Hand Crank Generator Design: Help Needed

[tandoorichicken]

Hello all,

I have to design a hand crank generator to produce power for some downstream application. The amount of power is on the order of that needed for anything between a heavy-duty flashlight to one of those desktop mini-fridges that hold one soda can.
Thing is, I'm drawing a blank on the physics of an electric motor. I need to know what variables power generation depends on, i.e., number of coils, speed of rotation, torque of rotation etc.

Also, I was planning on connecting the hand crank to an electric motor type device to produce power, but does anyone have any other suggestions specifically for the hand-cranking mechanism?

Can anyone help me out please? Thanks in advance.

 

[TVP45]

Many people sell hand crank generators similar to what you ask for. However, if you want to build one, get an old car generator (VW bugs had small ones) and a bicycle rear wheel/crank to drive it. A lot of radios have been run off that combination.

 

[ravenprp]

Hello there,

Designing a hand crank generator can be a challenging but rewarding task. First, let's start with the physics of an electric motor. The key variables that affect power generation are the number of coils, speed of rotation, and torque of rotation. The number of coils will determine the strength of the magnetic field and ultimately the amount of electricity produced. The speed of rotation will determine the frequency of the electricity generated, while the torque of rotation will determine the amount of force needed to turn the generator and produce electricity.

As for the hand-cranking mechanism, there are a few options you could consider. One option is to use a gear system to increase the speed of rotation and therefore increase the electricity produced. Another option is to use a flywheel to store energy and release it in bursts, which can be more efficient for powering devices with varying power needs. Additionally, you could look into using a crank mechanism with a lever arm to increase the torque of rotation and make it easier to turn the generator.

Overall, the key to designing a successful hand crank generator is finding the right balance between the number of coils, speed of rotation, and torque of rotation. I recommend doing some research and experimenting with different designs to see what works best for your specific application. Good luck with your project!