Power Generation by Speed Breakers

Authors

Madiha Sattar
13-EE-20
Aleena Hussain Bano
13-EE-84
Maqsood Ahmad Shah
13-EE-105

Supervisor

Engr. Nouman Qamar

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Authors

Madiha Sattar 13-EE-20

Aleena Hussain Bano 13-EE-84

Maqsood Ahmad Shah 13-EE-105

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

BSc. Electrical Engineering

Thesis Supervisor:

Engr. Nouman Qamar

Lecturer Electrical Engineering Department

External Examiner Signature:___________________________________________

Thesis Supervisor Signature: ___________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

July 2017

i
 ABSTRACT

With the increase in population and industrialization the difference between Power

Generation and the demand has been increased. In addition to conventional means of

generating electricity new methods should be introduced such as by Speed Breakers.

Speed Breakers/bumps are commonly used to control the traffic speed on roads and to

ensure the safety of pedestrians, contrary, the speed reduction of vehicle while passing

over a speed bump results in huge kinetic energy loss at the same time. The main idea is

to harvest this energy from speed bump, by using an efficient mechanism under the ramp

of this speed breaker. A unique design of the motion mechanism allows the up-and-down

pulse motion to drive the generator into unidirectional rotation, yielding time times more

energy than the traditional design. Along with the validation of energy harvesting, this

report also addresses the advantages of this motion mechanism over the traditional design,

using physical modeling and experimentation. Thus, we are to manufacture a speed bump

which can generate electrical energy from the Kinetic energy of ramp, up to several watts

when the vehicle drives on it and can be stored in batteries. The system can be

implemented just before or just after the entrance of e.g. Tool Plazas, Hospitals, U-turns

and Airports etc., or simply on roads where there is a need to control speed limits.

Keywords: Power Generation, Energy Harvesting

ii
 UNDERTAKING

We certify that research work titled “Power Generation by Speed Breakers” is our own

work. The work has not been presented elsewhere for assessment. Where material has

been used from other sources it has been properly acknowledged / referred.

Madiha Sattar

13-EE-20

Aleena Hussain Bano

13-EE-84

Maqsood Ahmad Shah

13-EE-105

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, all praises be to Allah Almighty for his unlimited blessings and

bounties for helping and guiding us during our whole life and throughout our study.

Then a great deal of gratitude goes to our thesis supervisor Engr. Nouman Qamar,

Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering Department, University of Engineering and

Technology, Taxila for we are highly indebted for his utmost help, guidance, time and his

continuous encouragement which made this thesis possible.

Our ultimate gratefulness is for our parents and the rest of our family who have

enthusiastically supported all of our academic undertakings. We share this

accomplishment with them all. We are also thankful to our friends for their co-operation

and valuable suggestions.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract …………………………………………………………….………...ii

Undertaking ………………………………………………………………….iii

Acknowledgement .............................................................................................. iv

List of Figures ................................................................................................... viii

List of Tables .................................................................................................... viii

Chapter 1: Introduction........................................................................................ 1

