No edit summary
m (Rename "affiliations" parameter to "organizations", to unify terminology throughout Appropedia)
 
(65 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Flock House Student Projects Header}}
[[File:ExcergyPumpnPower.jpg|thumb]]
{{TOCleft}}


[[File:Handcar Generator Final1.JPG|thumb|center|600px|The Awesome Lever Arm Generator.]]
{{Project data
| authors = User:Aj748, User:Bcreager, User:Bmg282, Luke Haloen
| completed = 2011
| made = Yes
| replicated = No
| cost = USD 368.43
| instance-of = Pedal powered generator
}}


== Abstract ==
{{Flock House menu}}
This page focuses on the Pump'n Power, which is an alternative power generation device designed and created for the Flock House in their 2012 migratory housing habitat project in New York. The needs of the Flock House were identified and criteria were developed to ensure designs met certain needs and specifications. After multiple alternative solutions were formulated, one solution was chosen which best met the given criteria. A list of costs were cataloged for hours spent and materials used for the project. The final project results are pending the testing results of the new generator. Following the results are a list of simple steps for creating the project.
 
This page focuses on the Pump'n Power, which is an alternative power generation device designed and created for the [http://www.flockhouse.org/ Flock House] for their 2012 migratory housing habitat project in New York. The needs of the Flock House were identified and criteria were developed to ensure a design that met certain needs and specifications. After multiple alternative solutions were formulated, one solution was chosen which best met the given criteria. A list of costs were cataloged for hours spent and materials used for the project. The final project results are pending the testing results of the new generator. Following the results are a list of simple steps for creating the project.


== Background ==
== Background ==
The Pump’n Power was a 12-week project created at HSU as part of the Engineering 215 Introduction to Design class. The Flock House led by Mary Mattingly tasked Team Excergy to design and develop an alternative power generation source to use for their Flock House project in New York. Flock House is an organization that plans for a possible future of living by creating habitats that are mobile and insert themselves into their surroundings while living off its environment and providing for it simultaneously. Lonny Grafman, the sustainability adviser for the Flock House and teacher of the Introduction to Design class at Humboldt State University, directed multiple student teams to create a variety of projects to be used for the Flock House. Team Excergy, the designers and creators of the Pump'n Power, was one of those teams. After collaborating with the Mary, Team Excergy developed 9 criteria to be met and they are as follows: safety, cost, durability, ease of use, transportability, energy output, aesthetics, embedded energy, and educational value.
 
The Pump'n Power was a 12-week project created at HSU as part of the [[Engr205|Engineering 215 - Introduction to Design]] class. The Flock House, led by [http://www.marymattingly.com/ Mary Mattingly], tasked Team Excergy to design and develop an alternative power generation source to use for their Flock House project in New York. Flock House is an organization that plans for a possible future of living by creating habitats that are mobile. These habitats insert themselves into their surroundings to simultaneously live off of and provide for their environment. [[User:Lonny|Lonny Grafman]], the sustainability adviser for the Flock House and teacher of the Introduction to Design class at [http://www.humboldt.edu Cal Poly Humboldt], directed multiple student teams to create a variety of projects to be used for the Flock House. Team Excergy, the designers and creators of the Pump'n Power, was one of those teams. After collaboration with Mary, Team Excergy developed nine criteria to be met and they are as follows: safety, cost, durability, ease of use, transportability, energy output, aesthetics, embedded energy, and educational value.


== Problem Statement and Criteria ==
== Problem Statement and Criteria ==
=== Problem Statement ===
=== Problem Statement ===
The objective is to create a human powered generator that produces energy in an entertaining and innovative way that may be operated by most ages and capabilities.
 
The objective is to create a human powered generator that produces energy in an entertaining and innovative way that may be operated by people of most ages and capabilities.


