Cycle Charger

Overview

Energy is all around us, but on a near daily basis we find ourselves low on charge by the end of the day. The objective of Cycle Charger is to harness the rotational energy of a bicycle ride and store the energy in a battery for a late day boost. Cycle Charger aims to be completely out of the way, requiring no user input beyond riding and plugging in.

Team Members

• Kyle Cummings
  
• Nathan Genstein
  
• Kaylynn Williamson
  
• Sam Chai (TA)
  

Objectives

Generate:

• Through the use of a "bottle dynamo" we will use the rotation of the wheel of the bike to rotate magnets in the presence of a copper coil to generate electricity.
  

Convert:

• Using a "rectifier" we will convert the AC current created from the generator into DC current. Then a capacitor will be used to generate smooth current that a phone can use.
  

Store:

• We will then feed the generated current into a battery that is fastened to the bike where it will be stored. There will also be a detachable portable charger that will be charged from the main battery.

Challenges

• Learning how to properly assemble a bottle dynamo.
• Sizing the components of the bottle dynamo properly to avoid friction/ rapid unscheduled disassembly.
• Fastening the components to the bicycle in such a way that the wires won't come loose with the vibration of the bike.
• Wiring the battery in such a way that the fluctuation in the energy generation does not damage the components.
• Figuring out how to not make the generator overheat
• Prevent the alternator from inadvertently becoming a motor from the battery.

Gantt Chart

Link to Gantt Chart Spreadsheet

• Note This may not be updated. For an up to date version click the link.

Budget

Copper Wire - given
Iron Core - given
Permanent Magnets - given
Insulated Wire - given
Full Wave Bridge Rectifer x 5 - $6.99
50V, 6800uF Capacitor x 5 - $14.57
Portable Charger - $9.99
PVC Pipe for the case holding dynamo
Metal Brackets for attaching the dynamo and battery to the bicycle

Relevant Tutorials

[[Disassemble_an_iPhone_Charging_BlocHow to Disassemble an iPhone Charging BlockkFull|How to Disassemble and iPhone Charging Block]]

Weekly Log Link

Link to Weekly Log