Summation of Options & Recommendation

The above is a bare bones summary of this project and a side to side comparison of the options that were studied.

[1] “Student Group Aims to Electrify Sports Center with Bicycles.” Internet: http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/student-group-aims-electrify-sports-center-bicycles-22350/, [5 June 2012].

[2] “Working Bikes.” Internet: http://workingbikes.org/node/3445, [8 May 2012].

Week 9

This has been the final week of the project and the group has been working on putting together a final report and presentation. In order to sum up the project, the group has compiled all of the various data and performed cost analyses to create some conclusions. Using the bicycle to generate power has been deemed inefficient as it would not generate enough power to run the lights, satellite internet, and charge batteries, which were the uses preferred by the wildlife center. It would take 15-24 hours a day to generate  enough power for this. It was been estimated that the bicycle might be in use for 4-6 hours each day. This would produce 0.332 to 0.498 kWh of energy every day. It was previously calculated that for every litre of gas, 1.88 kWh of energy are produced. As 1 litre of gas costs $1, $1 provides 5.3 kWh of energy. According to these calculations, using the bicycle for 4-6 hours every day would amount to saving 6.2 to 9.3 cents a day. This amounts to an average of 7.75 cents a day [(6.2+9.3)/2]. Assuming the bicycle is used every day, it would take 15,133.5 days to gain back the cost of the bicycle, which is approximately 41.5 years.

Using the bicycle powered water pump and storing energy in batteries are the recommended course of action for the Bioko wildlife center. 

The water pump would be able to 5-10 gallons of water every minute to an altitude of 30 meters. The water tank at the wildlife center holds 300 gallons, however they do not use the full amount every day. Regardless, it would only take 30-60 minutes each day to completely fill the water tank.

The wildlife center currently uses 5-6 liters of fuel every day. Each liter of fuel creates 1.88 kWh of energy, which amounts to 9.4 to 11.28 kWh a day. According to the energy calculations, the center only uses 3.34 kWh each day, therefore wasting 6.06 to 7.94 kWh each day. By using the batteries to store the energy produced by the generator, the center would be able to save this wasted energy. As the generator is run for 4 hours each day, it uses 1.375 liters of fuel each hour and creates about 2.585 kWh of energy every hour. If the center only needs 3.34 kWh of power each day, this would cost about $1.8 in fuel and the generator would only need to be run for 0.705 hours each day. 
The center could also chose to run the generator for longer, but not every day. This would save the center $3.2-4.2 each day, amounting to $1168-1533 each year. 

Week 8

The group met with Professor Gallagher on Wednesday, May 24, to discuss how the project has progressed. All team members have made good progress on their individual tasks. A more accurate kWh estimation was calculated using the emailed information from Andrew Fertig. Janet was able to determine a more accurate evaluation as to how much water the bicycle powered water pump would be able to move. This account depends upon the height of the tank from the ground. Jon was able to use the calculated energy needs of the compound to determine the number of batteries needed to store the necessary energy. Details on this progress will be included in future posts.

It was beneficial to meet with Professor Gallagher as it helped the group make sure that the project was progressing as expected. Gallagher expressed no main concerns about the project, just mentioned a few small details such as being extremely detailed in the report, almost to the point of redundancy, and making sure to properly obtain and describe all references. The final report was also discussed and Gallagher gave a few recommendations as to how to set it up.

Generator Calculations

       New information provided by the graduate students at the field station can be used to estimate the energy production of the generator. The amount of gasoline burned in the generator corresponds to total energy created based on accepted values for the energy density of gasoline. One liter of gasoline contains 34 megajoules of energy, stored in the chemical bonds of each hydrocarbon molecule [1]. The energy produced is also affected by the amount of energy lost in the form of heat, unburned fuel, exhaust, friction, and engine cooling. A typical engine will run at around 25 to 30 percent efficiency [2]. Generators, in their conversion of mechanical energy to electrical, operate at around 60-70 percent. For the calculations, it can be assumed that the generator is 20% efficient in converting the chemical energy in gasoline to electrical.

Energy produced by the generator:

Assume: 5-6 liters are consumed, 34MJ/L of gasoline (energy density), 20% efficiency

Max:

20%*34MJ/L*6L(1hr/3600s)=11.3kWh

Min:

20%*34MJ/L*5L(1hr/3600s)=9.4kWh

These values,11.3 and 9.4kWh, are the upper and lower bounds of the energy produced by the generator in a period of usage, burning 5 to 6 liters of fuel. While this is the energy produced, this is not the amount of energy typically consumed at the station. The difference is lost in the form of heat, unbruned fuel, and electrical resistance. The purpose of the battery storage system would be to store all the energy produced by the generator at one time in the batteries. Then this energy could be utilized later on more efficiently.

[1] "Energy in natural processes and human consumption" Internet: http://www.ocean.washington.edu/courses/envir215/energynumbers.pdf, [13 May 2012].
[2] "Fuel Economy: Where the fuel goes" Internet: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml, [15 May 2012].

Updated Daily kWh Usage

The group was able to contact several people who have been at the Bioko field station in order to obtain some necessary information about daily energy use, water usage, generator specifics, and so on. Using some of this information, some more accurate daily kWh usage was able to be determined.

