FINAL YEAR PROJECT BY STUDENTS OF THAPATHALI CAMPUS067BATCH; GRAVITY_POWER_GENERATION

1. INTRODUCTION

Energy Crisis is the rising problem around the world at present. Oil prices are soaring and it looks less and less likely that this is a bubble. The price of coal has doubled. Many nations are plagued by power cuts and disruption of electricity.  Global demand for energy is rising fast as the population increases. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says the world’s energy needs could be 50% higher in 2030 than they are today. Yet the fossil fuels on which the world still depends are finite and far from environmentally friendly. Different alternatives have been developed for the power and electricity so far. Energy from biogas, geothermal, hydropower, solar energy, nuclear energy, wind energy, tidal waves etc. What next? Is it enough or is there something more we are not seeing. How about gravitational force? Is it possible to harvest electricity or power from gravity?

Gravity is a force freely available to us. Gravity alone is a stagnant force and produces no energy on its own but is the force that propels whatever is falling. This tendency of gravitational force to attract any object towards the centre is advantageous. A falling objects produces energy if this energy can be used for energy generation then massive amount of energy can be generated.

Our final year project is in the Gravity power generation mechanism utilizes a gravity conversion unit to convert the gravity potential energy into the kinetic energy. Gravity power conversion unit produces positive torque by adopting outward- spreading single directional swing arms and reduces the negative torques by cooperating with folding action of the single directional swing arm so as to perform long-time, effective and continuous energy conversion. Now the kinetic energy is transmitted to power generation unit to produce the electrical energy. Gravitational energy is environmental friendly as crude fuel use is avoided and need only a little amount of starting energy to carry out the energy output for certain period of time. Gravitational power generation system is more stable than wind power generation system and solar power generation system and can be placed at any arbitrary position without being affected by the external environment. This mechanism not only can independently generate electricity but can be connected parallel to wind and solar power generation system to produce electricity.

2. IMPORTANCE OF THE GRAVITY POWER GENERATION

• More simplified in structure
• Higher conversion ratio
• More environment friendly
• Need a little of starting energy to perform a long time energy conversion
• More stable force is generated than by solar and wind power generation can be placed at an arbitrary position without being affected by outside environment
• It can independently generate electricity and it can be parallel connected to the wind power and the solar power generation systems to generate electricity

3. OBJECTIVES

Main Objectives:

• To complete the mechanical design project of gravity power generation mechanism

Specific Objectives:

• To generate torque
• To use gravitational potential energy for generating useful power
• To determine the possible losses during the operation of our mechanism
• To find out the possible causes of failure if it fails

4. LIMITATIONS

• The Gravity Masses should be uniform regarding its density and mass.
• The assumption of continuous rotation of the gravitational power generation system after a little starting torque is not feasible due to the frictional losses, loss due to torque used by self mass of chain damping forces, etc. Thus rotation is possible for a certain period of time only.
• The unidirectional swing arm length from the fixed base should be uniform.
• The movable base along with swing arm should freely rotate at an angle of 90° about the knot unidirectionally.
• Gravitational force is weak force when compared with chemical, thermal forces or radioactivity or electro-magnetism.
• We are able to make the small size of model for the project due to lack of time, for high power generation size should be large.
• Proper alignment of upper and lower sprocket.
• Sagging of chain might occur due to the motion of moving member.

5. LITERATURE REVIEW

The energy generated from Renewable sources is also not continuous throughout the day for 24hrs.Therefore a source through which energy can be harvested continuously for 24hrs is to be found. Gravity is the force that is present on the earth at every instant of time, hence with suitable mechanism it can be used as a source to generate Electrical energy. An arrangement is made in such a way that the Kinetic Energy of a body due to the gravitational force is converted into electrical energy.

As gravity is weak as compared to the other sources, it cannot be efficiently converted into electrical energy or in the other form. The concept of gravity power generation is simple. The basic concept of gravity power generation mechanism is, when a body moves down from higher altitude to lower one its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

*Sir Issac Newton had discovered the phenomenon of gravity near 400 years ago.

