Five students from Bloomfield Hall School Peshawar in Pakistan won the Best in Region award for their exploration into using vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) as an energy-efficient method of generating electricity.
Inspired by Pakistan’s exponential population increase, along with its reliance on fossil fuels, Zainab Ijaz, Fatima Yousafzai, Aaniya Lodhi, Bareera Ashfaq and Laleena Ibrahim researched how savonius VAWTs could revolutionise the way we generate electricity. Unlike the more common horizontal axis wind turbines, savonius wind turbines can convert the force of wind into torque no matter the direction of the wind. VAWTs are also less expensive to install and maintain.
The team built their wind turbine using a metal rod, wooden base and segments of PVC pipe for the blades. Using electrical wiring, the team connected a dynamo (as well as a lightbulb to test the circuit) to the wind turbine. They then used a portable fan to generate wind and tested the power output of the wind turbine using a multimeter.
The team found that the wind turbine produced a significant output at different wind speeds, offering a potential sustainable solution to Pakistan’s energy needs.
The judges said: 'This is an excellent physics project, building and characterising an impressive prototype for a vertical wind turbine. It is a highly relevant study with a strong sustainability element.'
Talking about her experience of the competition, Aaniya Lodhi said: 'I truly enjoyed the amazing experience while working on this project. The enthusiasm and cooperation between the fellow team members really added a spark to the making of this project. Most importantly, I desirously took part in this project to enhance my thinking ability regarding sustainable and renewable energy projects.'