- #1
tmoney
- 8
- 0
Hi
I just wanted to run this hypothetical power plant idea past you physics guys to see what kind of feedback I could get.
My general question is "Could man-power through the use of massive gears, be used to turn a very large generator.?"
The generators used in the Three Gorges Dam(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Gorges_Dam" ) can generate 700MW of power and are about 75 feet in diameter. What kind of force would it take to get this thing spinning? My idea is to build a massive "outer" gear lined with manned pushing posts around the entire circumference. The generator would be in the center. Through the use of many gears that get smaller and smaller, enventually ending up as the rotor of the generator, you could gain massive mechanical advantage. The men would push at a walking pace while the center rotor spun at a great rate. I am picturing 100, 200, 500 men, not sure. Any initial thoughts? I realize there are several unknowns in this. I just want to gets some thoughts rolling. Thanks
Here is a pic of the generator.
http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2008-w25/img.249065_t.jpg"
OOps, I just realized this should be under the engineering section, sorry
I just wanted to run this hypothetical power plant idea past you physics guys to see what kind of feedback I could get.
My general question is "Could man-power through the use of massive gears, be used to turn a very large generator.?"
The generators used in the Three Gorges Dam(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Gorges_Dam" ) can generate 700MW of power and are about 75 feet in diameter. What kind of force would it take to get this thing spinning? My idea is to build a massive "outer" gear lined with manned pushing posts around the entire circumference. The generator would be in the center. Through the use of many gears that get smaller and smaller, enventually ending up as the rotor of the generator, you could gain massive mechanical advantage. The men would push at a walking pace while the center rotor spun at a great rate. I am picturing 100, 200, 500 men, not sure. Any initial thoughts? I realize there are several unknowns in this. I just want to gets some thoughts rolling. Thanks
Here is a pic of the generator.
http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2008-w25/img.249065_t.jpg"
OOps, I just realized this should be under the engineering section, sorry
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