*London researches Martin Riddiford and Jim Reeves who have spent four years for developing gravity light as an off line project.

**Chun-chao Wang and Yuh-suiang Wang has successfully invents the concept of gravity power generation mechanism. In his concept, more simplified mechanism is used for the generation of the electricity. The primary objective of his invention is to provide gravity power generation mechanism which can provide a continuous and stable operation to continuously convert the gravity potential energy into the kinetic energy and then to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy.

*Russian Inventor, Mikhail Dmitriev to know about his gravity motor. He has apparently devised a mechanism whereby static gravitational pull can be harness to generate useful energy. He has worked for many years developing and testing gravity powered devices and he has been very successful in his work. His various designs is based on the principle of having weights attached to a wheel and arranging for those weights to be offset outwards when falling and offset inwards when rising. Because of the different lever arms involved, that gives a force imbalance which causes the wheel to rotate continuously and if the weights are of a considerable size, then the rotation is powerful and can be used to generate electrical energy.

*source A Review on Gravity Power Generation by  Mr. Rakesh S. Ambade  et al

**source An article on gravity power generation mechanism by -chao Wang and Yuh-suiang Wang

One challenge in this mechanism is about getting continuous supply of energy. A body cannot go downward infinitely, but for continuous power generation this practically impossible scenario is necessary. An interesting solution for this problem was invented by Mr. Rajesh Mulchandani and he has applied for patent. He uses gravity and buoyancy of water to generate a continuous up and down motion. The mechanism consists of a water filled tank with 50-60meters high with 2 balanced masses capable of moving using both buoyancy and gravity.

Calculation Of  Torque

We have;

Torque from theoretically obtained formula by:

Inventor: Chun-Chao WANG ,US(Pub no.: US 2009/0115195 A1)

• negative torque=NM(R+r) ………equation (1)
• positive torque=NM(R+L+r)

                                =NM(R+r)+NML ……..equation (2)

• The output driving torque of the gravity power generationmechanism(Tp)

             Tp =positive torque-negative torque

             Tp =NM(R+r) – NM(R+r)+NML

            Tp =MNL ……..equation (3)

            Tp =63*11*8 (mass =63 grm , N= 11, L=8cm)

            Tp = 543.87 Nmm

where,

Tp: the torque produced during the gravity power generation mechanism

M: the mass of the gravity member

N: the quantity of the single directional swing arms

L: the total length of the single swing arm

R: the radius of the wheel member

r: the radius of the gravity member

From design data hand book by K. Mahadevan:

D1 N1= D2 N2 …….equation (4)

Supposing N1=60 RPM

N2= D1 N1/ D2

N2= 18.8*60/6.6

N2≈171 RPM

Tr=10⁶P/(2∏ N2/60)  …….equation (5)

 (supposing power to be generated 10W)

Tr=558.4 Nmm

where,

D1=Diameter of larger sprocket (18.8 cm)

D2=diameter of smaller sprocket(6.6 cm)

N1=RPM of larger sprockets(60 RPM)

N2=RPM of smaller sprockets

P=power in KW

Tr= torque required

Recommended Calculation

• Torque required = 558.4 N.mm
• Torque generated =543.87 N.mm

Now increasing mass from 63 gm to 70 gm

• Torque generated = 70*11*8

                           = 603.68 N.mm

So 70 gm mass is recommended for required torque generation.

