CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Power outages can happen unexpectedly for a variety of reasons. It is always best to be prepared for a brownout, especially if you live in a place that is prone to power interruptions especially during a stormy weather. Generator is one of the best alternative source of electricity. It can make you and your family comfortable during brownout. Furnishing a generator is not only a convenience, but a safety precaution. But not all families and even establishments could afford to purchase one due to its expensive price. It is for this reason that this “Improvised Generator” was conceptualized.
B. Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted to find an alternative source of electricity during power outage.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. Is there a significant difference on the improvised generator than a commercial generator in terms of:
a. Brightness of LED lights;
b. Charging time of cell phone batteries;
c. Time duration of charging to generate 12v DC battery;
d. Clarity and loudness of sound of transistor radio; and
e. Safety of the device.
2. Is it feasible to conserve electrical energy using the device?
3. Is the device environmentally friendly?
C. Statement of Hypotheses:
1. There is a significant difference on the of Improvised Generator and Commercial Generator:
2. It is feasible to conserve electrical energy using the Improvised Generator.
3. The device is environmentally friendly.
D. Significance of the Study
Primarily, this study may serve as an environmentally safe source of electricity during power shortage. This may also help in the conservation of energy supply. People will be benefited since it can give power to our daily amenities such as rechargeable lamps and battery, cell phone, radio, and other mobile devices.
Pedaling the device will recharge the battery and at the same time exercise your body for the proper circulation of blood thus keeping you physically fit and healthy. The device is environmentally friendly since it does not introduce toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the atmosphere. This features multiple uses and a healthful gadget in one that makes it a multipurpose device.
Finally, researchers may find the data as source of new invention that may serve as a link toward more activities relative to this research.
E. Scope and Delimitation
This study is limited to the use of “Improvised Generator” as a convenient alternative source of electricity during power outage. The researcher investigated the efficiency of the device in terms of;
(1) Brightness of the LED light;
(2) Length of charging time of cell phone;
(3) Time duration to generate 12volts of DC battery;
(4) Sound of transistor radio;
(5) Safety of the device
The researcher finds it difficult in laying out and constructing the device. (Since it is an experimental study so it is based on theories, research and practical work approach).
The study was conducted from July 2008 to August 2009. The preparation of the device was done on the researcher’s residence and the collection of data was done through series of testing. The efficiency of the device was rated by a panel composed of elementary and secondary teachers, an electrical engineer, electrician, and a college student of Camarines Norte State College of Engineering and Industrial Technology (CNSCEIT).
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
BATTERY – (Electronic Cell), a device that generates electrical energy from
chemical energy, usually consisting of 2 different conducting
substances placed in an electrolyte.
BULB – A glass housing in which a partial vacuum has been established, that
contains the filament of an incandescent lamp.
DYNAMO – A generator, especially one for producing direct current.
CHARGER – An apparatus that charge storage batteries
REGULATOR – ( Electricity ), A device for maintaining a designated voltage or
current, at a predetermined value, or for varying it according to a
predetermined plan.
BICYCLE – A vehicle with two wheels in tandem, usually propelled by pedals
connected to the rear wheel by a chain, and having handlebars for
steering and a saddle like seat.
ELECTRICAL WIRE – A usually pliable metallic strand or rod made in many length and diameters, sometimes clad and often electrically insulated, used chiefly for structural supporter to conduct electricity.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Electricity starts with atoms. Atoms are tiny bits of matter much too small to see. Everything in the universe is made of atoms.
Huge electric power plants generate or make electricity. Steam or falling water in dams make big machines called turbines turn. The turbine drives another machine called an electric generator. The generator makes electricity (Microsoft Encarta Kids)
Electric current makes lamps and all other electric devices work. Electric current is actually electrons moving in a big loop.
Something must give the electrons a push to get them moving. Batteries can start electrons flowing. Batteries are source of electrical energy. A battery series and a light bulb can make an electric circuit. (Microsoft Encarta Kids)
What makes lamps light up?
