines to address the energy needs for lighting. The study draws on the concept that
wind speed significantly influences the operation of small-scale wind turbines, and
improvements in their design and technology can enhance their efficiency.

To understand the relationship between variables, the research intends to answer

specific questions such as the minimum wind speed required for operating the turbine, the
variation in electrical energy generation with changes in wind speed, and the capacity of the
turbine to power a light source. Additionally, the study aims to explore potential improvements
for increased efficiency. By exploring these relationships, the research contributes to the
development of sustainable energy solutions through small-scale wind turbines, which could
have significant implications for the future of energy production.
Conceptual Framework

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the study of Sustainable Electricity Generation through the
Small-Scale Wind Turbine Model, More specifically, it seeks answers to the following questions:

1. What is the average electrical energy stored (volts) based on the given different wind
speeds:

1.1 4.5 m/s

1.2 5.1 m/s

1.3 5.6 m/s

 2. Is there a significant relationship between the wind speed and the average electrical
energy stored using the small-scale wind turbine model?

3. What is the maximum number of 5-watt bulbs that can be powered by the maximum
stored electrical energy?

4. What improvements can contribute to the development of more efficient small-scale

wind turbine models for electricity generation?

Hypotheses

The hypothesis of this study examines the small-scale wind turbines that can contribute to
sustainable electricity generation, implying that these turbines, when efficiently designed and
deployed, have the potential to provide clean, renewable energy to communities and reduce
reliance on fossil fuels.

Null Hypothesis (Ho)

1. There is no significant difference between the energy produced by these small-scale

turbines and traditional electricity generation methods.

Alternative Hypothesis (Hi):

2. There is a significant difference between the energy produced by these small-scale

turbines and traditional electricity generation methods.

Scope and Limitations

The purpose of this study is to determine if small-scale wind turbines can sustainably
generate electricity. Particularly, streetlights. The study will be conducted in an open space
where the small-scale wind turbine model can be put. The site will provide natural wind
exposure to test the turbine's performance in real-life situations. The researcher focused on a
certain location to experiment to know the minimal wind speed required to power a light bulb
(0.55W), how much electricity the turbine can generate as the wind varies. Anemometers and
multi-tester measurement devices will be carefully placed throughout the study to accurately
determine wind speed and energy voltage.
Significance of the Study

The result of the study is significant to the following:

This study will help policymakers, and future researchers to provide insights into the
potential of wind turbines in generating sustainable light as an alternative energy approach.
Additionally, This study explores the potential of wind turbines not only for generating electricity
but also for producing sustainable light.

Policymakers – This research will help policymakers use the findings to develop policies that
promote the use of alternative and sustainable light production

Future Researchers – This study will be a useful reference for researchers who plan to
conduct a study in a similar field

Definition of Terms

The following terms are conceptually and operationally defined to better understand the
study:

Efficiency: The extent to which a system or process can produce the desired output with
minimum waste or loss of energy. In the case of wind turbines, efficiency refers to the amount of
electrical energy produced per unit of wind energy input.

Electrical Energy Generation: The process of producing electrical energy from a source of
energy, such as wind, water, or solar power.

Small-Scale Wind Turbine Model: A wind turbine designed for domestic or small-scale use,
typically with a capacity of less than 1000 kilowatts.
Sustainable Electricity Generation: The production of electrical energy through renewable
resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.

Variability in Wind Speed: Refers to the changes or fluctuations in the speed of the wind,
influencing the electrical energy generation from the wind turbine model. Understanding this
variability is essential for optimizing energy output.

Wind Speed: The speed at which air moves horizontally past a specific point, often measured
in meters per second or miles per hour.
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Wind Speed Required

Wind turbines require a minimum wind speed, known as the cut-in speed, to start
producing electricity. According to Branz (2022), most small wind turbines require a minimum
wind speed of 2 m/s, while Shine (2023) states that the minimum wind speed required for a wind
turbine to produce power is between 5.6 and 10 mph (2.5 to 4.5 m/s). Rehman et al., (2018)
suggest that altering blade design to lessen cut-in speed improves turbine performance at a
variety of wind speeds. Once the turbine reaches its maximum output at a certain wind speed, it
can continue to produce a consistent amount of power until it is halted for safety in extremely
severe gusts of roughly 25 m/s, as explained by Edwards (2023). Therefore, the amount of
electricity generated by a wind turbine is determined by the wind speed, and it is crucial to
optimize the turbine's blade design to improve its efficiency at various wind speeds.

