Hi, my name is Lillian. I am a rising senior at Saratoga High School. My starter project is the mini piano keyboard. I picked this project because I really enjoy music, and I wanted to make something that my sister, who plays piano, would enjoy. My main project is a bicycle generator that can use the energy generated by the bicycle wheel and convert it into energy to charge my ipod or my phone with a USB port. I really enjoyed making this project because it is environmentally friendly, and I can use it daily. Because we are running low on fossil fuels, I figured that the bicycle generator could help me understand the components of a simple, yet effective fuel saving project.
Here is the link to my Bill of Materials: Lillian BOM
Here is the entire schematic to my project:
Main Project: Bicycle Generator
My second milestone video shows the finished electrical part of the project, excluding the generator. After the rectifier, the energy goes to a charging circuit specifically for Lithium-ion batteries that lowers the voltage down to 4.2 so that it can charge the battery safely. When the battery is charging, it is not possible to discharge, so I installed a SPDT switch. This allows me to switch between the connection between battery and charging circuit, and the battery and output. The output from the battery goes to a switching voltage regulator that steps up the voltage to 5 volts so that it can have enough voltage for the usb port. The usb port can now charge any electronics, including my ipod touch and the bike lights.
As you read below, my original project is crossed out because I was informed that the capacitor cannot power a 250 watt motor, so I have to change my project plan. Now, I will not be powering a motor, but collecting the energy from the generator in a battery that will connect to usb ports where I can charge anything like my phone, the bike lights, and other stuff. I will still use the rectifier I made but not the charging circuit.
My main project is a bicycle generator that uses the energy created by the bicycle to power a small motor. The power from the generator is stored in a super capacitor. The capacitor can charge phones and power the motor. The motor can boost the speed of the bike when going up hill or crossing a yellow light.
My first milestone video shows the finished rectifier and charging circuit. Since the power from the generator is AC, the rectifier converts it to DC, which then goes into the charging circuit. The output is 2.7v that will charge the super capacitor.
Starter Project: Mini Piano Keyboard
I made a small piano that has a touch keyboard. It requires two AA batteries to power. I learned how to solder the parts onto the board. The keyboard allows the ability to play three octaves because of the potentiometer. I had lots of fun putting this project together.