Electric current makes lamps and other electric devices work. Electric current is actually electrons moving in a big loop.
Something must give the electrons a push to get them moving. Batteries can start electrons flowing. Batteries are source of electrical energy. A battery series and a light bulb can make an electric circuit. The current starts flowing from the battery through a wire to the light bulb. The other wire carries the electric current back to the battery. If you cut the wire, the electric current stops. Switches on an electric circuit turn the current on and off.
Long power lines carry electricity from power plants to the home.
How do electric motors work?
A motor turns electrical energy into motion. A motor is made from a magnet with a wire trapped around it. Electricity moving through the wires spins the magnet around.
Electric motors use two different types of electricity to run. The kind of electricity that flows into houses through the plug on the wall is most likely alternating current or AC. The other type of electricity is called direct current or DC. DC motors are found in many places as well.
Some motors are especially designed to run on either type of electricity. (Microsoft Encarta)
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, generally using electromagnetic induction. The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by a motor. An electric generator or electric motor that uses field coils rather than permanent magnets will require a current flow to be present in the field coils for the device to be able to work. In the event of a severe widespread severe outage where islanding of power stations has occurred, the stations may need to perform a black start to excite the fields of their largest generators, in order to restore customer power service.
( Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia )
Nathloen Whitloeo ( http://ezinearticles.com) stated that when you run a generator and have it installed it will already be connected to your household electrical system so that it is able to activate itself as soon as the power goes out. Most of the time the generator have a transfer switch that is connected to that will disconnect the utility power of your home when the generator is being used. The generator is then able to bond with your electrical system to supply electricity to your home during a black out.
Some of the smallest generators commonly found can power bicycle lights. These tend to be 0.5 ampere, permanent – magnet alternators supplying 3-6 W at 6V or 12V. Being powered by the rider, efficiency is at a premium, so these may incorporate rare – earth magnets and are designed and manufactured with great precision. Nevertheless, the maximum efficiency is only around 80% for the best of these operators – 60% is more typical – due in part to the rolling friction at the tire – operator interface from poor alignment, the small size of the generator, bearing losses and cheap design.
(Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
theoretical framework
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conceptual framework
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CHAPTER III
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A. MATERIALS Php
2 PCS. GV-3W DYNAMO LIGHTING SET (from old bicycle) 200
3 MTRS #18 FLAT CORD WIRE 30
1 PC. POWER PLUG JUNCTION UNIT 10
1 PC. 12V RECHARGABLE BATTERY
(Taken from an old UPS) 300
1 SET MULTI-SOCKET CAR CHARGER 135
1 UNIT BICYCLE (Old) 500
2 PCS BICYCLE STAND (scrap) 150
1 PC. 12V LED LAMP 80
1 UNIT OLD SHOW CASE BOX (USED ENCLOSURE/HOUSING
OF POWER CONTROLER UNIT) 200
1UNIT OLD POWER CONTROLLER UNIT
(FROM SOLAR POWER SYSTEM) 600
TOTAL AMOUNT= Php 2,205
B. PROCEDURE:
A. Bicycle Dynamo
Install dynamo at bicycle frame perpendicular to wheel (rear).
Connect flat card wire to terminal notch of dynamo to power control unit.
B. Power Control Box
Install power controller unit, battery (12V) and power plug junction to power controller box. Connect 12V battery unit to power controller unit at charging terminal and power plug junction at lead side terminal.
C. Loads
In testing the efficiency of the device, different loads were used such as cell phone charger, LED lights, car fan and VCD/DVD/LCD player were attached to the power controller unit. Series of tests were done to collect data.
TRIALS IN DESIGNING the Improvised Generator :
1. Size and specification of dynamo to be used in order to generate/ produce electrical energy from riding bicycle at the same time burning calories for a healthy lifestyle living.