1.1 Literature Review .................................................................................... 2

1.2 Problem Statement .................................................................................. 3

1.3 Proposed Solution …………………………………………………….4

1.4 Different Methodologies ......................................................................... 5

1.4.1 Spring Coil Mechanism ................................................................. 5

1.4.2 Crank Shaft Mechanism ………………………………………...6

1.4.2.1 Disadvantages……………………………………..………7

1.4.3 Roller Mechanism ………………………………………………7

1.4.3.1 Disadvantages ………………………….………………....8

1.4.4 Rack and Pinion Mechanism ……………………………………8

1.5 Why Rack and Pinion …………………………………..…………..…9

Chapter 2: Design ……………………………………………………………10

2.1 Overview…………………………………………………………10

2.2 Design …………………………………………………………....10

2.2.1 Rack and Pinion Mechanism…………………………....10

2.2.2 Basic Components …………………………………...…11

v
 2.2.3 Main Process of Power Generation ………………..........12

2.2.3.1 Block Diagram …………………………….….12

2.2.3.2 Flowchart of Process ……………………….…13

2.2.4 Description of Components……………………….……..13

2.2.4.1 Ramp …………………………………….……13

2.2.4.2 Rack ………………………………………......14

2.2.4.3 Pinion …………………………………………15

2.2.4.4 Springs ………………………………………..16

2.2.4.5 Shaft …………………………………………..16

2.2.4.6 Gears ………………………………………….17

2.2.4.7 Ball Bearings ………………………………… 19

2.2.4.8 Flywheel ………………………………………20

2.2.4.9 DC Generator ………………………………….21

2.2.4.10 Regulating Circuit ……………………………22

2.2.4.11 Battery ………………………………………..23

2.2.4.12 Inverter ……………………………………….24

2.2.4.13 Transformer …………………………………..25

Chapter 3: Working ……………………………………………………………27

3.0 Overview …………………………………………………………..27

3.1 Working ……………………………………………………………27

3.2 Fabrication …………………………………………………………28

Chapter 4: Experimentation ……………………………….…………………...31

4.0 Overview …………………………………………………………..31

vi
 4.1 Calculations ………………………………………………………..31

4.2 Experimentation …………………………………………………...33

4.3 Results ……………………………………………………………. 34

Chapter 5: Advantages, Limitations and Future Scope ……………………….. 37

5.0 Overview …………………………………………………………. 37

5.1 Advantages ……………………………………………………….. 37

5.2 Limitations ……………………………………………………….. 38

5.3 Future Scope of Energy Harvesting Bumps ……………………… 38

Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………. 40

References ……………………………………………………………………..41

Abbreviations ………………………………………………………………….42

vii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Sample is given below:

Number Page

Fig 2.1Block diagram of xyz block..................................................................8

Fig 2.2 Basis Functions Diagram .....................................................................9

Fig 2.3 Block Diagram of Codec ...................................................................10

Fig 3.1Encoder ...............................................................................................13

Fig 3.2 Decoder. .............................................................................................14

viii
 LIST OF TABLES

Similar to the list of figures.

ix
 CHAPTER 1

Introduction
This report is on our final year project of B.sc Electrical Engineering the title of our

project is Power Generation by Speed Breakers. Energy is an important input to sustain

industrial growth and standard of living of a country and can be directly related to the

per-capita energy consumption. The conventional sources of energy are depleting very

fast and by the turn of the century man will have to depend on non-conventional sources

for power generation.

There are many different mechanisms to generate power with the help of speed breaker,

for example, rack and pinion, chain and gear system, piezoelectric material, connecting

rod and crank mechanism, roller mechanism, sliding plate mechanism etc. But we choses

rack and pinion mechanism because of high efficiency.

Our project is just a prototype of a large scale assembly that can be installed under the

road and through which electricity can be generated. The ramp of our project consists of a

metal plate which is pressed down by any load specifically footsteps.

Under the ramp there is a rack and pinion arrangement by which the linear motion is

converted into rotational motion and by coupling the sprocket, gears and flywheel on the

different shafts we can generate power by connecting shaft with the alternator.

It’s our contribution in minimizing the energy crisis. We have made it possible to write

each and every thing which we have learnt during project completion. It is strongly

believed that this report will guide and ease the reader to understand that how power can

be generated through rack and pinion mechanism.

1
1.1 Literature Review

Michael Faraday’s basic method of electricity generation is still used today: by the

movement of a loop of wire, or disc of copper between the poles of a magnet, the

principle that is used in the dynamo. Electricity is usually generated by electromechanical

generators which are driven conventionally by water, wind, heat i.e. by nuclear fission,

gas or petroleum oil but also from other means like solar, photovoltaic cells and

geothermal power.

In addition to these means for production of electricity, electrical generators can also be

driven by the day to day activities as energy can be converted from other forms to

produce electrical energy and can be used effectively. The kinetic energy produced by

movement of vehicles on speed breaker of road, can also be converted into electrical

energy i.e., can produce power.

Firstly, South African electrical crisis has made them implemented this method to light

up small villages of the highway. An amateur innovator in Guwahati has developed a

simple contraption that can generate power when a vehicle passes over a speed breaker.

The innovation has caught the eye of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati,

which will fund a pilot project to generate electricity from speed-breakers. IIT Guwahati

has evaluated the machine and recommended it to the Assam ministry of power for large

scale funding. A K Das, a professor at IIT's design department says it is a 'very viable

proposition' to harness thousands of Mega Watts of electricity untapped across the

country every day. Peter Hughes: The ramp was invented by Peter Hughes, in the year

2002 an electrical and mechanical engineer who is employed by Highway Energy

Systems Ltd. The company says that under normal traffic conditions, the apparatus will

2
produce 30 kW of electricity. Other proposed applications for the road ramps heating

roads in the winter to prevent ice forming and ventilating tunnels to reduce pollution.