=== Criteria ===
=== Criteria ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|-
{| class="wikitable"
! Criteria
! Criteria
! Weight
! Weight
! Description
! Description
|-
|-
| Safety  
| Safety
| align=center | 10
| align="center" |10
| All electrical components safely weatherproofed, all hazardous moving components protected from user.
| All electrical components safely weatherproofed, all hazardous moving components protected from user.
|-
|-
| Cost  
| Cost
| align=center | 10
| align="center" |10
| Must be less than or equal to $375.
| Must be less than or equal to $375.
|-
|-
| Durability
| Durability
| align=center | 8
| align="center" |8
| Must withstand a lifespan of 8 months in New York climate.
| Must withstand a lifespan of 8 months in New York climate.
|-
|-
| Ease of Use
| Ease of Use
| align=center | 7.5
| align="center" |7.5
| Simple, non-intimidating, and no instructions required.
| Simple, non-intimidating, and no instructions required.
|-
|-
| Transportable  
| Transportable
| align=center | 7.5
| align="center" |7.5
| Mobile enough for one person manage.
| Mobile enough for one person manage.
|-
|-
| Energy Output
| Energy Output
| align=center | 7
| align="center" |7
| Minimum: 50 Watts
| Minimum: 50 Watts
|-
|-
| Embedded Energy
| Embedded Energy
| align=center | 6.5
| align="center" |6.5
| The energy in a material’s production and transportation.
| The energy in a material's production and transportation.
|-
|-
| Aesthetics  
| Aesthetics
| align=center | 6
| align="center" |6
| Attractive without compromising safety, durability or cost.
| Attractive without compromising safety, durability or cost.
|-
|-
| Educational Value
| Educational Value
| align=center | 5
| align="center" |5
| Spreads the idea of sustainability though alternative energy.
| Spreads the idea of sustainability though alternative energy.
|-
|}
|}


== Description of Final Design ==
== Description of Final Design ==
[[File:ExcergyACAD.jpg|thumb|right|300px|AutoCAD image of final design]]
 
The Pump’n Power utilizes kinetic energy primarily from upper body strength to operate a lever arm, as seen in a railroad hand pump trolley, to produce electrical energy. The lever arm drives a bar connected to the lower portion of the recycled bicycle. The rear tire gear has two chains connected to it. The first is attached from the petal gear to the rear gear, and the second is attached from the rear gear to the generator. The generator is mounted to the lower structure of the bicycle support piece. From the generator a charge controller along with a blocking diode are then connected to a battery. The following subsections break the Pump'n Power generator down into its components and explain them in detail.
[[File:ExcergyACAD.jpg|thumb|AutoCAD image of final design]]
 
The Pump'n Power utilizes kinetic energy primarily from upper body strength to operate a lever arm, as seen in a railroad hand pump trolley, to produce electrical energy. The lever arm drives a bar connected to the lower portion of a recycled bicycle. The rear tire gear has two chains connected to it. The first is attached from the petal gear to the rear gear, and the second is attached from the rear gear to the generator. The generator is mounted to the lower structure of the bicycle support piece. From the generator a charge controller, along with a blocking diode, are then connected to a battery. The following subsections break the Pump'n Power generator down into its components and explain them in detail.


=== Components ===
=== Components ===
====Bicycle====
Our solution’s main component is a bicycle that is available to be stripped, cut, and reassembled in a way that utilizes the bicycle’s already manufactured gears, bearings, and support bars to create our final design.


=====Gears=====
==== Bicycle ====
The gear system for a standard multiple speed bicycle is perfect for a multiple chain generation setup. One side of the pedal setup is an ideally shaped rotating axis to attach the piston shaft to from the lever arm. The gears attached to the pedal create a way to transfer the energy from pumping, to the back wheel gear cassette.
 
The main component of the solution is a bicycle that is available to be stripped, cut, and reassembled in a way that utilizes the bicycle's already manufactured gears, bearings, and support bars.
 
===== Gears =====
 
The gear system for a standard multiple speed bicycle is perfect for a multiple chain generation setup. One side of the pedal setup is an ideally shaped rotating axis to attach the piston shaft to from the lever arm. The gears attached to the pedal create a way to transfer the energy from pumping to the back wheel gear cassette.


===== Frame =====


=====Frame=====
Removing the front forks and stripping off the handlebars, wheel, and all braking/shifting components allows for the forks to be inverted and inserted in the location for the seat. This creates an upright support to secure the lever arm as well as supplying us with an already manufactured spinning axle between two supports. As for a lever arm, a square steel bar can be used and a round steel tube can be used as a shaft to run to the rotating pedal. With this design, a triangular base with the gears and chains and a shaft and lever arm setup are created. This also completes the setup for a lever arm generator made mostly from bicycle parts.
Removing the front forks and striping off the handlebars, wheel, and all braking/shifting components allows for the forks to be inverted and inserted in the location for the seat. This creates an upright support to secure the lever arm as well as supplying us with an already manufactured spinning axel between two supports. As for a lever arm, a square steel bar can be used and a round steel tube can be used as a shaft to run to the rotating pedal. By creating this design, a triangular base with the gears and chains is created, a shaft and lever arm setup is created, as well as completing the setup for a mostly bicycle made lever arm generator.