2. Small appliance / accessories to be connected from power controller unit.
3. Type of bicycle unit recommended / to be used as prime mover of dynamo unit.
4. Box / container to be used as enclosure of power controller, battery and power plug connection.
CONSIDERATION / LIMITATION:
1. Bicycle dynamo will take more time to charge rechargeable battery from weak or low battery.
2. A volt meter unit will be installed at bicycle dynamo output voltage in order to justify that dynamo unit is charging at average of 9.0 volts aside from an ( LED ) light emitting diode indicator connected at power controller unit.
C. Utilization of the Device
Energy failures normally occur when there is some sort of bad weather that causes electrical lines to be in trouble, circuits to overload and electric equipments to fail. The improvised multipurpose generator can generate 12 volts, direct current that is capable of running daily amenities, such as light, cell phone, radio, DVD / LCD / VCD player and electric fan. These necessities could be enjoyed even during power outage with the use of this device. Aside from recharging the storage battery, pedaling could also be a form of exercise to keep oneself physically fit and healthy.
D. The Functionality of the Device.
The device is governed with the principle of energy transformation from mechanical to electrical to chemical to sound and light energy. Once the bicycle is pedaled, the dynamo will supply energy to the storage battery. The power controller which is attached to the storage battery will supply 12 volts of electricity to enable theloads to function efficiently. The loads can be switched on simultaneously. The battery can be recharged even if the loads are being used.
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS
The researcher investigated the improvised multipurpose generator. Ten (10) panelists rated the functionality of the device, and ratings were summarized, tabulated and treated statistically using percentage technique.
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CHAPTER V
DISCUSSION
A sealed rechargeable battery (HP 12x7 AH/20HR) was used in the construction of improvised generator. It was installed in an old showcase box together with power controller unit from solar power system, no. 18 flat cord wires, power plug junction unit, multi socket and switches. In testing for its efficiency, different gadgets and appliances of low voltage were used. A team of ten (10 ) panelist also rated the efficiency of the device.
Table 1 showed how the battery was discharged using 3w LED lamp for the first trial, LED lamp and 5W cellphone for the second trial and LED lamp and 10W LCD/DVD player for the third trial. Testing was done for 30 minutes. In trial 1, the initial charge of battery was 12.74V. After30 minutes of using the lamp, the final charge of the battery was 12.65V with a difference of 0.09V in trial 2, two loads were used, the LED lamp and 5W cellphone with a total of 8W. From an initial battery charge of 12.74, it showed a decrease of 12.30V after 30 minutes with a difference of 0.44V. Trial 3, uses LED lamp and a 10 W LCD/DVD player with a total of 13 W. From an initial battery of 12.74V, a marked decrease to 11.95 V was observed showing a difference of 0.79V. This explains that if more loads were used, the faster will be the rate of discharging of the battery.
Table 2 deals on the comparison on the efficiency of 1.0 HP commercial generator and the improvised one. The time of charging was kept constant for 30 minutes. From an initial charge of 12.30V, it increased to 12.71V for T1 (commercial generator) and 12.60 V for T2 (Improvised) with a difference of 0.41V for T1 and 0.30Vfor T2. This shows that there is only a small difference on the efficiency of commercial and improvised generator in battery charging, but with a great difference when it comes to cost requirement.
The amount of energy consumed using commercial and improvised generator is shown in table 3 A 1-HP commercial generator consume .73L of gasoline for 30 minutes which has a total amount of P 33.58. In using improvised generator, no gasoline was used, instead a person who charged the battery through stationary cycling burn extra calories that makes him/her physically healthy. Researches revealed that moderate stationary cycling burned 125 to 225 calories for 30 minutes and 315 calories if the cycling was done vigorously. In this study, the researcher did the charging 30 minutes a day for 10 days. Prior to the activity, the researcher’s weight is 44 Kg. after 10 days of doing the activity, the final weight is 42 kg. The activity was done under the supervision of a teacher/coach and a physician.
