CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

A dynamo is a device that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy.

It operates by generating direct current electricity through electromagnetism.
Unlike typical phone chargers that rely on electrical outlets, this research aims to
create a charger that harnesses the power of wind for charging. Wind is a readily
available source of energy, and the researchers envisioned a charger capable of
extracting electricity from the wind.

In the realm of Communication Engineering (2014), it is emphasized that the

battery and the load remain permanently connected in parallel to a DC charging
source, maintaining a constant voltage below the battery's upper voltage limit.
This charger is designed to provide a clean, regulated voltage output that won't
cause issues for the battery or the connected circuit. The charger's performance
must align with the specific requirements dictated by the battery type and its
intended application.

Sudhakar and Saxena (2013) explored the concept of a wind battery charger
designed to charge mobile phones or batteries while on the move. This
technology offers a solution for meeting emergency power needs when grid
electricity is unavailable. Moreover, it is portable, cost-effective, and energy-
efficient. With further adjustments, this system could be adapted to charge
everyday gadgets.

Today, mobile phones have become an integral part of daily life, featuring
advanced technologies. However, the challenge of charging phone batteries,
often due to power supply issues, remains unresolved. Despite the technological
advancements in mobile phones, the batteries struggle to keep up with the
increasing power demands driven by their expanding functionalities. Therefore,
there is a strong desire to reduce the reliance on conventional power sources and
transition towards harvesting renewable energy from the environment, as
highlighted in the Indian Journal of Science and Technology (March 2016).

Wind power stands out as a promising candidate due to its widespread

availability. Additionally, wind turbines produce clean energy without the need
for transportation fuels that can harm the environment. Modern wind turbines
are cost-effective and efficient in generating power, making them a reliable
source of electrical energy. By utilizing wind turbines, wind energy can be
converted into electricity, serving as a mobile charger's power supply.

In recent times, as the global population rapidly increases, natural resources are
being exploited to their maximum capacity. Some studies suggest that oil reserves
may be depleted within the next 15 decades, and global energy demand is
projected to triple by 2050. In light of these concerns for future generations,
numerous studies have emphasized the importance of sustainable development
and efficient energy conservation. Many innovations have been developed to
harness renewable energy sources for various applications [1]. Two crucial
aspects of renewable energy are energy management and energy conservation
[2]. The most commonly harnessed renewable energy sources include wind,
hydro, and sunlight. Among these, wind power is considered a reliable energy
source because any moving object generates wind, in addition to naturally
occurring wind. Furthermore, wind energy conversion does not contribute to the
greenhouse effect.

Wind energy is derived from the motion of the air. Previous research has
focused on harnessing wind energy for large-scale applications such as electricity
generation for rural areas, windmills, and well water pumping. More recent
studies, however, have shifted their focus to harvesting wind energy for smaller-
scale, portable applications. In these applications, compact turbines are designed
to be mounted on various land vehicles with sufficient storage capacity to power
most electronic devices available on the market.

A portable charger with energy storage, commonly referred to as a "Power

Bank," has become a crucial device for charging electronic gadgets in the absence
of a power supply. These power banks contain rechargeable cells capable of
storing enough energy to fully charge a device at least twice. In today's world,
where electronic devices are integral to communication, charging a device while
on the go can be challenging due to limited access to power sources, especially
when the power bank is fully depleted. Wind energy generated by moving modes
of transportation, such as passing trains, cars, and motorcycles, often goes to
waste.

In light of the global crisis and the depletion of mineral resources through
overexploitation, there is a growing concern about the shortage of power
generation in densely populated countries [3]. Therefore, researchers are working
to implement sustainable solutions to provide electricity for charging mobile
phones and laptops. One such approach involves a wind energy extraction
mechanism, utilizing a unique vertical axis blade design instead of traditional
blades. These blades are mounted on an 8-inch PVC rod, which is lightweight and
rigid, with one blade having a larger surface on the inner part and the other
having a flexible smaller surface on the outer part.

Another study [4] aimed to address the issue of charging mobile phones while
traveling. This system combines a 220V power supply, a wind harvesting system
for power generation, and a manually operated human-powered generator. A DC
generator is incorporated with a turbine to harness wind energy, and a step-down
transformer converts 220V AC into 9V AC, which is further rectified to produce 5V
DC for charging.

Chargers play a critical role in charging secondary cells and rechargeable

batteries [5]. Similarly, another study [6] focused on developing a system to
charge the battery of an electric motorcycle. These electric two-wheelers are not
only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly as they do not emit carbon
emissions. However, they often rely on home charging or charging stations, which
can be inconvenient during long journeys. This research introduces a system
where the motorcycle's battery can be charged while in motion by harnessing
wind energy from the surroundings.

In this system, a wind turbine acts as the prime mover for a connected DC
generator [7]. A different approach [8] combines wind and solar energy harvesting
for continuous electric vehicle battery charging. The rationale behind this
approach lies in addressing global issues such as global warming, environmental
pollution, and rising oil prices. The results showed that the combination of solar
and wind energy produced up to 2.5 kW of power during vehicle motion, with a
25% power discharge for every 10 kW used by the electric motor.

Another study [9] focused on energy storage systems for wind turbine
generators, combining Vanadium-redox flow batteries (VRB) and supercapacitors
to enhance power generation and storage efficiency. While various storage
technologies are available, they often fall short of meeting microgrid application
requirements. Microgrids manage interconnected loads and distributed energy
sources, offering versatility in configuration, whether independent or parallel to
the existing utility grid. The model in this study utilized a supercapacitor with a
capacity of 0.58-F and 400-V.
 In a study concerning portable wind turbines for mobile phone charging [10], a
legion meter was integrated instead of a traditional storage system. The wind
turbine was connected to an electric generator capable of producing high output
at lower RPMs. However, the initial generator output was insufficient to charge
devices effectively. To address this issue, a legion meter was added to boost the
generator's output. The legion meter's voltage range was between 3 to 6V, and it
effectively amplified the generator's output.

As highlighted by [11], harnessing energy from unconventional sources and

conducting cutting-edge research is essential for the benefit of both people and
industries. Many heavy machinery operations produce surplus energy that often
goes to waste. Wind energy has been utilized for centuries as an alternative
energy source for development. One approach presented by [8] involved a
turbine designed to exploit the property of DC motors, which can produce voltage
when their shafts rotate. This model incorporated three DC motors connected to
turbine blades to ensure rotational movement when exposed to wind energy. The
turbine was constructed using 7 mm wide and 2 mm thick aluminum pieces.

Another investigation [12] delved into the Agile Wind Energy Harvesting
Technique, a method for generating milliwatt electrical power from wind energy
flow. This technique utilizes both fixed and dynamic components that vibrate due
to mechanical energy from the wind. The power generated depends on the
system size, wind speed, and environmental conditions. The study referenced the
Betz limit, which suggests that a wind turbine cannot convert more than 59% of
the kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy.

The primary goal of this research is to design and develop a wind energy
harvesting system for charging a motorcycle's power bank. The proposed system
is expected to deliver a 5V output, sufficient for charging any portable power
bank. Additionally, when charging is not required, the energy harvested from the
wind can be stored for later use.
 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Input

Material Required

 Dynamo
 Usb Cable
 Propeller
 Diode Capacitor
 Voltage Regulator

Process

 Conceptual Design
 Prototype Testing
 Analysis of Data “Acceptability of Wind Powered Mobile
 Interpretation of Data Charger mounted on Motorcycle”
 Survey Questions