1. SECME Generator Building Competition

2. TOPICS Purpose Basic Theory of Electrical Generators Competition
Generator Building Instructions

3. PURPOSE

4. Purpose
The generator building competition will prepare students for other STEM programs by challenging them to understand the following:
Basic forms of energy, including electrical and mechanical
The basic magnetic theory
The relationship between magnetic and electric fields.
The flow of electrical circuits.
The law of electromagnetic induction (Faraday’s Law).

6. BASIC THEORY of ELECTRICAL GENERATORS

7. Basic Theory How does a Generator Work?
It’s a machine designed to convert Mechanical Energy to Electrical Energy.
Based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which was introduced by Michael Faraday in 1831.
Three things are required to build a generator:
A magnetic field
Current carrying conductor
Relative motion between the two.

8. Basic Theory Magnets
Magnets: material or object that produce a magnetic field.
Magnets have a south pole and a north pole
Like poles repel each other
Opposite poles attract each other
Magnetic fields are strongest near the poles

9. Basic Theory Magnets
Magnets can be magnetized through length or thickness.
A compass or another magnet can be used to determine the axis of magnetization.
The magnets that were provided by Broward SECME coordinators are magnetized through their thickness.
Magnetized through thickness
Magnetized through length

10. Basic Theory Faraday’s Law- Electromagnetic Induction
200 years ago Michael Faraday proved that a magnetic field could induce an electric current using this experiment:
Lenz’s law: the induced magnetic field acts to oppose the motion of the changing magnetic field.
E.g. 1: The induced field creates a S pole to repel an approaching S pole.
E.g. 2: The induced field creates a N pole to attract the retreating S pole. 10

11. Basic Theory Overview Faraday’s Law- Electromagnetic Induction
How do we maximize voltage (V) output?
Increase the # of coils (N)
Increase the speed of rotation (ω)
Decrease friction
Lighter magnets
Better wind/hydro fan blades
Increase the Magnetic Flux (Φ)
Use stronger magnets
Ensure that magnets are as close to the wire as possible
N = # of coils of wire
ω = Speed of rotation
Ф = Magnetic flux
Q = Angle between magnetic flux & conductor

12. COMPETITION

13. Competition Rules Team Entry: Design: Communication:
Minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 team members per team.
Maximum two teams per school. If the school is multi-level (elementary, middle, and/or, high) then they may have two entries per level.
Design:
Construct a generator and measure the voltage output
The voltage must be generated using electromagnetic induction (no static electricity, photovoltaic, etc.)
The design should produce a continuous voltage, not a single spike.
Communication:
Teams will be interviewed by judges (written and oral)

14. Scoring Generator Output: (Voltage output x 200)
The highest voltage achieved in a 10 – 30 sec duration will be recorded and added the final score.
Team Interview: Max 100 points
Application of technical principles (40pts) – Written test
Knowledge of design (20pts)
Knowledge of Ohms Law (20pts)
Creativity (20pts)
Design Drawing & Abstract (Middle & High ONLY): Max 100 points
Awards will be for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

15. Generator Requirements and Guidelines
Maximum Dimensions: 30 cm X 30 cm X 30 cm
No batteries, or external voltage source can be used.
No generator kits allowed
All items must be hand assembled
Generator must be able to run continuously for 30sec.
Materials such as wood, cardboard, plastic, etc. can be used for the base of the generator. Long nails, screws, pencils, etc. can be used for the rotor.

16. Material List 500' Maximum of #28AWG Magnetic Wire
Approximate cost: $
Magnets:
Elementary and Middle school must use option (a)
High school may choose either (a) or (b)
These are strong magnets. Handle carefully to avoid pinching. They may lose their magnetism if chipped or damaged.
Keep magnets away from sensitive electronics and credit cards.
(a) Maximum 4: Ceramic Bar Magnets (3/8” x 7/8 x 1-7/8”)
Cost: $
(b) Maximum 12: Neodymium Disc Magnets (3/16” x 1/4”)
Cost: $

17. Elementary School: Rules & Scoring
Safety First!
Students should have an adult present to help with testing.
Gloves & Safety Glasses are encouraged at ALL times.
Rotor will be turned by a standard electric drill at a set speed of approximately 200 rpm.
Judging will be based on the maximum peak voltage output for a duration of 10 seconds.
The rotor is to stick out at least 2cm for the judges to attach the electric drill.

18. Middle School: Rules & Scoring
Safety First!
Students should have an adult present to help with testing.
Gloves & Safety Glasses are encouraged at ALL times.
The students are to construct a generator powered by wind.
Wind source used shall be from the blower portion of a shop/home vacuum. A 3hp, 8amp, 120v vacuum will be used during competition.
Students will operate the vacuum themselves.
Judging will be based upon maximum peak voltage output for a duration of 30 seconds.

