Building an Electro-Mechanical Power Supply
Image of the electro-mechanical system built
In my SYDE 361 - Needs Analysis and Prototyping class, I was presented with an exciting yet daunting challenge: build a hydroelectric device capable of delivering power to a mobile phone. This project provided an opportunity to explore the intersection of mechanical and electrical engineering while also honing my skills in design iteration and problem-solving. Over the course of several months, my team and I tackled everything from generator characterization to circuit design and final assembly. Here’s a detailed look at how this project went from ideation to execution.
Designing the Experiment: Generator Output Characterization
I took charge of designing experiments to understand the power-generating potential of our setup. Specifically, we needed to measure the current output from our generator under various conditions like voltage, RPM, and rotation methods. This was essential for crafting an efficient power circuit that could convert mechanical energy into usable electrical energy for the phone. I developed a detailed experimental plan to measure these parameters during the next lab session, laying the groundwork for what would become the core of our project.
Circuit Design and Connections
The goal of the circuit was to get a 5V output from our input which came from a motor. To achieve the desired output, we utilized a series of two bridge rectifiers, designed to convert AC to DC while boosting the output voltage beyond the input. Here’s a breakdown of each component and its purpose:
Initial Circuit Requirements: Converting AC to DC
Circuit design became my primary focus as the project progressed. The hydroelectric generator we used produced alternating current (AC) due to its rotating components. However, to power a phone, we needed a stable direct current (DC) output. This meant our circuit had to convert AC to DC, stabilize the voltage, and provide a consistent current. We identified the main requirements as AC to DC conversion using a bridge rectifier, voltage stabilisation with capacitors and current regulation for steady output to the lamp.
Transitioning the circuit involved some errors which caused damage to some components of the circuit, and led to a less optimal power output when tested. The damage to these components was irreversible, and there was no time to get new parts.
Initial Sketch of the circuit
Issues starting to occur 😥
Building an Electro-Mechanical Power Supply
Image of the electro-mechanical system built
In my SYDE 361 - Needs Analysis and Prototyping class, I was presented with an exciting yet daunting challenge: build a hydroelectric device capable of delivering power to a mobile phone. This project provided an opportunity to explore the intersection of mechanical and electrical engineering while also honing my skills in design iteration and problem-solving. Over the course of several months, my team and I tackled everything from generator characterization to circuit design and final assembly. Here’s a detailed look at how this project went from ideation to execution.
Designing the Experiment: Generator Output Characterization
I took charge of designing experiments to understand the power-generating potential of our setup. Specifically, we needed to measure the current output from our generator under various conditions like voltage, RPM, and rotation methods. This was essential for crafting an efficient power circuit that could convert mechanical energy into usable electrical energy for the phone. I developed a detailed experimental plan to measure these parameters during the next lab session, laying the groundwork for what would become the core of our project.
Circuit Design and Connections
The goal of the circuit was to get a 5V output from our input which came from a motor. To achieve the desired output, we utilized a series of two bridge rectifiers, designed to convert AC to DC while boosting the output voltage beyond the input. Here’s a breakdown of each component and its purpose:
Initial Circuit Requirements: Converting AC to DC
Circuit design became my primary focus as the project progressed. The hydroelectric generator we used produced alternating current (AC) due to its rotating components. However, to power a phone, we needed a stable direct current (DC) output. This meant our circuit had to convert AC to DC, stabilize the voltage, and provide a consistent current. We identified the main requirements as AC to DC conversion using a bridge rectifier, voltage stabilisation with capacitors and current regulation for steady output to the lamp.
Transitioning the circuit involved some errors which caused damage to some components of the circuit, and led to a less optimal power output when tested. The damage to these components was irreversible, and there was no time to get new parts.
Initial Sketch of the circuit
Issues starting to occur 😥