Turn motion into light
Due: Generator demo in Week 3 (Feb 8), project presentation in Week 5 (Feb 22).
We begin the hands-on work of the class with a literal hands-on assignment: turning cranks to generate electricity. Any relative motion between magnets and conductors will induce electrical current in the conductor. Thus electrical motors are also electrical generators, and you can use this fact to easily power things with motion. A relatively forgiving thing to power is an LED.
The kinetic project challenge is to turn motion into light. Play around with a few alternatives for generators (say, stepper vs DC gearmotor). What is the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of your generator? Is the output AC or DC? Consider various forms of physical input (say, hand crank vs. foot pedal). How hard is it to turn? What physical activity is the input, and what human muscles or other motion does it capture?
Condition the output of your generator to safely power (at a minimum) a light, which could be a single bulb (of any type) or a more complex display. Consider the efficiency of the light source in lumens per watt.
Awards will be given for Brightest Light, Most Fun Input, and Most Salvaged Materials.
Work individually or in groups of up 3. Document your project in detail, with measurements; show off generators in class in week 3; and formally present the project in Week 5, February 22.