"The full potential of this is absolutely enormous." Hughes claims that 10 ramps could

generate the same power as one wind turbine.

According to statistics provided by the Provincial Excise & Taxation Departments,

Government of Pakistan, there is a heavy vehicular growth as shown in fig1.1; there were

approximately 4.78 million vehicles on roads in 2001 and this figure reached to 7.86

million in 2010. So we can use this opportunity and energy to generate power. According

to below diagram [1].

Figure 1.1: Traffic density in Pakistan in last decade

1.2 Problem Statement

In a developing country like Pakistan, with the increase in population and

industrialization, energy crisis has become a serious issue that has to be addressed. This

situation leads to find out new renewable energy generation means and other energy

generation methods from daily human activities in addition to conventional means. An

3
engineering approach can be used to harvest energy from environmental friendly

mechanical models, i.e. energy generation from a common speed breaker.

1.3. Proposed Solution:

Our proposed design converts the linear vertical motion of ramp into rotary motion of the

shaft connected to the generator with an extended assembly, which drives generator

connected at the end of the assembly. The design of the motion mechanism allows to

drive the generator into unidirectional rotation, by using two gears coupled together,

yielding twice energy than the traditional design, as both the upward and downward

motion of the speed breaker are being used to drive the generator. The energy that has

been generated is environment friendly with zero pollution potential.

The material used is cast iron, that is cost effective, easily available and most commonly

used for the manufacture of portable speed breakers.

This design is based on a unique highly efficient energy conversion mechanism, it

converts both down and up pulse motions of speed bump into one direction rotation of

the electrical generator to produce electrical power. It has unique advantage over the

traditional electromagnetic generator where the movement of the shaft is limited due to

the pulse-like motion and thus cannot provide the continuous and unidirectional rotation

to the input shaft of the generator.

4
A rectifying circuit is connected to the DC generator which is then connected to the

battery to store electrical energy. An inverter circuit is then connected through which

street lights or any light load can be operated.

1.4. Different Methodologies:

Main purpose of this project is to convert linear motion into rotatory and then rotatory

into electrical power. This thing can be done by using different mechanisms [2]. Some of

them are

1) Spring coil mechanism

2) Crank shaft mechanism

3) Roller mechanism

4) Rack-Pinion mechanism

1.4.1 Spring coil mechanism

In spring coil mechanism, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted into pneumatic

energy which is then converted to the electrical energy. It uses a FRL unit, when the

pressure in the FRL unit exceeds the defined level the valve opens and the pressurized air

is given to the nozzle from which the high velocity compressed air hits the impeller and

makes it to rotate. This rotary motion is fed to the shaft of the alternator to produce

electricity [2]. The block diagram of spring coil mechanism is shown below in fig 1.2:

5
 Fig1.2: Block Diagram of Spring Coil Mechanism

1.4.2 Crank shaft mechanism

Crank-shaft is basically a mechanism which changes linear movement into rotary

movement and vice versa.

A crank-shaft phenomenon can be used under the speed breaker where we could place a

crank-shaft and when any vehicle passes over the speed breaker it causes linear motion of

speed breaker downwards which rotates the DC generator connected with crank-shaft.

This whole thing is illustrated through figure 1.3. [3]

Figure 1.4: Crank shaft mechanism under speed breaker

6
1.4.2.1 Disadvantage:

• Crank-shaft needed to be mounted on bearing which creates balancing problems.

• There are mechanical vibrations which in turn can damage the bearings.

1.4.3 Roller mechanism

In this mechanism rollers are used to convert linear motion into rotary motion. A roller is

fitted in a speed breaker with a grip so whenever a vehicle passes over the speed breaker

it rotates the roller. In this way the roller kinetic energy of vehicle of transformed into

rotational energy. This rotational energy produced depends upon the mass and speed of

vehicle. Then using this rotational energy shaft is rotated and a gear ratio is used before

shaft rotation for some mechanical purposes. When shaft rotates with its certain rpm then

using DC generator electricity is produced. This power can be saved in batteries and

could also be converted into AC using an inverter. Power generation depends upon the

traffic density. Mechanism is shown in fig 1.4. [4]

Figure 1.4: Roller mechanism under speed breaker

7
1.4.3.1 Disadvantage:

• Its maintenance is very difficult because we have to have a check and balance on

rollers as it is mechanical component so for proper working maintenance is

important.