<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Excergy Bike.JPG|Bike to modify
Image:Excergy Bike.JPG| Bike to modify
Image:LeverArmGeneratorGears.JPG|Gear Setup
Image:LeverArmGeneratorGears.JPG| Gear Setup
Image:ExcergyFrameIP.JPG|Modified Frame
Image:ExcergyFrameIP.JPG| Modified Frame
Image:ExcergyLeverArmProgress.jpg|Lever arm + Frame
Image:ExcergyLeverArmProgress.jpg| Lever arm + Frame
</gallery>
</gallery>


====Lever Arm====
==== Lever Arm ====
 
The lever arm consists of a metal bar with an old bicycle handle bar attached to each end. The lever arm rests on a rotating axis that was constructed from the front wheel hub of a bicycle. The arm is held in place by two u-bolts that are inserted through two metal rectangles which are welded onto the center of the lever arm. Through this process and axis of rotation is created for the lever arm. Also attached to the lever arm in an almost identical fashion is the unused pedal from the other side of the bicycle. As the lever arm rotates on its axis it powers the lever bar.
The lever arm consists of a metal bar with an old bicycle handle bar attached to each end. The lever arm rests on a rotating axis that was constructed from the front wheel hub of a bicycle. The arm is held in place by two u-bolts that are inserted through two metal rectangles which are welded onto the center of the lever arm. Through this process and axis of rotation is created for the lever arm. Also attached to the lever arm in an almost identical fashion is the unused pedal from the other side of the bicycle. As the lever arm rotates on its axis it powers the lever bar.


<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:ExcergyLeverArm.JPG|Lever Arm
Image:ExcergyLeverArm.JPG| Lever Arm
Image:ExcergyLeverArmPivot.JPG|Pivot Point
Image:ExcergyLeverArmPivot.JPG| Pivot Point
Image:ExcergyLeverArmHandle.JPG|Handle
Image:ExcergyLeverArmHandle.JPG| Handle
</gallery>
</gallery>


====Electrical====
==== Electrical ====
A small generator is attached to the rear gear setup of the bicycle. It then sends its power through a blocking diode to ensure that the current only flow to the battery and not from it. A charge controller is also used to smooth out the current coming from the system to the battery, and also insures there is no chance of overcharging the battery.
 
A small generator is attached to the rear gear setup of the bicycle. It then sends its power through a blocking diode to ensure that the current only flows to the battery and not away from it. A charge controller is also used to smooth out the current coming from the system to the battery, and also insures there is no chance of overcharging the battery.
 
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:ExcergyGenerator.JPG|Generator setup
Image:ExcergyGenerator.JPG| Generator setup
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Final Design===
=== Final Design ===
The finished product of the Lever Arm Generator is can be used in two ways. First, small appliances can be directly hooked into the female end of the cable connected to the generator thus powering each item individually. Second, the Lever Arm Generator can be used to charge a battery to store power for later use.


Proper usage of the Lever Arm Generator can be achieved by one or two people by stationing themselves adjacent to the lever bar and applying an up and down force on the lever bar. The lever bar’s motion causes the bike portion of the generator to begin rotating due to the connecting shaft between the two components. As the pedal gear rotates, the wheel connected to the rear gear spins causing the belt attached to both the generator and the tire of the wheel to produce power.
The finished product of the Lever Arm Generator is can be used in two ways. First, small appliances can be directly hooked into the female end of the cable connected to the generator thus powering each item individually. Second, the Lever Arm Generator can be used to charge a battery to store power for later use.


[[File:Handcar Generator Final1.JPG|thumb|Right|500px|Final design]]
Proper usage of the Lever Arm Generator can be achieved by one or two people by stationing themselves adjacent to the lever bar and applying an up and down force on the lever bar. The lever bar's motion causes the bike portion of the generator to begin rotating due to the connecting shaft between the two components. As the pedal gear rotates, the wheel connected to the rear gear spins causing the belt attached to both the generator and the tire of the wheel to produce power.


{{#Widget:YouTube|id=Yorw6l6hz7o|center}}
<gallery>File:Handcar Generator Final1.JPG|thumb|Final design|alt=</gallery>
 
{{Video|id=Yorw6l6hz7o|center}}


== Usage ==
== Usage ==
The finished product of the Lever Arm Generator is can be used in two ways. First, small appliances can be directly hooked into the female end of the cable connected to the generator thus powering each item individually. Second, the Lever Arm Generator can be used to charge a battery to store power for later use.


