Estonian youth team wins top prize at US wind turbine contest

An Estonian team has won the top prize at the World Kid Wind Challenge in the United States, ERR reported. The competition, held in May, brought together young participants from around the world to select the best wind turbine.

The winning team consisted of Sander Orukivi, Peeter Persidski, Daniel Simagin and Rasmus Orukivi.

Orukivi was mainly responsible for the turbine’s body design, aiming to make it as aerodynamic as possible. He also worked on the gearbox systems and internal structure.

Simagin designed the turbine’s base. The team built two versions because the first was made to keep the turbine pointed in one direction. At the US competition, the turbines were turned 90 degrees, requiring the base to rotate back and forth. The final design can rotate 360 degrees.

Rasmus Orukivi worked on the blades, which were made from water bottles and printed with 3D printers.

The team was mentored by Kenari Koonik of TalTech. He said his engineering studies had given him knowledge that he could now pass on to a new generation, while the students’ feedback helped him understand what needed to be developed and advise them on how to implement their ideas.

The turbine would require further development before it could be used outdoors. Ultraviolet radiation, moisture, rain and snow could quickly damage components made from the current materials, Simagin said.

However, some parts could potentially be used in a full-scale turbine. Orukivi said the blades had been extensively tested and made relatively efficient, while some gearbox components could also be adapted for use in a real turbine.