How could a DC electric motor be used to power a computer?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on utilizing a DC electric motor as a generator to power a laptop during camping. Participants emphasize that a DC motor can function as a generator, producing voltage when its shaft is spun. Key considerations include the power requirements of a laptop, typically around 12 Watts, and the efficiency of the motor when used as a generator. Participants also highlight the importance of understanding voltage output and the necessary circuitry to convert this output for laptop compatibility.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of DC electric motors and generators
  • Basic electrical concepts such as voltage and power
  • Knowledge of energy consumption metrics (Watts vs. Watt-hours)
  • Familiarity with electrical circuitry for voltage conversion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the efficiency of DC motors as generators
  • Learn about voltage regulation techniques for electronics
  • Explore power requirements for various laptop models
  • Investigate methods for calculating mechanical input power needed for motor operation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, hobbyists interested in renewable energy solutions, and anyone exploring practical applications of DC motors in portable power generation.

angie19
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Homework Statement


A group of students found an old DC electric motor in a box. They were looking for a small generator they could use to power their computer while they were out camping.
Explain how they might do this with the motor they found.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
A motor is also a generator
 
angie19 said:

Homework Statement


A group of students found an old DC electric motor in a box. They were looking for a small generator they could use to power their computer while they were out camping.
Explain how they might do this with the motor they found.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Angie, you need to fill out all 3 sections of the Template. Please post some Relevant Equations (voltage, power, etc.), and show your initial thoughts on how to answer this schoolwork question. Thank you. :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Angie, you need to fill out all 3 sections of the Template. Please post some Relevant Equations (voltage, power, etc.), and show your initial thoughts on how to answer this schoolwork question. Thank you. :smile:
Im finding this really hard trying to post a question
 
angie19 said:
Im finding this really hard trying to post a question
How can we help?
 
berkeman said:
How can we help?
I am trying to ask a question I do not get these templets I have to fill out
 
So when first posting your question, just try to fill out all 3 sections as best as you can, especially the Attempt at a Solution.

For now, don't worry about going back to try to edit your first post. Instead, just tell us some of your thoughts on how you could answer the question. How would you provide power to the motor? What affects the output voltage of the motor when you spin the shaft? How would you convert that output voltage to something that a computer could use?

How much power does a typical laptop computer require? What is the typical efficiency of a generator (or a motor being used as a generator)? How much input mechanical power would be needed to spin the motor shaft?
 
angie19 said:
Explain how they might do this with the motor they found.
I think this question is designed to make you think about how a dc motor could be used as an electric generator. Would it be an acceptable (and sufficient) answer? Or are you supposed to show the exact circuitry and calculations?
 
cnh1995 said:
I think this question is designed to make you think about how a dc motor could be used as an electric generator. Would it be an acceptable (and sufficient) answer? Or are you supposed to show the exact circuitry and calculations?
what i have so far is low end of power consumption for a lab top is 12 wh of electricity, what I gather from this question is trying to figure out how this dc generator could be applied in order to produce power
 
  • #10
angie19 said:
power consumption for a lab top is 12 wh of electricity,
Power is just in units of Watts, not Watt*Hours. Energy is power * time, so if you were looking at batteries, you would size their energy storage in W*Hr to see how long they could power the load.

So is the laptop you are looking at 12W? That sounds low, but maybe it's possible.
 
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