• It might cause collisions between rollers.

1.4.4 Rack-Pinion mechanism

Rack-pinion is a mechanical component which is used to transform linear motion into

rotary motion.

Rack-pinion are used under the speed breaker when vehicle passes over the road and

speed breaker it causes the speed breaker to move downwards and with this motion rack

is also pressed downwards; with the movement of rack pinion rotates and it rotates the

shaft on which it is connected with a certain rpm. This rotation can be further enhanced

using gears with certain ratio or by using chain sprocket. Now this rotary motion is

sufficient enough to run the DC generator. This mechanism is shown in fig 1.5. [5]

Figure 0.5: Rack-pinion mechanism under speed breaker

8
1.5 Why Rack and Pinion:

• Its efficiency is greater than other both mechanisms.

• Its gives good mounting convenience

• Maximum gear losses could be in range 3% to 5%

• Efficiency is almost 70-80 % [6]

To overcome this basic problem we propose a more efficient mechanism that uses

crank instead of pinions and simple cylindrical rods instead of complicated

shaped racks.

9
 CHAPTER 2

Design

2.1 Overview

This chapter explains designing of the project. All required components and their design

specifications are given in this chapter. Essential mechanical parts as well as electrical

components are explained. Designing and construction details are given in this chapter.

2.2 Design

Following design has been used in the making of Energy Harvesting Mechanically

Operated Speed Bump.

2.2.1 Rack and Pinion Mechanism

Figure 2.1: Rack and Pinion Mechanism

10
The Rack and Pinion works to convert the reciprocating motion into the rotary motion

and vice versa. The linear motion of rack will be converted into the rotational motion of

the pinion mechanically connected to eachother.

2.2.2 Basic Components

In this design following basic components are used:

• Rack

• Pinion

• Springs

• Sprocket

• Gears

• Ball bearing

• Fly wheel

• DC Generator

• Regulating Circuit

• Battery

• Inverter

• Transformer

• LED Lights

11
2.2.3 Main Process of Power Generation

This project undergoes three main energy conversions as,

1) Conversion of kinetic energy into rotational energy

2) Conversion of rotational into mechanical

3) Conversion of mechanical into electrical

2.2.3.1 Block Diagram

This block diagram illustrates the basic principle of our project in which first of all

kinetic energy is changed into rotational energy using springs and rack pinion. Then this

rotational energy is changed into mechanical energy using sprocket, gears and shafts. In

the end when shaft rotates due to its rotation DC generator works and produce output in

DC form which is fed to regulating circuit. A battery is used which stores the DC output

produced by dynamo and then an inverter is used which produces AC output.

Figure 2.2: Block Diagram of the process

12
2.2.3.2 Flowchart of Process

The main process that has been designed is shown below.

Fig2.3: Flowchart of process

2.2.4 Description of Components

2.2.4.1 Ramp

Ramp is a single metal plate of size. This ramp can be three plate ramp if the design has

to be installed for a real time speed breaker on a road. Our project is a prototype of a

large scale power hump so we have used a single plate ramp.

13
 Fig 2.4: Metal plate as ramp

2.2.4.2 Rack

Rack is a grooved metal rod that is mounted on the inner surface of the ramp its teeth are

then engaged to the pinion.

Fig 2.5: Isometric view of rack

Table 2.1: Rack specifications

1 Total Length 1ft

2 Material Mild Steel

3 No. of Teeth 58

4 Teeth engaged with pinion 26

14
2.2.4.3 Pinion

With rack there is a pinion which will rotate whenever rack moves. Rotational rpm of

pinion depends upon the design of rack and pinion and the number of teeth of rack which

are engaged to pinion. There is a shaft which is connected with pinion and with pinion

rotation shaft will also rotate. Now we can see how linear movement is converted into

rotational motion.

Fig 2.6: Isometric view of pinion

Table 2.2: Pinion specifications

1 Material Alloy of cast iron

2 No. of teeth 18

3 Pitch circle Diameter 34 mm

4 Pitch 4mm

5 Depth 4mm

7 Outer Diameter 38mm

8 Inner Diameter 30mm

15
2.2.4.4 Springs

It is an elastic body which is distorted when loaded and comes to its original shape when

load is removed. Springs are used in parallel with rack pinion, they are used for support.

Its main function is to absorb and control energy whenever shocks and vibrations are

produced.