Electrical Energy Output

Wind turbines are vital for producing energy for lighting, but their performance is directly
impacted by weather conditions. Kim et al. (2021) found that atmospheric stability, turbulence
intensity, and wind shear exponent are the three primary factors that influence wind turbine
efficiency. Atmospheric stability was most important (200 kW at 11 m/s), followed by turbulence
intensity (91 kW at 11 m/s) and wind shear exponent (32 kW at 10.5 m/s). These conditions can
affect the performance of wind turbines significantly. On the other hand, Khan (2017) designed
a wind turbine for Abu Dhabi's street lights that utilized the Sea Hawk design, a three-phase AC
generator, and a 12V battery with a charge controller. The turbine blades were built of foam
board and produced a maximum voltage of 2.4V at 6.4 m/s of wind speed. Thus, the wind
turbine can create enough electricity to power Abu Dhabi's street lights.
 Furthermore, Bani-Hani (2018) demonstrated that highway wind turbines, particularly a
three-bladed helical vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), can gather energy from moving cars to
power lights. The VAWT prototype generated up to 48 watts of power from highway traffic with
an average wind speed of 4.4 m/s. The data-derived power curve revealed an efficiency of 34.6
percent, showing great potential for future development. In simple terms, a wind turbine
converts energy from passing cars into electricity, which can then be used to power highway
lights, traffic signals, and other lighting systems.

Wind Turbine Design

Singh et al., (2023) proposed a roadside wind turbine that uses Vertical Axis Wind
Turbines (VAWT) to capture wind from regular flow and passing cars, generating about 100 W.
Rehman et al., (2018) emphasized the low cost, commercial acceptance, and job creation
associated with wind power, and discussed advances in horizontal axis turbines that focus on
optimization and blade design to boost efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Elgue et
al., (2017) presented cost-effective design tools for small off-grid wind turbines, specifically
vertical axis ones, for street lighting with LED lights and battery backup, adaptable to various
wind potentials, using wind tunnel tests and simulations. Both Rehman and Elgue's studies
emphasized the importance of efficiency in wind turbine design.
 Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

For the study on sustainable electricity generation through a small-scale wind turbine
model, the researchers plan to use a true experimental research design, especially a post-test-
only method. This concept is ideal to know if the wind turbine can create light. The post-test-only
design enables us to directly measure and analyze the wind turbine model's actual performance
in producing light without being influenced. The trial-and-error investigation will support this
design by analyzing energy production.

The Sample

The research sample does not involve human participants in the traditional sense.
Instead, the focus is on the subject itself, which is the small-scale wind turbine model. This
model serves as the sample, generating clean electricity to power various light sources. The
study aims to explore the sustainability of this innovative method, highlighting the benefits of
wind turbines for environmentally friendly energy production. The variable, in this case, the wind
turbine model will contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing reliance on fossil fuels
and dependence on conventional energy.

The Research Instrument

The research instrument for the study on sustainable electricity generation through small-
scale wind turbine models would normally include tools that will use to collect information and
measurement devices to collect data on the performance of small-scale wind turbine models.
The study will use an observation checklist and will be using an anemometer and multi-tester
that will be use as research instruments. The anemometer measures wind speed by converting
the rotational speed of its blades into an electrical signal that is displayed on the screen (m/s).
Researchers can use an anemometer to investigate the sustainability of utilizing wind energy as
an alternative energy source for long-term light generation. A multi-tester determines the voltage
generated by the wind turbine to ensure proper polarity.

Data Collection Procedure

To investigate sustainable electricity generation using a small-scale wind turbine model,

data will be collected by monitoring wind speed with an anemometer and voltage with a
multimeter. Using an anemometer, determine the turbine's location and collect wind speed data
at regular intervals. The multimeter will measure voltage and determine the minimum wind
speed required for the wind turbine to power a light source. In addition, testing will be done to
see how electrical energy generation varies with wind speed, with a focus on determining the
turbine's ability to consistently power a light source under various wind conditions. The duration
of electricity generation at various wind speeds will also be measured to provide information
about the turbine's long-term performance.

Plan for Data Analysis

To analyze the electricity generation of small-scale wind turbines, the researchers will
use an anemometer to measure the wind speed in meters per second. They will also measure
the amount of electricity generated using a multi-tester that measures voltage. In addition, a
data table will be created to show how the wind speed affects the amount of electricity
produced.

Once the data table is complete, statistical treatment will be applied to determine the
average mean and standard deviation of the results. This analysis will help to identify the
average wind speed suitable for power generation and the turbine's consistency in producing
voltage. It's a simple approach to determine which wind speeds make the small-scale wind
turbine most effective. The data collected from these steps will be analyzed using data table to
draw meaningful conclusions about the Sustainable Electricity Generation through Small-Scale
Wind Turbine Model. The results will provide insights into whether wind turbine light production
is indeed a sustainable alternative energy approach and help inform future policy decisions
related to sustainable energy practices.
References

Bani-hani, E. (2018). Feasibility of highway energy harvesting using a vertical axis and
wind turbine

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Chang, M. (2023, May 13). Advantages of wind powered street lights | Solar LED Light.
Solar LED Street Light From Germany.

https://solar-led-street-light.com/wind-powered-street-lights/

Edwards, G. (2023). How much energy does a wind turbine produce? Today's
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