For my midterm project in Mechanisms I created a electric generator powered by steam. For safety concerns with NYU I am using compressed air to power the electric generator. Currently, this project isn’t finished. Air leaks out of the top of the tapped pipe. I tried to patch the leaks with plumbers putty, but air is still escaping. Also, I need to add a safety valve before I begin to power it by steam.
Posts Tagged ‘electric generator’
Week 5 – Midterm Project Proposal
2010 -
02.27
Mechanisms Midterm Project Proposal
February. 25, 2010
For my midterm project I would like to make a electric generator using steam. The components that I will need are a heat source, boiler, piping, turbine, electric generator, and a electrical output.
The heat source will a propane torch. This can be purchased at Home Depot for about $45 with propane tank. I will also use the torch to solder the piping together. The boiler will either be a found item that can suit the requirements of a boiler or I will make a boiler out of copper piping and caps. I will need a 2 inch copper pipe with 2 inch copper caps. The total cost for these parts is $24. For the turbine I plan to convert an air grinder into a turbine motor. I am hoping the boiler can build enough pressure to power the air grinder. The air grinder will cost nothing because I have an air grinder that I can convert. I plan on using an electric motor for the generator. I have plenty of motors to choose from and will have to see which one will work best. I will need a linkage from the air grinder to the electric motor. I plan on using spare parts that I have to create the linkage. I then use a light to show the energy being create by the generator. The total cost for this project will be around $90 half of this is for the propane torch. I also allowing $21 for fittings and scrap metal.
Schedule:
February 25 – March 1…. Order supplies
March 2 – 4……………….Construct Boiler
March 5 – 6……………….Pressure test boiler and adjust if needed and construct turbine and motor linkage
March 7.….……………….Attach Turbine (Air Grinder) to boiler, assemble and attach linkage to turbine and motor
March 8…………………..Troubleshoot any problems
March 9…………………..Troubleshooting
March 10………………….Mount and fix components to base, connect output light
March 11………………….Present