Cycle Charger
Contents
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
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
Cased Wire - given
Wave Bridge Rectifer x 5 - $6.99
50V, 6800uF Capacitor x 5 - $14.57
150 ohm resistors x 100 - $6.43
Portable Charger - $9.99
PVC Pipe for the case holding dynamo
Metal Brackets for attaching the dynamo and battery to the bicycle
10 1ohm resistors $5.79