• Velocity of chain mechanism=R1*2∏N1/60 …………equation (6)

                                         =590mm/sec

Bending moments in arm;

Fig 1. Bending Moment in the arm

Here,

L=8cm

W=63 gm

Vertical shear :

                           V= -W.g ……..equation (7)

                             =63*9.8

                              =0.6174N

Bending Moment M,

                       M= -WL ………..equation (8)

                           = – (63*9.8*8)

                           = -0.0494 Nm

Maximum Deflection y,

                          y    =              -FL³/3EI   ……….equation (9)     (at end point )

                                                I=   …………equation (10)

                                     I= 3.97*10–¹²  m4

                        y         =                {E=63Gpa}

                                   =0.42 mm

Chain:

Speed of chain, m/s

V=Pzn/1000  ………equation (11)

where,

P = pitch of the chain in mm

Z=no. of sprocket teeth

n= sprocket speed in rps

Tangential force, N

            F =  ………equation (12)

where,  p is transmitting power in Kw

Centrifugal tension,N

Fc  = W’v2/g …….equation (13)

where , W’ is weight per meter length

Tension due to sagging, N

F2 = K2 W’C …….equation (14)

where , K2 is coefficient for sag which is equal to 4 upto 400C is center distance

Frictional factor:

Chains and belts dissipate power through friction, stretch and wear, which means the power output is actually less than the power input.  A chain or belt drive can lose as much as 5% of the power through the system in friction heat, deformation and wear; in this case the efficiency of the drive is 95%.

Damping analysis:

Data collected from experiment:

When Initial speed to lower sprocket of 171 RPM  is obtained as mentioned above,

Angular speed of lower sprocket will be;

 ω =

    = 17.90 rad/sec

Fig. 1: Damping Analysis

Existing Technology

A Brazilian Company RAR Energia Ltd Gravity Motor is building a huge demonstration prototype with tons of steel; capable of producing 30KW continuous. [1]

Romanian inventor, Daniel Bentea, has built a Gravity Engine that runs continuously from power of gravity and gives output between 4.5 and 35 KW- more than enough to power a house. [2]

An inventor from Bangladesh has invented what he calls a heavy Circular Moving Object’s Trigerring Energy Conversion (HECMOTE) to capture gravitational energy to run traditional generators. An experimental 100 KW plant has been running since 2011. [3]

Nagendra Singh of Mumbai, India, Built a Gravity power motor known as Ozzo Gravity Motor. Allegedly, the generators are available in 5 KVA, 10 KVA, 20 KVA, 25 KVA configuration.

SWOT Analysis

Table 2. SWOT Analysis

Strengths ·       No external power required for running except a little starting torque ·       Environment friendly	Weaknesses ·       Losses in friction in chain mechanism ·       Every part should be precise ·       Non-uniformity in masses may cause failure
Opportunities ·       May solve energy crises ·       Multiply RPM without external supply	Threats ·       A little failure in design cause failure in Mechanism ·       Very difficult to construct for higher torque generation

Related Research Paper:

• An article on topics gravity power generation mechanism by Chun- Chao WANG
• A review on gravity power generation by Mr. Rakesh S. Ambade, Mr. Roushan Prabhakar, Mr. Rupesh S. Tayade
• Power Generation through Gravity and Kinetic Energy by Md. Muqtar Ahmed, Heena Naaz

6. DESIGN DESCRIPTION

Gravity Power Generation unit includes two sprockets (one larger and another smaller), plurality of the swing arms which are mounted on the quarterly movable base. These movable base are pivoted on the fixed base supports. These base supports are fixed on the roller chain by rivets.  The swing arms are mounted on the movable base on one side and are allowed to pivotally rotate through an angle of 90° thus called single directional swing arms. These single directional swing arms are equidistantly positioned in the roller chain. The outer end of the single directional swing arm is fixed with rectangular gravity members (load).

The gravity energy conversion unit produces positive torques by adopting outward-spreading single directional swing arms at one side of design and reduces the negative torques by cooperating with the folding action of the single directional swing arms on the other side of design. This action result to a long-time, effective and continuous energy conversion of converting gravity potential energy into the kinetic energy. The gravity members/ load at the outer end of the swing arm will combine with the positive torque to generate the larger positive energy.

The smaller negative torque at the other side with the frictional loss and the load loss reduces the negative energy of the gravity power generation unit. Therefore the design of the gravity power generation system can keep running continuously impel and the single directional swing arms self operate under the action of the gravity. This continuous motion cause the conversion of gravity potential energy into the kinetic energy. The connecting shaft  passing through the smaller sprocket  transmits the kinetic energy into other mechanical work.