Proper usage of the Lever Arm Generator can be achieved by one or two people by stationing themselves adjacent to the lever bar and applying an up and down force on the lever bar. The lever bar’s motion causes the bike portion of the generator to begin rotating due to the connecting shaft between the two components. As the pedal gear rotates, the wheel connected to the rear gear spins causing the belt attached to both the generator and the tire of the wheel to produce power.
The finished product of the Lever Arm Generator is can be used in two ways. First, small appliances can be directly hooked into the female end of the cable connected to the generator thus powering each item individually. Second, the Lever Arm Generator can be used to charge a battery to store power for later use.
 
Proper usage of the Lever Arm Generator can be achieved by one or two people by stationing themselves adjacent to the lever bar and applying an up and down force on the lever bar. The lever bar's motion causes the bike portion of the generator to begin rotating due to the connecting shaft between the two components. As the pedal gear rotates, the wheel connected to the rear gear spins causing the belt attached to both the generator and the tire of the wheel to produce power.


Maintenance will be needed primarily to ensure that all rotating joints are properly greased and functioning properly.
Maintenance will be needed primarily to ensure that all rotating joints are properly greased and functioning properly.


== Costs ==
== Costs ==
[[Image:ExcergyPie.JPG|thumb|right|400px|Design cost in hours]]
 
[[File:ExcergyPie.JPG|thumb|Design cost in hours|alt=]]
 
=== Design Cost ===
=== Design Cost ===
The cost of the design is measured in number of hours, represented in the chart to the right. The chart is distributed by number of hours spend in each phase of the design process. A total of 499 hours were spent in the entire design process.
The cost of the design is measured in number of hours, represented in the chart to the right. The chart is distributed by number of hours spend in each phase of the design process. A total of 499 hours were spent in the entire design process.


=== Implementation Cost ===
=== Implementation Cost ===
Below is a table of the cost of materials used in the construction of the Pump'n Power Handcar Generator. The costs are tabulated in two columns: one indicating items that were donated and of zero cost, and one indicating the projected cost of the donated items. The total cost of implementation the design was: _______.


{| class="wikitable sortable"
Below is a table of the cost of materials used in the construction of the Pump'n Power Handcar Generator. The costs are tabulated in two columns: one indicating items that were donated and of zero cost, and one indicating the projected cost of the donated items. The total cost of implementation the design was: $208.43.
|+Materials cost table
 