Fig 2.5: Springs arrangement

Table 2.3: Spring specifications

1 Type Yamaha front shock springs

2 Material Mild steel

2.2.4.5 Shaft
Shaft is the element which is used to support rotating elements. It is also used to transmit

energy from one component to another. Shaft is used with a pinion and its other end is

connected to gear. When shaft rotates due to motion of pinion, it is transmitting energy

from pinion to gear. Shaft must be rigid.

16
There are three shafts used in this project. Given below is figure of a shaft

Fig 2.6: Shaft

Table 2.4: Shaft specifications

1 Diameter of shaft 15 mm

2 Length of shaft 200 mm

2.2.4.6 Gears
A gear train is used in our project. Gear train consists of two or more gears which

are used to speed up or down the rotational motion. In our project gear train of five gears

are used. First gear which is connected with pinion through a shaft, driver gear is of 18

teeth. Next gear, intermediate gear is of 96 teeth then connected driven gear of 8 teeth

then a gear of 96 teeth the last gear which is connected to shaft of generator or dynamo

has 27 teeth. In a gear train main formula is

(2.1)

17
Where, wA= angular velocity of first gear

wB= angular velocity of second gear

rA= radius of first gear

rB= radius of second gear

NA= number of teeth of first gear

NB= number of teeth of second gear

Table 2.5: Driver gear specifications

1 Teeth 18

2 Pitch circle diameter 43mm

3 External diameter 48 mm

4 Internal diameter 38 mm

5 Material Alloy of cast iron

Table 2.6: Driven gear specifications

1 Teeth 8

2 Pitch circle diameter 24mm

3 External diameter 28 mm

4 Internal diameter 20 mm

5 Material Alloy of cast iron

18
 Table 2.7: Intermediate gear specifications

1 Teeth 96

2 Pitch circle diameter 243mm

3 External diameter 247mm

4 Internal diameter 215mm

5 Material Alloy of cast iron

Table 2.8: Output gear specifications

1 Teeth 27

2 Pitch 4mm

3 Pitch circle diameter 65 mm

4 Material Alloy of cast iron

2.2.4.7 Ball Bearings

A ball bearing used balls as shown from its name. It is a type of rolling element bearing. I

allow the relative movement between the contacting surfaces when there is a load. They

are used to reduce friction and transmit the motion. Ball bearings which are used in our

project are of no. 6202 and no. 6204.

19
There are four 6202 and two 6204 ball bearings used in this project. As there are three

shafts used so for their support from both sides ball bearings are used.

Fig 2.11: Ball bearing

2.2.4.8 Flywheel

It is used to support constant rotational movement. It is coupled with the intermediate

gear.

Fig 2.12: Fly wheel

Table 2.9: Flywheel specifications

1 Weight 15.300 kg

2 Diameter 240 mm

3 Thickness 15 mm

20
2.2.4.9 DC Generator

A DC Generator is an electrical device which converts mechanical energy into electrical

energy in direct current form.

PMDC Baldor motor CDP-3450 is used as DC generator.

Figure 2.13: PMDC Baldor Motor

Table 2.10 CDP-3450 specifications

1 Power 1hp

2 R.P.M 2500

3 Armature Voltage 90V DC

4 Armature Current 9.7A

5 Frame size 56C

21
2.2.4.10 Regulating Circuit

A voltage regulator is a voltage stabilizer that is designed to automatically stabilize a

constant voltage level. A voltage regulator circuit is also used to change or stabilize the

voltage level according to the necessity of the circuit. It is used as a power supply for the

battery chargers.

Figure 2.14: Circuit Diagram of Regulating Circuit

IC LM2575 is used as a buck converter which produces an output of 15V depending

upon the value of resistor R2=11.3kΩ

Figure 2.15: Internal Block Diagram of LM2575

22
 Figure 2.14: R2 for Output Voltage Adjustment

Rated current= 1.0A

Input Voltage Range 4.75-40V

Output Voltag Range=1.23-37V±4%

Figure 2.15: Regulating Circuit

2.2.4.11 Battery

An electric battery is an energy storing device. In this project a 12 V battery is used after

the regulating circuit and it is used to store energy in it.

23
 Figure 2.16: Battery

2.2.4.12 Inverter

An inverter is used after battery which is converting that 12 V DC into 12V AC. An

inverter is basically an electrical device which converts DC into AC.

Figure 2.17 Inverter Circuit with Transformer

The Inverter circuit uses CD 4047 IC a multi-vibrator in mono stable state.

