Medium⏱ time1.5 hr$ cost12
Water Wheel Generator
Falling water spins a wheel that drives a generator — a model of hydroelectric power.
Start building ↓
Result first
The build
Step 01
Build the wheel
Fix cups around a wheel on an axle.
Step 02
Couple the generator
Connect the axle to the motor.
Step 03
Wire output
Attach an LED or meter.
Step 04
Pour water
Run water onto the cups to spin it.
Working Principle
Falling water pushes the cups, spinning the wheel and the generator, which induces a voltage — gravity's energy becoming electricity.
The science behind it
A closer look
Higher water drop and flow mean more energy per second, the same principle scaled up in hydro dams.
Take it further
Variables to test
- 1 Raise the pour height — more output?
- 2 More cups — smoother spinning?
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