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Materials cost table
! Material
! Material
! Quantity
! Quantity
Line 128: Line 151:
|-
|-
| Bar, Round, Steel 3/4" x 5'
| Bar, Round, Steel 3/4" x 5'
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$5.51
| align="right" |$5.51
| align=right |$5.51
| align="right" |$5.51
|-
|-
| Bar, Square, Steel 1-1/2" x 6'
| Bar, Square, Steel 1-1/2" x 6'
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$18.94
| align="right" |$18.94
| align=right |$18.94
| align="right" |$18.94
|-
|-
| Bicycle
| Bicycle
| align=center|2
| align="center" |2
| align=right |Donated
| align="right" |Donated
| align=right |$120.00
| align="right" |$120.00
|-
|-
| Bicycle Components
| Bicycle Components
| align=center|Total
| align="center" |Total
| align=right |Donated
| align="right" |Donated
| align=right |$10.00
| align="right" |$10.00
|-
|-
| Blocking Diode
| Blocking Diode
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$9.45
| align="right" |$9.45
| align=right |$9.45
| align="right" |$9.45
|-
|-
| Charge Controller
| Charge Controller
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |TBA
| align="right" |TBA
| align=right |TBA
| align="right" |TBA
|-
|-
| Chain Tool
| Chain Tool
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$16.19
| align="right" |$16.19
| align=right |$16.19
| align="right" |$16.19
|-
|-
| Fuse Holder
| Fuse Holder
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$3.23
| align="right" |$3.23
| align=right |$3.23
| align="right" |$3.23
|-
|-
| Fuses, 8A, Pack of 4
| Fuses, 8A, Pack of 4
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$3.45
| align="right" |$3.45
| align=right |$3.45
| align="right" |$3.45
|-
|-
| Gear, 13 tooth, splined
| Gear, 13 tooth, splined
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |Donated
| align="right" |Donated
| align=right |$5.00
| align="right" |$5.00
|-
|-
| Hand Grips (two sets)
| Hand Grips (two sets)
| align=center|2
| align="center" |2
| align=right |$24.30
| align="right" |$24.30
| align=right |$24.30
| align="right" |$24.30
|-
|-
| Hardware (nuts, bolts, washers)
| Hardware (nuts, bolts, washers)
| align=center|Total
| align="center" |Total
| align=right |$43.80
| align="right" |$43.80
| align=right |$43.80
| align="right" |$43.80
|-
|-
| Hub Axel
| Hub Axel
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$3.00
| align="right" |$3.00
| align=right |$3.00
| align="right" |$3.00
|-
|-
| Motor, 24V, 350W, 8.9A
| Motor, 24V, 350W, 8.9A
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$63.00
| align="right" |$63.00
| align=right |$63.00
| align="right" |$63.00
|-
|-
| Plate, Aluminum, 6" x 6" x 1/2"
| Plate, Aluminum, 6" x 6" x 1/2"
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |Donated
| align="right" |Donated
| align=right |$10.00
| align="right" |$10.00
|-
|-
| Plexiglass, 3' x 3'
| Plexiglass, 3' x 3'
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$4.00
| align="right" |$4.00
| align=right |$4.00
| align="right" |$4.00
|-
|-
| Rectifier, 50V 25A
| Rectifier, 50V 25A
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$3.77
| align="right" |$3.77
| align=right |$3.77
| align="right" |$3.77
|-
|-
| Spray Paint, Rustoleum Primer
| Spray Paint, Rustoleum Primer
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |$4.84
| align="right" |$4.84
| align=right |$4.84
| align="right" |$4.84
|-
|-
| Steel Endcaps
| Steel Endcaps
| align=center|2
| align="center" |2
| align=right |$2.39
| align="right" |$2.39
| align=right |$2.39
| align="right" |$2.39
|-
|-
| Steel Spacers
| Steel Spacers
| align=center|5
| align="center" |5
| align=right |Donated
| align="right" |Donated
| align=right |$5.00
| align="right" |$5.00
|-
|-
| Weight, Disc, 10lb
| Weight, Disc, 10lb
| align=center|1
| align="center" |1
| align=right |Donated
| align="right" |Donated
| align=right |$10.00
| align="right" |$10.00
|-
|-
| Wire, Red and Black, 3' Each
| Wire, Red and Black, 3' Each
| align=center|2
| align="center" |2
| align=right |$2.57
| align="right" |$2.57
| align=right |$2.57
| align="right" |$2.57
|-
|-
|-class="sortbottom"
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="2" align="right" |'''Total:'''
| colspan="2" align="right" |'''Total:'''
| align=right |'''$208.43'''
| align="right" |'''$208.43'''
| align=right |'''$368.43'''
| align="right" |'''$368.43'''
|}
|}


=== Maintenance Cost ===
=== Maintenance Cost ===
Maintenance of the Pump'n Power Handcar Generator is illustrated in the table below, in number of hours per month.  
 
{| class=wikitable sortable
Maintenance of the Pump'n Power Handcar Generator is illustrated in the table below, in number of hours per month.
|+Maintenance cost table
 
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Maintenance cost table
! Maintenance Task
! Maintenance Task
! Frequency
! Frequency
Line 252: Line 277:
|-
|-
| Inspect and tighten bolts.
| Inspect and tighten bolts.
| align=center | Weekly
| align="center" |Weekly
| align=right | 0.25
| align="right" |0.25
|-
|-
| Inspect and oil chains.
| Inspect and oil chains.
| align=center | Weekly
| align="center" |Weekly
| align=right | 0.25
| align="right" |0.25
|-
|-
| Inspect electrical components for moisture.
| Inspect electrical components for moisture.
| align=center | Weekly
| align="center" |Weekly
| align=right | 0.25
| align="right" |0.25
|-
|-
| colspan = "2" align=right | '''Monthly Total:'''
| colspan="2" align="right" |'''Monthly Total:'''
| align=right | '''3.00'''
| align="right" |'''3.00'''
|}
|}


== Results ==
== Results ==
For the final testing of the Pump'n Power device, the generator is hooked up to a multimeter and a light bulb. Two people then pump the lever arm on each side to start the whole process. As the gears rotate electrical energy is produced and sent through the leads of the multimeter and light bulb. The multimeter is used to measure how much energy is being produced and the light bulb presents a physical representation of energy generated. The exact specifications of the Pump'n Power generator have yet to be determined and are pending the final tests.
 
For the final testing of the Pump'n Power device, the generator is hooked up to a multimeter and a light bulb. Two people then pump the lever arm on each side to start the whole process. As the gears rotate, electrical energy is produced and sent through the leads of the multimeter and light bulb. The multimeter is used to measure how much energy is being produced and the light bulb presents a physical representation of energy generated. The exact specifications of the Pump'n Power generator have yet to be determined and are pending the final tests.


