This case study looks at Dunedin company Powerhouse wind, which have developed a horizontal axis plug-and-play wind turbine for the home-use market segment using innovative design. There are three sections: the first profiles the company and the design of the turbine, based on an article in e.NZ (now Engineering Insight); the second looks specifically at the development process of the Thinair 102 and profiles the three developers; and the third is an in-depth interview with Powerhouse Wind Director Bill Currie.

Discussion starters (Years 11-13)

• Identify different disciplines that have significantly impacted on the development of the Thinair 102 and explain their influence on the process and the end product .
• Explain why the Thinair 102 domestic wind turbine can be considered as both a product and a system.
• Explain the implications of using subsystems during the design, development and maintenance of the complex system produced.
• Discuss why prototyping of the machine is an integral part of the overall development process and how it can influence the ultimate manufacture of the product.
• Discuss the following terminology in relation to the development of the Thinair 102:
• On-grid connections;
• Single blade turbine design;
• Teetering hub
• Feedback loop; and
• 'Plug and play'.

Powerhouse Wind website

YouTube video

• www.youtube.com/
  watch?v=0dtaSBY2yR4