Charge controller- Is it necessary?

WEEK 8

Title: charge controller
Objective: To know how much this project need the charge controller.
Content: Remember the previous post where I have given a link that contribute to develop this magic mat? As I go through the web page I saw some interesting component that may used for this project. The component that I want to discuss is the charge controller. Look at below description regarding the component. 

Q: WHY SHOULD YOU USE A CHARGE CONTROLLER TO CHARGE YOUR LEAD ACID POWERPACK BATTERY WITH SOLAR / WIND / PEDAL POWER?    

Short & Easy Answer: Because if you pedal too fast and generate too high of a voltage from your bike generator, you could dramatically shorten the life of your battery / powerpack.

Longer more technical answer:  Your battery / power pack has a limit on how high of a voltage it can see while charging.  One term to describe this voltage is called the "Peak Charge Voltage".  If you pedal too fast and generate too high of a voltage, then you could exceed the peak charge voltage and supply your battery with too much current.  This would damage the cells inside and affect their ability to take a charge. 

 In most cases the peak charge voltage for a lead acid / AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery / powerpack is somewhere near 14.8V DC (V= Volts DC= Direct Current).

Analysis: But here, I wondering that the charge controller really can be used for this project. Is it necessary or not? I hope right after this project is work out then this question will be answered, depending on the value of the output comes out.

Reference:  http://pedalpowergenerator.com/PPG-12-200-nc25a-charge-controller.htm

Mechanical Part

WEEK 8

Title: Pedal and Generator
Objective: To determine the basic operation of the project.
Content: Let be clear. This project is more toward the mechanical part. As it consumes more on power pedal, therefore I must concentrate on the pedal itself. Pedal power is the transfer of energy from a human source through the use of a foot pedal and crank system. As we can see, the image that I provide is about two different thing. But this two different thing is totally related to each other. The one is the pedal system and the other one is generator or alternator.  The basic operation of this project is when sufficient amount of power is applied by means of pedal's pressing through pulley and belt, then it provide a continuous reaction toward the shaft of alternator. At the same time, the flywheel continue to rotate in presence of the spring. Thus, the system will not require much input power, but only a few touch to it. 

Analysis: The image shows that 1 turn in pedal power provide 4 turns in generator/alternator. It gives a greater output at the end.

Operation of power pedal

PICTURES

Title: Progress...
Objectives: To select the suitable component to do this project

Content: This project require a basic things as mentioned previously in my post. Without those things this project will not be conducted smoothly. Alright below is the image of the spring I found at the same place of the baby cradle is sold. I also bought the hook so that I can place the spring onto it. Besides, i also bought the car alternator where I found it at the car workshop. Meanwhile the pulley and belt are hard to find. Seems i have to buy it at the internet. Therefore, I had found one in mudah.com which is suitable to be fitted in this project. Whereby it come out with the flywheel and pedal. 

exercise bike

car alternator

spring

PROCESS

WEEK 7

Title: Description of the whole process
Objective: To clarify the whole process in making this project
Content:Below is the clear image of this project. Where i found it more efficient in making more output power. This is because i use the alternator instead of the build in magnets and solenoids.

Sketching of the overall project

As can see here, there have a pedal, pulley and belt, alternator, spring and last but not least a battery. The pedal act as an input mechanism. There have two inputs which is from the left and the right. People may step at both directions in order to get the output power. Below the pedal, we can see is the spring, which is it's helping the pedal to go back into its position. While the pulley and belt is function as the catalyst of energy reaction brought by the pedal toward the shaft of the alternator . Alternator will then rotates which gives a power to it. This power will convert into electrical power.

Analysis:

Based on the process above, it showed that the alternator will convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. Let's refresh about the principle operation of the alternator..

" Alternators generate electricity using the same principle as DC generators, namely, when the magnetic field around a conductor changes, a current is induced in the conductor. Typically, a rotating magnet, called the rotor turns within a stationary set of conductors wound in coils on an iron core, called the stator. The field cuts across the conductors, generating an induced EMF (electromotive force), as the mechanical input causes the rotor to turn."                                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternator

UPDATE

WEEK 7

hello readers!

 Alright for now i just update a link. Just to show you that this link is helping me so much..!The link provide me a basic idea and also provide the way to do it....There is about 5 steps in making the thing. I enjoy the learning process very much!

http://pedalpowergenerator.com/free-diy-bicycle-generator-video-gallery_3_nc25a-charge-controller.htm

Announcement

WEEK 6

Title: Change in method in making the magic mat. No more solenoids.
Objective: To solve the problem by making it in another way

Content: Since I'm still can't thinking another way to do the mat...I decided to change my method in constructing the mat...The method that i used to have will be different from previous-which is different in terms of its (method). I am still using the electromagnetic induction but for this time the principle came from the alternator itself. 

Remember that my last time proposal, I used to have a project that can contribute benefit to the consumers. The project should not being noticed by people surrounding. Therefore, I am still make it that way. For this time, the method is easier than previous. And I hope that my present project will success. I hope so....

Here we are!

Based on the figure above, energy system can be divided into three types which is energy in, energy store and energy use. The energy that I wanted to have in my project is pedal power categorized as an energy in...The pedal power is actually the source of energy. Same goes to magic mat, whereby the magic mat is used pressure comes from people's steps. Later i will show you the sketching and the things I bought for this project. Power pedal construction is still in progress.....

What should I do?

Week 5

Stage 2:
 

Above is the image of my progress project where i found difficulties in making a smooth moving magnet. The magnet should be moving into the solenoid freely to ensure the electromagnetic induction's working....

 Analysis:

I do have problem in designing the mat. The thing stuck in my mind is on how the magnet could be move freely towards the solenoid. Based on my friend's opinion, i should make a rail for the magnet so that magnet can only moved straightly and smoothly. Furthermore, i should consider its case. The magnet should have case for sure. Besides, how i can to make sure that the magnet can move forward. By what kind of strength the magnet can be move? Not only the springs but i am very sure there is another way round. Wish me luck!

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By the way below is the images of all the materials and components i already used.

Materials and components

Copper wire

Analogue Multimeter

Compass & Ferrite Magnet (7.3x1x0.8cm)

Clip wire

Plywood (13x17.5inch)

Chisel

Spring

Hammer