== How to Build ==
== How to Build ==
If you would like to build your own, check out the [[Pump'n Power Handcar Generator instructions]].
If you would like to build your own, check out the [[Pump'n Power Handcar Generator instructions]].


== Discussion and Next Steps ==
== Discussion and Next Steps ==
===Discussion===
 
=== Discussion ===
 
The testing phase first consisted of mechanical testing. This involved dynamics and correcting the lengths and angles of our system. The stability of the base was also part of the testing process in which the team welded support beams where needed. By testing out different lengths of handlebars and shafts we found a fairly decent spot to mount it all together. One big issue involved the mechanical motion of the actual bike crank. The system seemed to have a jump in it when the shaft-side reached the top of its motion. Adding a flywheel solved that problem by providing enough weight to create the momentum needed for better operation.
The testing phase first consisted of mechanical testing. This involved dynamics and correcting the lengths and angles of our system. The stability of the base was also part of the testing process in which the team welded support beams where needed. By testing out different lengths of handlebars and shafts we found a fairly decent spot to mount it all together. One big issue involved the mechanical motion of the actual bike crank. The system seemed to have a jump in it when the shaft-side reached the top of its motion. Adding a flywheel solved that problem by providing enough weight to create the momentum needed for better operation.
After tuning the mechanical side, electrical testing was the final step. We tested the Pump N’ Power on an old car battery. Components we had were a generator, blocking diode, rectifier and charge controller.
After tuning the mechanical side, electrical testing was the final step. We tested the Pump N' Power on an old car battery. Components we had were a generator, blocking diode, rectifier and charge controller.


===Next Step===
=== Next Step ===
The next step is to ship our final design New York. Our system will then be used to help power the Flock House throughout its journey. The team hopes to spark interest among the community on the innovative side to electricity generation.
 
The team hopes to spark interest among the community on the innovative side to electricity generation.


== Team Excergy ==
== Team Excergy ==
*[[User: bcreager | Baron Creager]]
 
*[[User: bmg282   | Brandon Giordano]]
* [[User: bcreager|Baron Creager]]
*[[User: lukehalo | Luke Halonen]]
* [[User: bmg282|Brandon Giordano]]
*[[User: aj748   | Alberto Jasso]]
* [[User: lukehalo|Luke Halonen]]
* [[User: aj748|Alberto Jasso]]


== References ==
== References ==


[[Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design]]
Pump'n Power Final Document
[[Category:Flock House]]
 
[[Category:Projects]]
{{Page data
[http://dl.dropbox.com/u/43012648/Team%20Excergy%20-%20Pump%27n%20Power.pdf Pump'n Power Final Document]
| part-of = Engr205 Introduction to Design, Flock House
| keywords = Electricity generation, Human power, bicycle, bike power, flock house, renewable energy demonstration, generator, metal frame
| sdg = SDG07 Affordable and clean energy, SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities, SDG12 Responsible consumption and production
| published = 2011
| organizations = Category:Engr205 Introduction to Design, Category:Flock House, Cal Poly Humboldt
| license = CC-BY-SA-3.0
| language = en
}}
 
[[Category:Electricity generation]]
[[Category:Human power]]

Latest revision as of 18:16, 29 January 2024

ExcergyPumpnPower.jpg
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Authors Alberto Jasso
Baron Creager
Brandon Giordano
Luke Haloen
Completed 2011
Made Yes
Replicated No
Cost USD 368.43
Instance of Pedal powered generator
OKH Manifest Download

This page focuses on the Pump'n Power, which is an alternative power generation device designed and created for the Flock House for their 2012 migratory housing habitat project in New York. The needs of the Flock House were identified and criteria were developed to ensure a design that met certain needs and specifications. After multiple alternative solutions were formulated, one solution was chosen which best met the given criteria. A list of costs were cataloged for hours spent and materials used for the project. The final project results are pending the testing results of the new generator. Following the results are a list of simple steps for creating the project.