The estimations of energy consumption are based on the follow specifications:


Lights
It was reported that there are 5-12 lights on at one time, including a large outdoor flood light. These lights are generic types of various wattage [1]. The following numbers were calculating assuming CFL bulbs. While it's unclear what types of bulbs the center is using, the following numbers could easily be obtained by switching to CFL bulbs. Furthermore, it would likely be beneficial if the center used CFL bulbs as these bulbs are more energy efficient. The flood light used in these calculations is an 60 watt LED flood light [2]. The calculations assume that the lights are on for four hours, except there is one light that is on all night, for approximately 12 hours [3].
The CFL bulbs use 16 watt hours of energy [4] and the LED flood light uses 15 watt hours [2]. Therefore, the center is using approximately 0.244 to 0.356 kWh a day. 

Laptops
The laptops are charged on a daily basis [1] and it has been assumed that there are around five people at the station at one time. This is double the prior estimate, which means that charging laptops would use 0.65 kWh a day. An additional 0.051 kWh a day is used to charge cameras, cellphones, and other small electronic devices. This amounts to 0.701 kWh a day. 


Internet
The internet modem used at the wildlife center is 110 volts [1]. The average 110 volt internet modem uses about 20 watt hours, which amounts to 0.08 kWh a day. 


These three categories are the sources that were originally intended to be powered by a bicycle. According to these new calculations, the center would need to produce 1.025 to 1.137 kWh a day. It was previously determined that 0.25 kWh could be produced per hour of cycling on the bicycle. It is still unknown exactly how much energy would be lost during the conversion process, but for these calculations the energy loss has been calculated in at 50%. Therefore, only 0.125 kWh would be produced an hour. As a result, it would take 8.2 to 9.1 hours of cycling each each to produce the necessary amount of energy.

In addition to the above categories, the center also has a TV, printer, and refrigerator [1]. The specs for these appliances are unknown, so averages were used for the kWh calculations. An LCD TV uses 111 watt hours [5]. If the TV is used for four hours a day, this uses 0.444 kWh a day. An average laser printer uses 460 watt hours [6]. If the printer is on for 5 minutes a day, this amounts to 0.38 kWh a day. A 12 cubic foot refrigerator uses 240 watt hours [7]. If the refrigerator is run for 4 hours a day, it uses 0.96 kWh a day. This amounts to 1.784 kWh a day. 


Therefore, the total daily energy usage is 2.809 to 2.921 kWh. 


[1] Fertig, A. (2012, May 14). Available e-mail: Andrew.Fertig@gmail.com Message: Field Station Specs
[2] "Best Home LED Lighting." Internet: http://www.besthomeledlighting.com/led_floodlight, [16 May 2012].
[3] "Time Zone Guide: Equatorial Guinea." Internet: http://timezoneguide.com/sunrise-sunset-EquatorialGuinea-Malabo.html, [16 May 2012].
[4] "Energy Use Calculator." Internet: http://www.thesolarguide.com/calc.aspx, [1 May 2012].
[5] "TV Power Efficiency." Internet: http://reviews.cnet.com/green-tech/tv-power-efficiency/, [16 May 2012].
[6] "Computer Energy Usage Facts." Internet: http://computing.fs.cornell.edu/Sustainable/fsit_facts.cfm, [16 May 2012].
[7] "Watt Uses Watt." Internet: http://www.diversepower.com/watt_uses_watt.php, [16 May 2012].

Estimated Daily kWh Usage

In order to determine whether or not the bike is a feasible and worthwhile method of generating electricity for the field station, the number of kWh used at the center must be determined. The team has contacted several people who have visited the station in order to gather information about the specific appliances used, such as the type and magnitude of use. No specific information about the appliances and their use has been given at this point, therefore the general approximations of the station's kWh usage has been done through researching the appliances.

The possible uses for bicycle-generated electricity are lighting, charging laptops, running the satellite internet, and pumping water. It's unlikely that the bicycle would be able to sustain the necessary energy to run the water pump, therefore the kWh numbers only concern light usage, satellite Internet, and charging batteries for laptops and cameras. The group is assuming limited usage of all these appliances. Even if this does not reflect the currant usage, it represents possible usage if the people at the station are careful about the amount of electricity and water that they use. It's also important to the note that the group has discovered an alternate method to pump water using the bicycle, but that doesn't necessarily take into consideration the kWh. Here, the bicycle would directly pump the water.

The elevated water tank holds 300 gallons of water, however the station does not use 300 gallons of water  per day. The number of gallons used daily has been estimated. Using the amount of gallons pumped per minute (approximately 5-10 gallon a minute), it can be determined how long one would need to cycle for in order to move the water needed for a set period of time.

Water Usage:
The water usage estimates take into account the following uses: showers, hand-washing, washing dishes, and brushing teeth. We are currently trying to get information regarding any other uses, such as drinking and washing clothes. The following approximations are  assuming that there are five people at the center.

