Design and Implementation of Electrical Power Generation Unit Using Speed Breaker

Abstract

The issue of energy is a big concern for the whole world. Its shortage started to be managed by finding alternatives of non-conventional sources. A high amount of vehicle energy is wasted on the normal speed breaker. The purpose of this research is the development of a speed breaker device that produces a considerable amount of electricity which could be used for street lights and traffic signals. The principle of this mechanism is the conversion of the kinetic energy of vehicles on roads into electrical power. Review of a considerable amount of literature related to power generation approaches and speed breakers in particular was conducted. A prototype of a speed breaker of a shaft and chain drive mechanism type was designed consisting of plate, shaft, primary chain drive, flywheel, gearbox, secondary chain drive and bicycle dynamo. These components are simple and of low cost. Thus the prototype is implemented and constructed. The helical spring allows the speed breaker returns to its normal position after the vehicle passes over it and the flywheel regulates the fluctuation in energy. The prototype was tested, the dynamo was found unstable and therefor readjusted and fixed accordingly. Within the period of one minute and 30 strokes the achieved results were found ranging (104-352) millivolts. There is a motion which generates voltage that varies according to stroke and weight. I believe that these achieved results are satisfactory and convenient. The prototype is efficient as the output resulted from the human force applied on the plate was satisfactory. As well the helical spring used in this prototype controls the applied force, vibrations, motion and reduces impact as shock absorbers. On the other hand the gearbox accelerates the speed.