Background[edit | edit source]

The Pump'n Power was a 12-week project created at HSU as part of the Engineering 215 - Introduction to Design class. The Flock House, led by Mary Mattingly, tasked Team Excergy to design and develop an alternative power generation source to use for their Flock House project in New York. Flock House is an organization that plans for a possible future of living by creating habitats that are mobile. These habitats insert themselves into their surroundings to simultaneously live off of and provide for their environment. Lonny Grafman, the sustainability adviser for the Flock House and teacher of the Introduction to Design class at Cal Poly Humboldt, directed multiple student teams to create a variety of projects to be used for the Flock House. Team Excergy, the designers and creators of the Pump'n Power, was one of those teams. After collaboration with Mary, Team Excergy developed nine criteria to be met and they are as follows: safety, cost, durability, ease of use, transportability, energy output, aesthetics, embedded energy, and educational value.

Problem Statement and Criteria[edit | edit source]

Problem Statement[edit | edit source]

The objective is to create a human powered generator that produces energy in an entertaining and innovative way that may be operated by people of most ages and capabilities.

Criteria[edit | edit source]

Criteria Weight Description
Safety 10 All electrical components safely weatherproofed, all hazardous moving components protected from user.
Cost 10 Must be less than or equal to $375.
Durability 8 Must withstand a lifespan of 8 months in New York climate.
Ease of Use 7.5 Simple, non-intimidating, and no instructions required.
Transportable 7.5 Mobile enough for one person manage.
Energy Output 7 Minimum: 50 Watts
Embedded Energy 6.5 The energy in a material's production and transportation.
Aesthetics 6 Attractive without compromising safety, durability or cost.
Educational Value 5 Spreads the idea of sustainability though alternative energy.

Description of Final Design[edit | edit source]

AutoCAD image of final design

The Pump'n Power utilizes kinetic energy primarily from upper body strength to operate a lever arm, as seen in a railroad hand pump trolley, to produce electrical energy. The lever arm drives a bar connected to the lower portion of a recycled bicycle. The rear tire gear has two chains connected to it. The first is attached from the petal gear to the rear gear, and the second is attached from the rear gear to the generator. The generator is mounted to the lower structure of the bicycle support piece. From the generator a charge controller, along with a blocking diode, are then connected to a battery. The following subsections break the Pump'n Power generator down into its components and explain them in detail.

Components[edit | edit source]

Bicycle[edit | edit source]

The main component of the solution is a bicycle that is available to be stripped, cut, and reassembled in a way that utilizes the bicycle's already manufactured gears, bearings, and support bars.

Gears[edit | edit source]

The gear system for a standard multiple speed bicycle is perfect for a multiple chain generation setup. One side of the pedal setup is an ideally shaped rotating axis to attach the piston shaft to from the lever arm. The gears attached to the pedal create a way to transfer the energy from pumping to the back wheel gear cassette.

Frame[edit | edit source]

Removing the front forks and stripping off the handlebars, wheel, and all braking/shifting components allows for the forks to be inverted and inserted in the location for the seat. This creates an upright support to secure the lever arm as well as supplying us with an already manufactured spinning axle between two supports. As for a lever arm, a square steel bar can be used and a round steel tube can be used as a shaft to run to the rotating pedal. With this design, a triangular base with the gears and chains and a shaft and lever arm setup are created. This also completes the setup for a lever arm generator made mostly from bicycle parts.

Lever Arm[edit | edit source]

The lever arm consists of a metal bar with an old bicycle handle bar attached to each end. The lever arm rests on a rotating axis that was constructed from the front wheel hub of a bicycle. The arm is held in place by two u-bolts that are inserted through two metal rectangles which are welded onto the center of the lever arm. Through this process and axis of rotation is created for the lever arm. Also attached to the lever arm in an almost identical fashion is the unused pedal from the other side of the bicycle. As the lever arm rotates on its axis it powers the lever bar.

Electrical[edit | edit source]

A small generator is attached to the rear gear setup of the bicycle. It then sends its power through a blocking diode to ensure that the current only flows to the battery and not away from it. A charge controller is also used to smooth out the current coming from the system to the battery, and also insures there is no chance of overcharging the battery.

Final Design[edit | edit source]

The finished product of the Lever Arm Generator is can be used in two ways. First, small appliances can be directly hooked into the female end of the cable connected to the generator thus powering each item individually. Second, the Lever Arm Generator can be used to charge a battery to store power for later use.

Proper usage of the Lever Arm Generator can be achieved by one or two people by stationing themselves adjacent to the lever bar and applying an up and down force on the lever bar. The lever bar's motion causes the bike portion of the generator to begin rotating due to the connecting shaft between the two components. As the pedal gear rotates, the wheel connected to the rear gear spins causing the belt attached to both the generator and the tire of the wheel to produce power.

mqdefault.jpgYouTube_icon.svg

Usage[edit | edit source]

The finished product of the Lever Arm Generator is can be used in two ways. First, small appliances can be directly hooked into the female end of the cable connected to the generator thus powering each item individually. Second, the Lever Arm Generator can be used to charge a battery to store power for later use.

