Setting the mold...
In this picture, you can see Dr. French(Faculty Adviser for Vert13) explaining to team members how important it is for the fiber to be laid properly without any flaws.
Vert13 works in the lab as a team and sometimes as sub-teams. The Vert13 volunteers have a special night where they are asked to come participate in the assembly and design of the project. Their help is greatly appreciated by the Vert13 Senior Design Team.
Vortex Generator
Here is a picture of the Vert13 Team testing the theory behind the vortex generator. This design was modified later to produce better results.
Mini Vortex Generator Prototype
The miniature vortex generator prototype was fabricated by Ben Pontier using a waterjet to cut the pieces and then using a welding machine to join the metals into this configuration. It was then heated using an oxy/acetylene torch which produced a magnificent vortex.
Rebuilding the Fallen Turbine
During Christmas break while the Vert13 Team and Vert13 Volunteers were at home, one of the testing turbines behind the lab fell. A huge gust of wind had blown over the deer stand tripod that the turbine was mounted to and caused the turbine to shatter upon impact. Luckily for the Vert13 Team, they have an awesome group of volunteers willing to jump on board and get it into service again.
The vanes have been made out of fireproof material and have been hemmed up to prevent fraying during use.
Vortex Generator Vanes
100W Sufah XI Molds
Vert13 Senior Design Team Member, Isaac Towne, putting in lab time to finish the molds for the 100 Watt Sufah XI molds so that these turbines can be used for testing.
Transmission
The Transmission has been assembled and is currently being fitted to the generator and frame so that it can be mounted to the Sufah XI.
Sufah
During spring break while the Vert13 Senior Design Team was away, Sufah suffered a crash. A storm had passed and had blown Sufah off of the Glaske Engineering building causing a blade to break during the accident. Luckily no one was hurt and only minimal damage was done to Sufah.