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ElecTrek

Outpost Sports in Mishawaka aims to capture, store, and utilize the energy generated during cycling classes. Each session accommodates eight cyclists who use their own CompuTrainer systems. Unfortunately, energy currently dissipates as heat. Our solution proposes a non-invasive method to convert the mechanical energy from cycling into electrical energy, which can charge electronics, power fans, and reduce electricity costs. Key features include a user-friendly LCD displaying energy statistics, safe battery management, and compatibility with existing systems, ensuring an uninterrupted riding experience.

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ElecTrek

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Presentation Transcript

  1. ElecTrek Katie Heinzen Kathryn Lentini Neal Venditto Nicole Wehner

  2. Outline • Problem Description • Proposed Solution • Demonstrated Features • Available Technologies • Engineering Content • Conclusion

  3. Problem Description • Customer: Outpost Sports in Mishawaka • Owner wants to capture, store, and use energy created during cycling classes http://www.outpostsports.com/index.php/find-us/

  4. Training Facility • Cycling classes during winter for advanced cyclists • Facility accommodates 8 riders per class • Cyclists use own bike

  5. CompuTrainer System • Resistance controlled by computer software and device • Currently energy lost as heat

  6. Project Benefits • Energy stored in battery for use • Charge electronics (iPod, cell phone) • Power fans • Power lights • Reduce electricity bill • Reduce cooling costs

  7. Proposed Solution • Non-invasive • Do not alter commercial coding • Do not alter CompuTrainer resistance system • Keep the riding experience comparable

  8. Proposed Solution

  9. Challenges • Interface between bike and generator • Interface between generator and battery • Battery requirements: frequent deep cycling, size, cost, lifetime • Safe disconnect of fully-charged battery

  10. Demonstrated Features • Conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy • Riders’ training regimen will not be disturbed • LCD displaying statistics of power generation and battery status • Automatic disconnect of battery

  11. Available Technologies: Generator • Permanent Magnet DC Generator • No AC to DC conversion • Low rpm

  12. Available Technologies: Battery • Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Battery • Common in solar and wind projects • Large charging current • Inexpensive • Large capacity

  13. Engineering Content • Bike wheel/generator interface • Rests on shaft (friction & resistance) • Stable bracket • Generator/battery interface • Regulate current • Battery • Deep-cycling • Energy density

  14. Engineering Content (cont’d) • Microcontroller: • Monitor generator current and power output, battery voltage • User-friendly LCD • Power conversion • Impact on pedaling resistance

  15. Functional Blocks & Problem Areas Friction/Resistance Generator Bike Wheel Efficient Charging Battery Monitoring Parameters LCD Screen

  16. Conclusions • Goal is to generate electricity from mechanical power • Independent of CompuTrainer • Compatible with multiple bike training systems • Alternative energy source • Ideal for individual use

  17. Outline • Problem Description • Proposed Solution • Demonstrated Features • Available Technologies • Engineering Content • Conclusion

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