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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of a DC electric motor as a generator to power a computer while camping. Participants explore the feasibility of this idea and the necessary considerations for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy suitable for a laptop.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the dual nature of a motor as a generator and question how to effectively harness this capability. There are inquiries about the required power output for a laptop and the efficiency of using a motor in this context. Some participants suggest considering the mechanical power needed to operate the motor and the specifics of voltage conversion for compatibility with a computer.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants offering guidance on how to approach the problem. There is a focus on understanding the requirements for power generation and the implications of using a DC motor in this manner. Multiple interpretations of the question are being explored, particularly regarding the level of detail needed in the response.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the template requirements for posting, indicating a potential barrier to fully engaging with the problem. There is also a discussion about the power consumption of laptops, with varying estimates being mentioned.

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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