The detail description of the parts of the gravity power generation system is given below:

Table 3.: Description Of Different Part used in the project

Fig. 3: Pictorial Diagram of the Gravity Power Generation Mechanism

Fig. 4: Auto-CAD 3D view of the inner section of the Gravity Power Generation Mechanism without stand and power conversion unit

 METHODOLOGY 

The Method we adopted for the development of the Gravity Power Generation mechanism is systematically arranged below:

• Project team formation
• group meeting
• Idea generation, group discussion, idea defense and final selection based on SWOT analysis was done.
• Pure technical formulas, standards were considered with a Auto Cad drawing.
• Pre requisite of our project were discussed and collected such as chain, plate sheet, arm materials etcs.
• Feasible design were discussed and implied, in case of failure of design, redesigning were done.
• Base supporter and arm holder was made according to design
• Mass needed was made using power cutting machine
• We fixed base supporter in chain
• We Fixed arms in arm holder
• Assembling of final chain sprocket mechanism was done
• After that mechanism is fixed to frame.

8. FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

This project is to generate power from gravitational potential energy, which is weak source of energy as compare to other form of energy sources.  As gravitational energy is free and available everywhere, there is greater scope and opportunity for using this gravitational energy for converting into other form of renewable energy.  During carrying out our project various problem arose.  Even a small metrological error causes the overall failure of project.  Frictional losses and losses due to damping parameters are the major problem causing factors so we have to study for optimum reduction of such factors.

Technical feasibility:

• Prototype for our project can be made by locally available sources and machine available in college
• Gravitational energy is available everywhere
• Single directional swing arm can be made from our design of combination of base and movable support

Socio-economic feasibility:

• Environment friendly
• Pure renewable source of energy
• Can be use as replacement of other form of energy

9. CONCLUSION

In our project Gravity power Generation Mechanism the Torque required is 558.4 N.mm to generate the torque of 543.87 N.mm by mechanism, mass should increase from 63 gm to 70 gm. Then the project pro-type model will rotate for a certain period of time with only a little starting speed of upper sprocket of about 60 RPM.

After input speed of 60 RPM too, our mechanism failed to rotate for longer period of time due to certain reasons such as:

• Non uniformity of shaft material and its diameter
• Not enough weight of gravity mass
• Sagging of chain was unexpectedly high
• Problem arose in unidirectional swing arm due to sagging of chain
• Damping factor due to friction

10. RECOMMENDATION

Applying oil into the space between pins, bushing and rollers forms oil films which then helps reduce wear of parts as well as absorb impact.  Oil also cools down heat generated in the chain.  Use good quality mineral oil to lubricate chain.

When chain drive mechanism is kept at vertical then, elongated chain may sag below the bottom sprockets.  In this case, when a small sprocket is arranged below a large sprocket, the elongated chain may drop away from the small sprocket to prevent this, we should maintain the angle at maximum 600, and you may design vertical arrangement then use small sprockets as supporter.

When the load varies during operation, you may install the initial tension either on load or loose side of chain.  This can remove vibration and reduces noise of chain.

Proper alignment of upper and lower sprockets may take in mind otherwise chain rotation won’t cope with speed of sprockets.

For further research on this mechanism pulleys and shafts may designed with light materials, base and moving base may designed with materials of high strength, arm material may be of light and strong enough to carry masses.  Perfect alignment of masses during rotation may help for the smooth running so research for this may help for operation of project.

11. REFERENCES

Gravity power generation mechanism

Inventor: Chun-chao WANG, Kaohsiung

                 city(TW);Yuh-Suiang Wang,

[1] PESWiki and PureEnergyBlog;May 3, 2013

[2] PESWiki;June 29, 2013

[3] PESWiki;December 27, 2013

[4] PESWiki;January 7, 2014

Submitted by:

Alisa Rajbanshi

Geeta Basyal

Govinda Acharya

Prakash Neupane

Rishi Raj Devkota

Zeevan Bhandari