The Wind Tunnel Story

Our first generation wind tunnel, with its rich history of student design and construction teams, did everything we asked of it and we were really pleased to have it, but this is America, and after a year of testing with the tunnel, it was time to... supersize the fan pack.

We replaced a single 14 inch fan with a pack of four 16 inch high flow fans. The surface area of the wall of wind increased from roughly 154 square inches to 800 square inches! With air flow now roughly 5 times larger, the potential to test bigger blades also enables the use of taller gearing and dramatically ramps up output potential.

As KidWind and the KidWind Challenge continue to evolve, and the next generations of renewable energy engineers design, test, evaluate and improve their blade designs, KidWind will continue to tinker with tunnel ideas to keep competition fresh and exciting.

As we go to print with this update, KidWind has already launched R&D work on a covered wagon-style tunnel which we like to think of as KidWind Light. Incorporating four conventional AC fans, we're working to make tunnels which are ultra portable, with plans and kits available to schools so students can test blades safely using wind that rivals the fan packs we use in our regional competitions.

Celebrating the creative energy of kids, potential energy of the wind and the excitement of engineering solutions to one of our world's greatest challenges (that of creating renewable, sustainable energy in harmony with nature), KidWind is proud to be part of the unfolding story of modern civilization.

Our lead designer on the Wind Tunnel 2 was WindMaster Andy Lueth. What he does not convey in his passage here is how many long nights and tests were required to get all this all running well. At KidWind we a lucky to have such a dedicated educator to make us look good! Thanks for all your hard work Andy!!!