19. High School: Rules & Scoring
Safety First!
Students should have an adult present to help with testing.
Gloves & Safety Glasses are encouraged at ALL times.
The students are to construct a generator powered by water.
Water source used shall be from from a 1 gallon container & a funnel with a flow rate of 2gal/min. An automotive transmission funnel with a 1cm opening will be used during competition (see photo on page 31).
Students to place the funnel apparatus and pour the water themselves.
Judging will be based upon maximum peak voltage output for a duration of 30 seconds.
Water shall not come in contact with the generator structure. Students shall build a sheilding device to prevent water from contacting the generator structure.

20. GENERATOR BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS

21. Generator Composition
The rotating parts of a generator are called the rotor. Can be a nail, screw, or metal rod.
Basic generators use strong permanent magnets mounted on the rotor. Magnets always have a pair of poles (N & S).
The stationary parts of a generator are called the stator. The stator consists of a tightly wound coil of wire.

22. Steps to Build Generator
Build the stator from wood, plastic, cardboard, etc. It must be large enough to wind the wire around and it must be able to support the rotor. Generator must be ≤ 30cm x 30 cm x 30cm.
Mount the rotor on the stator. It should be able to turn with little friction. One end of the rotor should extend out at least 2cm from rotor so there is space to apply drill/wind/water.
Mount the magnets on the rotor. The poles must face outwards.
Wrap a coil of wire around the stator. One side of the coil should see a “N” pole and the other side should see a “S” pole.
Scrape of the insulation from the ends of the wire with sandpaper.
Create rotor blades to capture water/wind. Test it (set voltmeter to a/c volts)!
These are the basic steps. Feel free to improvise! 22

23. Sample Design 1 The Correct Construction – Single Magnet
Fleming’s Right Hand Rule
Direction of Current
Rotor
Applies to current flowing in straight conductor
Field, current, motion in different dimensions
Example of a rotating Magnet and a stationary coiled wire

24. Sample Design 1 What Not to Do!
Poles do not point outwards
Magnetic field does not change as shaft rotates
Wire sees a small magnetic field since N & S poles cancel each other.
Violates Fleming’s rule (current in same dimension as motion)
Pay very close attention to the orientation of the magnets with respect to the coil.

25. Magnetic poles must alternate between North & South.
Using Multiple Poles
Correct!
Magnetic poles always come in pairs.
Increasing the # of poles increases the rate of change of magnetic flux, which increases voltage.
Poles must alternate between North & South.
Use compasses to identify and label the poles.
Correct!
Incorrect!
Generated voltage is ~ 0
Magnetic poles must alternate between North & South. 25

26. Sample Design 2 What Not to Do!
Remember Fleming's RHR.
- Ensure that current will not cancel itself out.
Direction of Current
Opposite sides of the coil see the same polarity. Current cancels itself out
The coil must run across a North & South Pole or else the current will cancel itself out. 26

27. Sample Design 2 The Correct Multiple Pole Construction
When connecting coils make a connection between wires across opposite poles.
The coils may be wired up separately, tested, and then connected.
If connected incorrectly the currents will cancel out.
Poles & coils should be equal distance apart so that currents are in phase.
Direction of Current
Stator
If a 4 pole rotor is used, ensure that each end of the coil sees a different polarity
To best utilize a 4 pole generator there should be a coil across each pair of poles. The coils can be tested individually. 27

28. Sample Design 1 Examples

29. Sample Design 2 Examples
This design uses a tightly wound coil instead of straight conductors.
The field can be strengthened/concentrated by wrapping the coil around an iron core.
This design is very similar to Faraday’s experiment.
Try different magnet configurations.
Try different coil shapes.
Note: The lines of magnetic flux are strongest at the ends of the magnets.

30. Sample Design 3 Construction
If a 4 pole rotor is used, ensure that each end of the coil sees a different polarity
Otherwise the induced field & current will cancel itself out. N N N S
Correct
Incorrect

31. Generator Building Rotor Blades
“Give me a lever long enough and I will move the world” – Archimedes, 287 BC
Torque = Force x distance from point of rotation
Try lots of things. Have fun with it!!

32. EXAMPLES

33. EXAMPLES

34. Demonstration During Seminars (only)
Build small model generator
Generates Volts
Exercise
Each group will be given a stator (cardboard), rotor (screw), magnets and wire (100’)
Mount magnets on the rotor in the proper configuration
Wrap wire around the stator
Remove insulation from the ends of the wire
Test the generator
Discussion