Week 11-Methodology_Project Parts

Input (Generator)

The input which is the generator or power supply in this project will be used to generate power. A dynamo of output power 6W 12V AC are used as the generator. The dynamo will generate power when it is being rotated by a crank shaft attached to it.

AC-DC converter

The power generate from the dynamo will enter the AC-DC converter that will convert AC power from dynamo into DC power. The AC-DC converter consists of bridge rectifier, capacitors, and voltage regulator IC as shown below:

 

Charging Circuit

The function of charging circuit is to control the amount of current used to charge the super capacitors in super capacitor block. Over amount of current entering super capacitors will damage it. To avoid any damage, the amount of current entering the super capacitors needs to be reduced when it is reaching its full capacity.

PIC Controller and Series / Parallel circuitry

The PIC controller is used to control and change the series or parallel connection between each and every super capacitor in the super capacitor block. In series connection the total capacitance will be reduced, so any capacitor will attain its full capacity much faster compare to when it is in parallel connection, and this also applies for super capacitor used in this project. The reason for the need of connecting super capacitors in parallel is to obtain higher output voltage from the super capacitor block. So, it can be said that the PIC controller will set the connection between super capacitors in series and parallel when charging and discharging respectively.

Super Capacitor Block

This super capacitor block is used in replacement of a rechargeable battery. The need of forming super capacitor block instead of using one super capacitor as the charge storage is due to its low capacity compared to that of a battery. Connecting capacitors in parallel will increase its capacity which makes it able to supply power for longer period as compare to using only one capacitor, and this also applies for super capacitor used in this project.

DC-DC Booster

The DC-DC booster is used to boost up the voltage produce from the super capacitor to a level that can be used to charge up electronic device. It is needed as the voltage produce from the super capacitor block may not be sufficient to give a good potential difference flow from the output to input of electronic device.