Tables 4 and 5 showed the charging and discharging rate in % of the battery. Most flooded batteries charged at no more than the “C/10” rate for any sustained period. “C/10” is the battery capacity in ampere/hour divided by 10. For a 220 AH battery, this would equal to 22 amp. Charging at 15.5 volts gave a 100% chance on lead-acid batteries. Flooded battery life can be extended if an equalizing charge is applied every 70 to 90 days.
A battery “cycle” is one complete discharge and recharge cycle. It is usually considered to be discharging from 100% to some point not lower than 20% and then charging back up to 100%. Battery life is directly related to how deep the battery is cycled each time. If a battery is discharge to only 50% each cycle, it will last about twice as long as if it is cycle by 20%. Running the battery down totally flat resulted to negative effect in the lifespan of the battery.
The improvised generator is highly efficient as revealed by the ratings of ten (10) panelists. LED lights, car fan, radio and cell phone charger worked well simultaneously. Charging the 12V battery was done through pedaling the bicycle making the two (2) dynamo work. By merely looking at the device, one can immediately conclude that it is handy, easy to manage and could be used as important material for workout. The researcher used the device and found out that pedaling and charging the battery is a good form of exercise that kept him physically fit.
CHAPTER VI
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSIONS:
Based on the results and discussion of the device, it is therefore concluded that:
1. There is a significant difference on the efficiency between commercial and improvised generator.
2. There is feasibility on the conservation of electrical energy soliciting the use of improvised generator.
3. The device is environmentally friendly.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
In the light of the facts arrived at, the researcher gives the following recommendations:
1. Follow-up researches should be encouraged to improve the Improvised Generator, specifically in the upgrading of voltage from 3 volts to 12 volts or more.
2. Another power source may be provided as an alternative to pedal-driven bicycle.
3. Add dynamos to hasten charging of current.
4. Make a portable hand-driven wheel to energize the device.
5. To expand its usage you are opt to buy a power inverter to convert 12V to 220V so that you can be able to use 220V appliances like computer, electric fan, television and LCD/DVD/VCD player and lighting system.
6. Additional battery for reservation purposes to prolong usage.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Langdon Crane, Magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) Power Generator:
More Energy from Less fuel, Issue Brief Number 1B74057,
Library of Congress Conventional Research Service, 1981
Horst Baver Bonch Automotive Handbook 4Th edition
Robert Bosch Gmlelt, Stuttgart 1996
1SBN O – 8376 – 0333 – 1, page 813
ELECTRONIC SOURCES:
http://digital library , unt.edu/goudecs/crs/permalink/meta – crs – 8402:/ July 18,2008
http://Ezinearticles.com/ ?expert = Kathleen Whitlou
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/electrical generator # human powered electrical generators
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
God has been so good and gracious for giving the researcher his blessings of wisdom, for the gift of generosity that he had given to all, the people that extend their helping hands and devoted their time, skills and resources in the realization of this study.
It is therefore the ardent wish of the researcher to give thanks and gratitude to all who became a part of making this project;
Dr. Vicente & Mrs Marie Ann Asis, the researcher’s loving parents for their moral and financial support and continuous encouragement and inspiration;
Mrs. Felevina O. Lagrimas, the researcher’s adviser for her dedication and untiring effort to complete this research work;
Mr. Henry S. Dating, Principal III of Jose Panganiban Elementary School, for extending his every possible assistance in the completion of this project;
Mrs. Enelita G. Lamadrid, PSDS, JP East District for her support to the researcher;
Mrs. Juana T. Bicaldo for her concern and assistance;
Engr. Gerald Junio, for his technical knowledge and skills;
Mrs. Normenia J. Rosales, his grandma, for unconditional love, support and inspiration;
Above all, to the Almighty God his light, guide, strength and intellect in pursuing this research.
To all of them a heart felt thanks because the researcher realized that he had not worked in vain.
The Researcher
