Renewable Energy...
ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET.
Welcome to our Mission Middle School Student-Powered Showcase Digital Newsletter
Objective: Investigate different forms of renewable energy with low cost materials.
We are presenting engineering/science projects that promotes renewable energy; pneumatic motor, solar ovens and a hydroelectric generator.
SPONSORS
Croxton Electrical
Jurupa Unified Maintenance Department
Pneumatic Motor
What is the pneumatic motor?
Report
Introduction
My goal is to create an engine that would generate absolutely no emission. I found that the most promising solution is a pneumatic motor. The method I used to create the prototype is to use a lightweight rotor made up of styrofoam cups to absorb the power from the air compressor to create motion. In the beginning, I wanted to use cylinders and have air compress to push them until I realized that I do not have the tools to do so. This design is like a Plan B if I couldn’t build my first design. The little power it generated was probably from the lack of power given to the motor and this has a lot of potential. This design consists of a styrofoam rotor and axle. It uses cardboard to hold the belt in, which is made up of garden nets and duct tape. The base structure of the prototype is a cardboard box that has a hole cut into it to plug in the compressor hose. This design performed poorly, but it ran. It generated little rpm, but the belt stayed in place and the motor does stabilize. The only problems with this prototype is the lack of power it generates.
Research
Due to gas engines, the atmosphere is disintegrating and people are dying. This is caused by the fact that carbon monoxide is emitted from gas engines and is polluting the air. This problem has killed many people in the world. An Australian company called EngineAir has created a motor called the Di Pietro Motor. Their motor is based on the design of a rotary engine, but it does not use any fuel mixture. Electric engines can be the solution to pollution, but the power plants that power the motor generates a lot of emission. Today, your vehicles can either be efficient or emission free.
Design
The design of my motor consists of a cardboard box, cardboard, styrofoam, styrofoam cups, toothpicks, gears, and an air compressor. The styrofoam acts as the crankshaft, which is located inside the motor. The styrofoam cups are used as the rotor placed on top of the crankshaft. The cardboard box is the main structure of the motor. Toothpicks provide a sturdy structure to the styrofoam. The gears allow the motor to generate more torque. Finally, the air compressor is the power source of the motor.
Credits
Pneumatic motor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumatic_motor
Project | Compressed Air Vehicle (CAV)
@Username - http://www.mechengg.net/2015/01/project-compressed-air-vehicle-cav.html
EngineAir
Green Guru: Do Electric Cars Really Reduce Pollution?
@audubonsociety - http://www.audubon.org/magazine/september-october-2011/green-guru-do-electric-cars-really
Main Points
- RPM
- Fixed Gearbox
- Belt
- Carbon Emission
- Rotor
The motor rpm is 120 and the rpm to the wheels are 30. The fixed gear gearbox is set to increase torque and decrease speed. The belt operates an emergency starting lever if the motor stops. Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous gasses in the world. This motor uses air and generates no carbon emission. The rotor is the one device that makes the motor work. Without it, it would not be able to run.
Hydroelectric Generator
What is a Hydroelectric Generator?
A Hydroelectric Generator is a generator that generates electricity through water power. With a water source, it is an efficient way to generate electricity. It is also a pollution-free method of generating clean and reusable energy. This generator generated up to thirteen volts.
How does the Hydroelectric Generator work?
A hydroelectric generator uses a dispenser as it's base. It uses water to push a propeller which is attached to 4 magnets. This is a vital piece of generating electricity. A fixed platform holding 4 pieces of insulated copper wire is located parallel to the magnets. As the magnets rotate parallel to the copper wire, electricity is being generated. The water used to push the propeller is then dispensed and reused.
5 main points
- Propeller
- Power source
- Dispenser
- Voltage
- Magnets and Copper Wire
The propeller is made from a light metal sheet that is shaped like half a cup. The design allows it to easily absorb and use the energy from the power source. The power source of the generator is water. The water is the object that moves the propellers. The dispenser is the base of the generator. It holds all the pieces together and also allows water to be dispensed and reused. The voltage is measured through a voltage meter. This generator generates up to 13 volts. The magnets and copper wire are the main components that generate electricity. The magnets are placed in a north, south alternating pattern. This allows energy to be generated
Solar Ovens
Report
Research
Design
The design of my prototype will be based on the size of a box. It will made of aluminum / steel and replacement glass. The replacement glass is said to keep the heat inside. Many sources say that it attracts the heat that the sun gives off. The glass will be made as a small door so that it is easier to take out the pastries from the solar oven.
Results
The results for my solar oven is that it makes chocolate chip cookies crisp on the exterior but it is raw on the inside. This had happened on the first two experiment, but on the last experiment the cookie had fully cooked. The problem with my prototype is that my solar powered oven heats up too fast which makes the cookies raw on the inside. My solution to that problem is to put a thermometer inside the oven to check it, so it has the right amount of degrees.
Credits
www.cookies​-in-motion.com/cookie-problems.html Cookies in Motion August 20, 2008
Lynne Troubleshooting Your Cookie Problems Good Housekeeping March 17, 2015
www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/dessert/a31654/solve-cookie-problems