24
 Figure 2.18: Block and Connection Diagram of IC CD4047

Figure 2.19: Inverter

2.2.4.13 Transformer

A transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more

circuits through electromagnetic induction. A 12V:220V transformer is used after the

inverter which is converting 12V into 220V AC.

25
Figure 2.20: Step-up Transformer

26
 CHAPTER 3

Working

3.0 Overview

Proper working of the mechanical portion as well as the electrical portion is explained in

this chapter along with the overall working of the project.

3.1 Working

• Whenever a vehicle will pass over the speed breaker it will press it down the

ramp.

• Rack will be pressed down due to vehicle’s weight and due to linear movement

of rack the pinion attached with the rack will rotate. This is how linear movement

is changed into rotational movement.

• Pinion is attached to a sprocket on the first shaft and that shaft has a driver gear

on its other side which will also rotate. This gear is making a gear train with the

intermediate gear which is connected on other shaft and this will also rotate and

rotating the second shaft. This gear is further connected to driven gear which is

smaller and has less no. of teeth which in turns speeds up the rotation of the third

shaft. This gear is attached to the output gear on another shaft this shaft is

connected to the DC generator which make it rotate.

• This intermediate gear has a fly wheel coupled with it which is used to ensure the

constant rotational movement.

27
 • Ball bearings are used to support the smooth rotation of shafts.

• The electrical output from the DC generator is fed to the regulating circuit which

will regulate the non-uniform electrical voltage and produces 15V at its output.

• This output voltage is then fed to the battery to store it for further use when

needed.

• An inverter is then used to convert this DC output from the battery into AC form

to operate any AC appliance.

• 15VAC is then stepped up to 23V AC by a transformer.

• Now this electrical power can be used to operate any electrical appliance.

3.2 Fabrication

It took almost 3 months for us to fabricate the mechanical as well as the electrical portion

together. Through knowledge of our study and continuous work we abled to covert the

wasted kinetic energy of a vehicle on a speed breaker into the useful electrical energy in a

more efficient way.

Figure 3.1: Front view of mechanism

28
Figure 3.2: Back view of mechanism

Figure 3.3 Top view of mechanism

29
 Figure 3.4 side view of mechanism

Figure 3.5 Final project along with electrical components

30
 CHAPTER 4

Experimentation

4.0 Overview

This chapter will include the calculations and the experimentation required to get the

desired results. The results after the experimentation will also be shown.

4.1 Calculations

Pinion speed:

Rack teeth engaged with pinion=26

So the ratio is 26:18

Gear ratio between rack and pinion is 1:1.44

For one total push of rack, pinion moves 1.5 times.

Let there are 60 pushes of rack in one minute

As,

w2 = w1 X N1 / N2

w2 = 60 x 26 / 18

w2 = 86.6 RPM

So, the pinion speed is 86.6 RPM

31
Driver Gear Speed:

w2 = w1 X N1 / N2

w2 = 86.6 x 18 / 18

w2 = 86.6 RPM

So, the Driver Gear speed is 86.6 RPM

Driven Gear Speed:

w2 = w1 X N1 / N2

w2 = 86.6 x 18 / 8

w2 = 194.85 RPM

So, the Driven Gear speed is 194.85 RPM

Output Gear Speed:

w2 = w1 X N1 / N2

w2 = 194.85 x 96 / 27

w2 = 692.8 RPM

So, the Output Gear speed is 692.8 RPM

32
This is also the speed of the third shaft which is connected to the generator.

This is the speed of the output Shaft which we get only when we are able to move the

rack downwards 60 times in a minute.

For one down push of rack we are able to produce lesser speed of the rotating shaft.

4.2 Experimentation

Experimentation in lab has been carried out with simple inclined, single plate, lesser

weight ramp. The largest peak power is about 20 watts in lab under the application of

light loads.

Figure 4.1: Lab Experiment (LED Lights)

Lab experimentations were also performed on the project to obtained results of load

against voltage, current, RPM and power.

33
4.3 Results

Following are the results that have been obtained by performing experimentations on

Mechanically Operated Energy Harvesting Speed Ramp.

