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The following information documents the team's development of the design concept, the technical analysis that was performed and used to make design decisions, the components used to develop the prototype, and prototype device.
This memo describes the design concept that was selected by the team during the early stages of the project to be used for prototype development. It also includes information about the technical analysis that would be performed (Trade Studies) and the general planned schedule of the project.
ENGINEERING TRADE STUDIES / FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Each member of the team developed an engineering trade study that focused on a specific key aspect of the design. These studies utilized various methods of technical analysis to investigate the particular aspect of the design. The analysis of each study produced quantitative information that was then used to make important design decisions for the project.
Condenser Apparatus Trade Study by Jesse Batsche (proposal)
This study investigated possible designs for the condenser apparatus by utilzing heat transfer analysis techniques to model the condenser system. The study considered the effects of the length and diameter of the condenser tubing, the type of fluid outside the tubing, and the temperature of the external fluid. Based on the results of this study, the design of the condenser apparatus was selected to be a 1.5 m long piece of 3/8" diameter copper tubing immersed in an external reservior of water (maintained at a temperature below 80 degrees).
Structural Support Statics Trade Study by John Cogill (proposal)
This study investigated possible designs for the structural support system required to hold the bicycle in an elevated position above the ground during operation. The study considered the forces from the bicycle and rider that would be encountered and the size constraints from ASME guidelines. Statics and solid mechanics analysis techniques were used to determine what the materials and sizes of the structural members would be required. From the results of the study, it was determined that adequate support systems could readily be constructed from either steel, cast iron, aluminum, or wood.
Boiler Vessel Trade Study by Blake Shelide (proposal)
This study investigated possible designs for the boiler vessel (heating chamber) by analyzing several aspects of this system. The study examined the effects of the pressure within the boiler vessel on the energy required to boil water, the effects of the type of container insulation on the amount of heat loss, and how the heating element should be designed based on the electrical characteristics of the device. From the results of the study, applying a vacuum to reduce boiling temperature was shown to be non-advantageous, the container should be insulated by 2.8 cm of vacuum insulation, and the heating element should be made from 2.4 ft. of 24 gauge Ni-Chrome wire.
Power Transfer Trade Study by Nick Puglisi (proposal)
This study investigated possible designs for the pedal system used to drive the generator. The study considered the effects of the length of the pedal arms, the sizes (number of teeth) of the 4 chain sprockets involved in the mechanical power transfer system, and the force that is applied to the pedals on the amount of power that is transfered to the generator. Based on the results of the study, it was determined that the optimum length of the pedal arm was 16cm, the optimum number of teeth on the generator shaft sprocket was 9 teeth, and that a 60 N force should be applied the pedals.
This single powerpoint slide provides a graphical representation and a concise description of the prototype. It provides a basic presentation of the whole project
Prototype User's Manual and Safety Concerns
This manual provides step by step instructions for how to operate the prototype, a more detailed description of the overall functioning of the system that would allow the user to fully understand the device, and a set of safety warnings to ensure that no injuries occur while operating the prototype.
This spreadsheet provides an organized master listing of all prototype components and their sources. To identify the location of components within the assembled device, please see the subsystem models.
This powerpoint slideshow was used to present the project and its overall results to both the professors managing the projects and to a panel of industry representatives. The movies which are imbedded as part of the powerpoint presentation can be viewed or downloaded using the following links:
Complete System Operation - Generator Assembly - Water Feedback
Following the two deliveries of this presentation, the members of the audience raised several relevant questions about the project. The questions that were posed are addressed in the CDR Summary and Discussion