As I have been researching similar projects and learning what might be required for PedGen, I have been introduced and re-introduced to some vocabulary.
Words to Know
AC (alternating current) - a type of current that switches directions, i.e. alternates direction of flow. This is the type of current that we use in our homes.
alternator - an alternator is a special type of generator used in motor vehicles. It converts kinetic energy (which turns a shaft) into electrical energy - specifically alternating current (hence its name). Advantages of an alternator are that it contains diodes which convert the AC to DC (for charging a battery) and that it usually has a built-in voltage regulator (to make sure that the voltage remains at a consistent level)
capacitor - A capacitor consists of two conducting plates with a non-conducting material in between. A capacitor can store energy, similar to a battery. In the case of a bicycle generator, the role of a capacitor is to smooth out the pulses of DC (converted from AC) before it goes into the voltage regulator. If you are storing the energy in a battery rather than charging an electronic device directly, then a capacitor may not be necessary.
DC (direct current) - a type of current that flows in one direction only (as opposed to alternating current). Direct current is needed to charge a battery and is the type of current which is output by a battery.
digital multimeter - A digital multimeter is a tool which measures three types of current: amps, volts, and ohms. My first use of a multimeter was to find out if my used bike generator was functional and to find out if it produced AC or DC.
diode - A diode allows current to flow in one direction, but resists flow in the other; therefore, it can be used in a rectifier to convert AC to DC. This is important when the current generated is AC, but DC is needed for charging a battery.
generator - In a generator, mechanical energy (from bicycle pedals, for example) turns a shaft which in turn causes a coil to rotate within a magnetic field. The rotation of the coil in the magnetic field causes a current to flow. In my first generator, the shaft turned the coils and the magnets were stationary; however, in my second generator, the shaft caused the magnet to rotate and the coils were stationary.
motor - A motor works oppositely to a generator. Current is fed into the coil which is within a magnetic field. This produces a magnetic force perpendicular to the magnetic field, so the coils rotates. This rotation turns the shaft which can then do work.
Ohm's law - I = V/R can be solved for V to yield V = IR or Voltage (in volts) = Current (in amps) x resistance (in ohms) This formula can be combined with a form of Joule's Law: P = I^2 R. Combining these equations produces the formula: P = VI. This allows us to calculate the amount of power generated.
rectifier - A rectifier uses one or more diodes to convert AC to DC.
voltage regulator - A voltage regulator does exactly what it says - it prevents the voltage from fluctuating wildly and maintains it within safe/useful boundaries.
Words to Know
AC (alternating current) - a type of current that switches directions, i.e. alternates direction of flow. This is the type of current that we use in our homes.
alternator - an alternator is a special type of generator used in motor vehicles. It converts kinetic energy (which turns a shaft) into electrical energy - specifically alternating current (hence its name). Advantages of an alternator are that it contains diodes which convert the AC to DC (for charging a battery) and that it usually has a built-in voltage regulator (to make sure that the voltage remains at a consistent level)
capacitor - A capacitor consists of two conducting plates with a non-conducting material in between. A capacitor can store energy, similar to a battery. In the case of a bicycle generator, the role of a capacitor is to smooth out the pulses of DC (converted from AC) before it goes into the voltage regulator. If you are storing the energy in a battery rather than charging an electronic device directly, then a capacitor may not be necessary.
DC (direct current) - a type of current that flows in one direction only (as opposed to alternating current). Direct current is needed to charge a battery and is the type of current which is output by a battery.
digital multimeter - A digital multimeter is a tool which measures three types of current: amps, volts, and ohms. My first use of a multimeter was to find out if my used bike generator was functional and to find out if it produced AC or DC.
diode - A diode allows current to flow in one direction, but resists flow in the other; therefore, it can be used in a rectifier to convert AC to DC. This is important when the current generated is AC, but DC is needed for charging a battery.
generator - In a generator, mechanical energy (from bicycle pedals, for example) turns a shaft which in turn causes a coil to rotate within a magnetic field. The rotation of the coil in the magnetic field causes a current to flow. In my first generator, the shaft turned the coils and the magnets were stationary; however, in my second generator, the shaft caused the magnet to rotate and the coils were stationary.
motor - A motor works oppositely to a generator. Current is fed into the coil which is within a magnetic field. This produces a magnetic force perpendicular to the magnetic field, so the coils rotates. This rotation turns the shaft which can then do work.
Ohm's law - I = V/R can be solved for V to yield V = IR or Voltage (in volts) = Current (in amps) x resistance (in ohms) This formula can be combined with a form of Joule's Law: P = I^2 R. Combining these equations produces the formula: P = VI. This allows us to calculate the amount of power generated.
rectifier - A rectifier uses one or more diodes to convert AC to DC.
voltage regulator - A voltage regulator does exactly what it says - it prevents the voltage from fluctuating wildly and maintains it within safe/useful boundaries.