Power Generation by Rowing on an Ergometer A WPI Major Qualifying Project By: Anthony Hannoush, Anthony Mikelonis, and Julie Waddell 04/30/15 1 Power Generation by Rowing on an Ergometer A Major Qualifying Project Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science by Anthony Hannoush Anthony Mikelonis Julie Waddell Date: 30 April 2015 Report Submitted to: Professors Alexander Emanuel and Baliji Panchapakesan Worcester Polytechnic Institute i Abstract The goal of this project is to analyze the mechanical power generated through the use of a Concept2 ergometer by a rower, and to determine if the power generated can be harnessed sing a permanent magnet generator. Using a strain gauge and an optical RPM sensor in conjunction with the ergometer, the force applied by the rower, as well as the resulting angular velocity of the flywheel, can be measured. Measurements from both sensors are recorded using data acquisition software for further analysis. Analysis of the potential power generated by a rower was used to design an axial flux permanent magnet generator that allows for the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy. The dual rotor, single stator generator will output AC power. Our goal is to analytically model this output power. ii Authorship Page I. Introduction: Anthony Mikelonis and Julie Waddell II. Background: Anthony Hannoush and Julie Waddell III. Rowing for Power Generation: Anthony Hannoush, Anthony Mikelonis and Julie Waddell IV. Methodology: Anthony Hannoush and Anthony Mikelonis V. Date Analysis: Anthony Mikelonis VI. Design Development: Julie Waddell VII. Conclusion: Anthony Mikelonis and Julie Waddell VIII. Design Model: Julie Waddell IX. Revisions: Anthony Mikelonis and Julie Waddell Anthony Hannoush: ______________________________ Anthony Mikelonis: ______________________________ Julie Waddell: ______________________________ iii Acknowledgements We woul like to acknowledge and thank the following for advice and support: We would like to give a special thank you to our advisors Professors Alexander Emanuel and Baliji Panchapakesan with continued support and feedback throughout the academic year for this project. Mr. Peter Hefti, an ME laboratory manager, for advice of recommending the signal amplifier for our strain gauge experiments and other equipment that was necessary to complete our experiments in Higgins Laboratory. We also want to acknowledge John Orr, an ECE Professor, and Seyed Masoud Masoud Loeian, a graduate student colleague, for additional feedback and support in the completion of project. Jim Dalton, Chad Bleakney, Craig Johnson, Laura Antul, Douglas Perez, and Emmit Joyal all helped by casually discussing issues regarding the project or its technical methods or by assisting us with the use of 3D modeling softwares. iv Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Authorship Page ............................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iv List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... vii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. ix Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2: Background ................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Notable Methods in Harnessing Renewable Energy for Electricity ..................................... 3 2.1.1 Solar Power .................................................................................................................... 4 2.1.2 Wind power .................................................................................................................... 6 2.1.3 Hydroelectric Power ...................................................................................................... 7 2.1.4 Geothermal Power ......................................................................................................... 8 2.1.5 Biomass ........................................................................................................................ 11 2.1.6 Human Power Harvesting ............................................................................................ 11 2.2 Market Research ................................................................................................................. 13 Chapter 3: Rowing for Power Generation .................................................................................... 18 3.1 Background on Concept 2 ................................................................................................... 18 3.1.1 The Ergometer ............................................................................................................. 19 3.2 Energy Generated by the Concept 2 Rower ........................................................................ 21 3.3 Potential Power ................................................................................................................... 23 Chapter 4: Methodology ............................................................................................................... 26 4.1 Trial Procedure for Rowers ................................................................................................. 26 4.2 Implementation of the Sensors ............................................................................................ 26 4.2.1 Eagle Tree Optical RPM Sensor .................................................................................. 27 4.2.2 Strain Gauge Measurements ........................................................................................ 29 4.3 Data Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 44 4.3.2 Voltage Signal from Amplifier to Torque applied to the Ergometer ........................... 46 4.3.2 RPM and Angular Velocities of the Flywheel ............................................................. 48 4.3.3 Resultant Potential Power from the Rower .................................................................. 49 v Chapter 5: Design Development ................................................................................................... 51 5.1 Generator Design ................................................................................................................ 51 5.1.1 Rotor Design ................................................................................................................ 52 5.1.2 Stator Design ................................................................................................................ 53 5.1.3 Calculating the Reluctance .......................................................................................... 54 5.1.4 Magnetic Characteristics of Design ............................................................................. 57 5.1.5 Calculating the Induced Voltage per Phase ................................................................. 59 5.2 Results of Analytical Model ............................................................................................... 63 Chapter 6: Conclusions & Considerations For Future Development ........................................... 65 Appendix .......................................................................................................................................... i Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... v vi List of Figures Figure 1: U.S. Fuel Mix According to the EPA .............................................................................. 2 Figure 2: Diagram Geothermal to Electricity Process [14] ............................................................ 9 Figure 3: Diagram Biomass to Electricity Process ....................................................................... 11 Figure 4: Graphical representation of the number of memberships from 2000 to 2013 [18] ....... 12 Figure 5: The ReRev Central Processing Unit [21, 22] ................................................................ 14 Figure 6: Team Dynamo [21] ....................................................................................................... 16 Figure 7: Green Revolution Equipment [21] ................................................................................ 17 Figure 8: PM1 Monitor ................................................................................................................. 20 Figure 9: The Rowing Stroke (from top left) The Catch, Drive, Finish, and Recovery [29] ...... 21 Figure 10: Assumed Path of the Blade ......................................................................................... 22 Figure 11: Actual Path of the Blade .............................................................................................. 22 Figure 12: Top View of Flywheel ................................................................................................