Background
There are many ways to create and use energy. Energy stems from two basic forms; Potential energy, energy that is not yet active and Kinetic energy, energy which comes from the motion of things. This includes energy from our own bodies to do work. Instead of using our own potential energy, our modern day society has switch to using energy harvested from other sources such as fossil fuels. For example instead of using our own energy to walk up a flight of stairs, most Americans chose to use the elevator. However, not all situations have as easily found solutions. Most appliances only run off of electricity. One solution to our lack of utilizing human energy includes a stationary bicycle powered by a human body that produces energy.
Description of Opportunity
Green Campus would like to have a bike powered generator. The human-pedal powered generator will be used to run a laptop computer for their various demonstrations. The bike would work as a demo to inform the amount of wattage used to light different types of light bulbs; incandescent, CFL, and LCD. The pedals on the bike would work as mechanical energy and light the bulbs. This will also help illistrate the amount of energy needed to power each type of bulb. It can also inform the public about alternatives to energy sources and perhaps exercising methods as well. It would also help individuals grasp the concept of creating Energy or the capacity of doing work.
In order to design a pedal powered generator fit for Green Campus’ purpose, the amount of energy needed to power the bulb which needs the most amount of energy (incandescent) must be known and the right size generator and battery to run it. The power created through the bike which will run the generator is DC power, however LCD's only run off of AC power. This means a transformer will be needed to turn DC electricity in to AC electricity. The bike will be used for demonstrations, thus it should be easy to transport and take the stress of several different sized humans using it. This means the device should be light weight thus an entire bike is not needed, yet stable, which places emphasis on a sturdy frame in which the bike will be build on.
Criteria
- Effectivness; the generator should be able to light all of the light bulbs. This means creating both AC and DC power.
- Reliability; the unit should be able to work when it should. This means a simple design with few on-going repairs.
- Maintainabilty: Few routine maintnance repairs that are easy to identify and to service that are easy and safe.
- Repairability: The parts needed for any repairs should be easy to find and be at a low cost.
- Availability; the unit should be able to be used for several public displays. This includes ease of transporation.
- Safety; the design meets national electrical code guidelines
- Comfortable; the public must want to use the bike. If it is akward or uncomforable they will assume all pedal powered generators are.
- Sturdy; it should be able to hold the pressure of an array of body types and velocities.
- Up-cycle; the materials when applicable should be re-used materials.
- initial Cost; should stay with in Green Campus' budget, about $250.