Created a portable, interactive environmental science exhibit for a traveling museum serving underprivileged children who lack access to traditional museums. The exhibit needed to capture attention, teach effectively, and withstand extensive use by young children while meeting strict constraints for budget ($150), portability (27.6" × 16.5" × 13.8" case), durability, and safety
Mechanical Design
- Engineered 3:1 condenser ratio and 1:3 diffuser ratio for optimal airflow
- Implemented laminar flow using straw array to straighten air particles
- Constructed from acrylic and PLA-printed parts for durability and transparency
- Smoke machine integration for flow visualization
Electronics System:
- Fan Control: 15V DC motor managed via ESC with PWM signals
- Voltage Measurement: Custom voltage divider circuit (1MΩ resistor) to safely read generator motor output
- Safety Interlock: Lid-mounted switch prevents operation when chamber is open
- LED Display: 6-LED array provides visual voltage feedback during trials
- Hidden Manual Mode: 10-second button hold unlocks servo-released door for advanced testing
Software Architecture:
- Arduino: Trial management, sensor reading, motor control, safety logic
- MATLAB Interface: Real-time graphing, voltage tracking, trial statistics, success/failure classification
- Data Logging: Automatic recording of all trials with timestamp, voltage, and success metrics
User Experience Flow
- User reads educational trifold about wind power and careers
- Cuts custom turbine blades from provided cardstock templates
- Mounts blades onto test motor hub
- Closes safety lid and presses green start button
- Driving fan ramps up over 10 seconds to maximum speed
- Optional: Press red button to release smoke for flow visualization
- MATLAB displays real-time voltage graph and final statistics
- System determines success (>0.8V threshold) and updates all-time records
- User compares their design to gallery of previous attempts
Results & Testing
- Field Testing: Roxbury Robotics Showcase and Northeastern Engineering Expo
- Interaction Data: 65 users, 89 total trials, 4-minute average engagement time
- Educational Metrics: 84% success rate, 2 questions asked per user on average
- Technical Performance: Highest voltage recorded tracked across all trials
- Durability Test: Zero component failures despite intensive use by children