College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor
Lawrence Domingo, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
It is crucial that wind turbines are able to control the angle of their blades relative to the wind for optimal performance, efficiency, and safety [1]. This project will design a pitching mechanism for the Cal Poly Wind Power turbine that will compete in the Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC). Currently, for full scale wind turbines, the industry standard design includes the pitch of each blade being controlled by its own individual motor [2]. Because of the smaller scale of Cal Poly Wind Power’s turbine, along with power usage constraints, three separate motors are not a practical approach. Cal Poly Wind Power needs an easily manufacturable way to accurately and precisely control the blade pitch of their wind turbine to maximize the points earned in the Collegiate Wind Competition from different tasks (durability, braking, cut-in speed, power curve). The pitching mechanism must be able to control the power produced for the durability task, stop the turbine within 10 seconds with less than 10 J of energy for the braking task, and pitch the blades of the turbine to precise angles [3]. System must also be capable of holding blades in a rotational plane without blades ejecting from the system. Funding for this project will be provided by Cal Poly Wind Power club, and the work will be carried out by team members Sierra Bindseil, Liv Hoffsis, Tucker Donahue, and Izik Hingeley.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/882