Proper usage of the Lever Arm Generator can be achieved by one or two people by stationing themselves adjacent to the lever bar and applying an up and down force on the lever bar. The lever bar's motion causes the bike portion of the generator to begin rotating due to the connecting shaft between the two components. As the pedal gear rotates, the wheel connected to the rear gear spins causing the belt attached to both the generator and the tire of the wheel to produce power.

Maintenance will be needed primarily to ensure that all rotating joints are properly greased and functioning properly.

Costs[edit | edit source]

Design cost in hours

Design Cost[edit | edit source]

The cost of the design is measured in number of hours, represented in the chart to the right. The chart is distributed by number of hours spend in each phase of the design process. A total of 499 hours were spent in the entire design process.

Implementation Cost[edit | edit source]

Below is a table of the cost of materials used in the construction of the Pump'n Power Handcar Generator. The costs are tabulated in two columns: one indicating items that were donated and of zero cost, and one indicating the projected cost of the donated items. The total cost of implementation the design was: $208.43.

Materials cost table
Material Quantity Our Cost Subtotal Retail Cost Subtotal
Bar, Round, Steel 3/4" x 5' 1 $5.51 $5.51
Bar, Square, Steel 1-1/2" x 6' 1 $18.94 $18.94
Bicycle 2 Donated $120.00
Bicycle Components Total Donated $10.00
Blocking Diode 1 $9.45 $9.45
Charge Controller 1 TBA TBA
Chain Tool 1 $16.19 $16.19
Fuse Holder 1 $3.23 $3.23
Fuses, 8A, Pack of 4 1 $3.45 $3.45
Gear, 13 tooth, splined 1 Donated $5.00
Hand Grips (two sets) 2 $24.30 $24.30
Hardware (nuts, bolts, washers) Total $43.80 $43.80
Hub Axel 1 $3.00 $3.00
Motor, 24V, 350W, 8.9A 1 $63.00 $63.00
Plate, Aluminum, 6" x 6" x 1/2" 1 Donated $10.00
Plexiglass, 3' x 3' 1 $4.00 $4.00
Rectifier, 50V 25A 1 $3.77 $3.77
Spray Paint, Rustoleum Primer 1 $4.84 $4.84
Steel Endcaps 2 $2.39 $2.39
Steel Spacers 5 Donated $5.00
Weight, Disc, 10lb 1 Donated $10.00
Wire, Red and Black, 3' Each 2 $2.57 $2.57
Total: $208.43 $368.43

Maintenance Cost[edit | edit source]

Maintenance of the Pump'n Power Handcar Generator is illustrated in the table below, in number of hours per month.

Maintenance cost table
Maintenance Task Frequency Time (hours)
Inspect and tighten bolts. Weekly 0.25
Inspect and oil chains. Weekly 0.25
Inspect electrical components for moisture. Weekly 0.25
Monthly Total: 3.00

Results[edit | edit source]

For the final testing of the Pump'n Power device, the generator is hooked up to a multimeter and a light bulb. Two people then pump the lever arm on each side to start the whole process. As the gears rotate, electrical energy is produced and sent through the leads of the multimeter and light bulb. The multimeter is used to measure how much energy is being produced and the light bulb presents a physical representation of energy generated. The exact specifications of the Pump'n Power generator have yet to be determined and are pending the final tests.

How to Build[edit | edit source]

If you would like to build your own, check out the Pump'n Power Handcar Generator instructions.

Discussion and Next Steps[edit | edit source]

Discussion[edit | edit source]

The testing phase first consisted of mechanical testing. This involved dynamics and correcting the lengths and angles of our system. The stability of the base was also part of the testing process in which the team welded support beams where needed. By testing out different lengths of handlebars and shafts we found a fairly decent spot to mount it all together. One big issue involved the mechanical motion of the actual bike crank. The system seemed to have a jump in it when the shaft-side reached the top of its motion. Adding a flywheel solved that problem by providing enough weight to create the momentum needed for better operation. After tuning the mechanical side, electrical testing was the final step. We tested the Pump N' Power on an old car battery. Components we had were a generator, blocking diode, rectifier and charge controller.

Next Step[edit | edit source]

The team hopes to spark interest among the community on the innovative side to electricity generation.

Team Excergy[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Pump'n Power Final Document

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.