Readings observed have been listed in the table below:

Table 4.1: Results of Experimentation

Sr. No. Load (kg) Speed (rpm) Voltage (V) Current (A) Power (W)

1 60 300 14 0.85 11

2 80 400 21 0.94 20

3 120 600 30 1.45 43

4 180 700 39 2.3 89

These results are shown in the form of following graphs which give certain trends:

Figure 4.3: Load versus Speed Graph

34
Here we can observe the increasing trend of RPM with increasing Load.

Figure 4.4: Load versus Voltage Graph

The maximum value of voltage that has been noted on Digital Multi-meter against

maximum load is 39 volts. It has been observed that voltage increases with increasing

load.

Figure 4.5: Load versus Current Graph

35
The graph between Load and Current also indicates that current increases by increasing

load.

Figure 4.6: Load versus Power Graph

Ultimately power increases by applying load. The maximum power we have obtained by

applying maximum load 65 kg is 17.1 Watts.

36
 CHAPTER 5

Advantages, Limitations and Future Scope

5.0 Overview

This chapter is about the advantages of the mechanism and limitations associated to the

designed project. It also includes further future scope and recommendations of this

project.

5.1 Advantages:

• Economical and easy to install

• It is eco-friendly

• Maintenance cost is low

• Will solve some of the electricity problems of the world

• This can be implemented on heavy traffic roads and toll booths and can be used to

power the street lights

• It can be a solution the electricity shortage in most villages

• Simplified design calculations as compared to that of crank shaft mechanism

37
5.2 Limitations:

• The mechanism has to be checked often.

• The gears and shaft joints might rust during the rainy season or in very humid

environment.

• More frictional losses when the design involves more mechanical portion as well

as the maintenance is required.

• The design cannot produce power if the weight is less enough that no downward

movement occurs on the ramp to move the rack down.

• The design is a prototype and cannot bear the weight more than 200kg.

5.3 Future Scope of Energy Harvesting Bumps

Future work would consist of a redesign of this model to see exactly how much data we

may be missing with the assumption that we made with low price, weight and capacity.

Despite all the assumptions, we still have realized that this product can be very

marketable and that the demand is extremely large which means this is a viable design

that will yield a high return on an investment.

• Such speed breakers can be designed for heavy vehicles, thus increasing input

torque and ultimately output of generator.

• More suitable and compact mechanisms to enhance efficiency.

• Various government departments can take up an initiative to implement these

power humps on a large scale.

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• These can be mainly used at toll booths, approaching traffic signals, highways

where vehicles move 24 x 7 etc.

• This has a huge scope everywhere provides the resources are channeled well.

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CONCLUSION

Energy is an important input to sustain industrial growth and standard of living of a

country and can be directly related to the per-capita energy consumption. The

conventional sources of energy and depleting very fast and by the turn of the century man

will have to depend on non-conventional sources for power generation. Various types of

non-conventional sources are solar energy, wind energy, biogas etc. Now by using these

speed breakers, we can generate electricity without any external sources.

This day, vehicle traffic is a major issue in most big cities. This can be used to our

advantage by installing these speed breakers in heavy traffic roads and toll booths we can

generate electricity almost continuously by using the weight of the vehicles to produce

mechanical power in the shafts by using the rack and pinion mechanism. As this method

does not require any external power source and the traffic never reduces, these speed

breakers are more reliable and have a greater life span.

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REFERENCES

[1] Ahmad, Syed Arslan, and Bilal Masood. "Power Scavenging from Moving Vehicles

on Road." International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies 9.4 (2014): 1428.

[2] “Power Generation From Speed Breakers”, online available at,

http://www.slideshare.net/biswajitcet13/power-generation-from-speed-breakers”.

[3] “Slider Crack Mechanism”, online available at,

http://www.britannica.com/technology/slider-crank-mechanism

[4] Das, C. K., Syed Monowar Hossain, and M. S. Hossan. "Introducing speed breaker as

a power generation unit for minor needs." Informatics, Electronics & Vision (ICIEV),

2013 International Conference on. IEEE, 2013.

[5] Aswathaman, V., and M. Priyadharshini. "Every speed breaker is now a source of

power." Proc. of 2010 International Conference on Biology, Environment and Chemistry

IPCBEE. Vol. 1. 2011.

[6] http://www.mjret.in/V1I2/M17-1-2-7-2014.pdf

Multidisciplinary Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology Volume 1,

Issue 2, Pg.202- 206

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 ABBREVIATIONS

IIT: Indian Institution of Technology

FRL: Filter Regulator Lubricator

DC: Direct Current

AC: Alternating Current

PMDC: Permanent Magnet Direct Current

RPM: Revolutions per Minute

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