Lesson 1: introduction and construction
OVERVIEW
During this lesson, students will understand the basics of renewable energy and its importance. Using the provided materials, they will construct a simple wind turbine and solar panel setup. Students will have a preliminary understanding of the power supply system, energy consumption system and the power detection system of a power station.
KEY INFORMATION
PART LIST
Note that this kit does not include the UNIHIKER K10 main control board. Please configure it separately.
PREPARATION
Before you start working on your Renewable Energy Power Station, please make the following preparations first:
Step 1: Download software
Here are the instructions for downloading the software in preparation for the next lessons.
Go to this link to download the Mind+ software.
https://www.unihiker.com/wiki/K10/GettingStarted/gettingstarted_mindplus/
Unzip the compressed file, making sure to disable your antivirus software during the unzipping process. Ensure that the unzipped folder's path should not be excessively long.
Open the unzipped folder and locate the "Mind+.exe" file. Double-click to open it.
Step 2: Follow the instructions provided in the link to create your first code.
Let's begin our learning journey by following the tutorial.
ENGAGE
Solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal power can provide energy without the planet-warming effects of fossil fuels.
Harnessing the wind as a source of energy started more than 7,000 years ago. Now, electricity-generating wind turbines are proliferating around the globe; China, the U.S., and Germany are the leading wind energy producers. From 2001 to 2017, cumulative wind capacity around the world increased to more than 539,000 megawatts from 23,900 mw—more than 22 fold.
From home rooftops to utility-scale farms, solar power is reshaping energy markets around the world. In the decade from 2007 and 2017 the world's total installed energy capacity from photovoltaic panels increased a whopping 4,300 percent.
Show a complete power station system, asking students to narrate each part of this system, recognize the power supply system including the solar panel and wind turbine.
EXPLORE
Separate students into several groups for a modified jigsaw activity using the following resources.
Student-lead summarization:
Within their jigsaw groups, students should provide an explanation for the following question: "What is the most important takeaway, or main idea from these charts?" Student groups should answer that question in 2-3 sentences that they will share with the whole class.
After hearing from each jigsaw group, encourage students to consider" How can we create a renewable energy power station that is efficient, safe, and remotely controllable?" Students should finish the table as below.
CREATE
Let's follow the instructions to build the power station!
Step 1: Gather all components
Gather all the components from the Materials list.
Step 2: Installing windmill X and Y
Begin by preparing the windmills by folding and assembling them according to the instructions provided.
Take out windmills X1, X2, and X3, fold and assemble them together to form windmill X. Then, repeat the same process to create windmill Y.
(Notice: Don't forget to insert the relevant modules before installing the back cover.)
Step 3: Install two windmills on the base plate
Take out the pieces W1 and position the bottom of windmill Y through the middle square of W1. Then take out two leg pins and use them to attach the windmill Y to the base plate.
Similarly, let the windmill X go through W3, and assemble W2 and W4 together in sequence.
Step 4: Assemble the factory
Take out two pieces of F2, fold and assemble them to form the wall of the factory. Secure the wall to the base plate using double-legged pins.
Take out the roof F1 and install it on the wall.
Take out Solar E1 and E2, and assemble them with the solar panel by following the steps below.
(Notice: The frame may not fit the panel. What you can do is either cut the Kraft Paper to make them fit together or do nothing, but that would sacrifice some area of the panel, which might reduce production.)
Step 5: Install electricity pylon
Notice: Don't forget to take the support out. It will be used in the following lessons.
finished renewable power station
CONCLUSION
Congratulations! You have finished the first lesson, introduction and construction. Let's begin our exploration trip!