Showering: Showering uses 2.5 gallons a minute if a water-saving fixture is incorporated[2]. Assuming 5-10 minute showers, this would use 62.5 to 125 gallons a day.
Handwashing: Assuming that one washes their hands 4 times a day for 45 seconds each washing (remember that they are gone for the majority of the day), hand washing would use about 22.5-37.5 gallons a day. This is considering that a sink with a water saving fixture uses 1.5 to 2.5 gallons a minute[2].
Brushing Teeth: If each person at the center brushes their teeth twice a day and turns off the water while brushing, this would use 7.5-12.5 gallons a day, again assuming a sink with a water saving fixture.
Washing Dishes: It was estimated that washing dishes each day would take ten minutes, thereby using 15-25 gallons a day, again assuming the sink has a water saving fixture.

According to these calculations, the current daily water usage would be 112.5 to 205 gallons a day. If the pump moves 5-10 gallons a minute, a person would need to bicycle for anywhere from 11.5 minutes to 41 minutes.

Satellite Internet:
The estimates for the satellite internet are rough because the wattage of the modem greatly differs amongst various models and the ages of said models. An estimate of the wattage was determined to be about 50 watts after finding multiple reports of 30 watt, 45 watt, 65 watt, and 85 watt models. Currently, the generator runs the Internet for four hours an evening. This would amount to 0.2 kWh a day. If the users were able to consolidate their usage into two hours, this would amount to 0.1 kWh a day.


Lighting: 
There are six rooms at the wildlife center. It was previously assumed that there are two lightbulbs in each room and that each bulb would be used for 4 hours a day -- the same length of time that the generator was running. However, with only five people, it's unlikely that usage would be this high. It was then estimated that only half the lights would be on at one time, and perhaps for only three hours. At this point in time, it is not known what type of lightbulbs the station uses, but the following estimates are for compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Most likely, if the station is not using CFLs, we will recommend that they change to this type. 60 watt CFLs have an estimated wattage of 16 watt hours[1]. Using these numbers, it's estimated that the lights will use 0.0288-0.0384 kWh a day. 0.0288 kWh refers to usage for three hours and 0.0384 kWh to four hours a day.

Charging Batteries:
Laptops: In order to determine how much energy would be needed to charge laptops, average battery life, average charging time, and wattage needed to be determined. All of these aspects are highly variable depending upon laptop brand, size, age, etc. However, some averages were determined in order to calculate an approximate amount of energy used. The average battery life was estimated to be 3-4 hours, although it is often longer if the computers are run on power saving settings or are newer models. It is currently unknown whether the laptops are used during the day, so it is assumed that they are only used in the evening. Using that assumption, it is estimated that each laptop would need to be charged every other day.  It takes approximately two hours to charge a laptop if the appliance is turned off while it is charging. Finally, the average laptop wattage was determined to be approximately 65 watts[1]. Using this information, charging laptop would require 0.325 kWh a day. 
Cameras: Basic digital handheld cameras are normally 25-50 watts and it takes approximately one hour to charge a camera battery. It was assumed that at most, a camera battery would need to be charged once a week. Therefore, charging camera batteries would require 0.017 kWh a day. 


Using these estimates, the approximate number of kWh for one day would be 0.4804 kWh. This amounts to 3.3628 kWh a week.

Following these estimates, the group will begin determining more accurate numbers as to how much energy could be created using a bicycle and how much energy would be lost during the storage process. Using this information, it will be able to be determined how many hours a day the bicycle will need to be used in order to generate enough energy to run the aforementioned appliances.

[1] "Energy Use Calculator." Internet: http://www.thesolarguide.com/calc.aspx, [1 May 2012].
[2] "A Water Resource - Water Use Chart." Internet: http://fi.edu/guide/schutte/howmuch.html, [6 May 2012].

Week 6

Introduction:
         One way to reduce the energy usage at station would be a battery bank. The batteries would be charged by the generator and serve as the power source for as long as they lasted. Another  method would utilize a human powered water pump to replace the old gas pump. These two systems would be more efficient and save energy overall.


Battery Storage Component:

        One way to increase efficiency at the station would be to store the excess energy produced by the generator while its running. The generator will typically produce more power than is needed when it is in use. This excess energy is lost to heat, noise or the incomplete combustion of the fuel. A bank of batteries could be used to  store all the power produced by the generator and then used for electricity later on. 

       The system would take the electricity created by the gas generator and initially step it down with a charge regulator. This would produce a voltage above 12 volts but not exceeding 14, the safest maximum before overheating and failure. A voltage below 12 volts would cause a back-flow of electricity so the regulator keeps the voltage in this range. The voltage would charge the batteries in a predictable amount of time dependent on the output of the generator. Once the batteries were fully charged, an invertor would step the voltage up form a 12 volt DC current to 120 volt AC current. Most appliances run on 120 volts so the battery bank could be used to charge laptop, camera and phone batteries as well as running lights and an internet modem. [1]
          Figure 1 shows the energy flow of the battery system, as power moves from the generator, is stepped down by the regulator, stored in the batteries, stepped up by the inverter and used by appliances.

Figure 1: Flow Chart for Battery System

Bicycle Water Pump Component:

           To pump water from the lower reservoir into the higher one the field station currently uses gas generator. The higher reservoir is above all facets and piping which allows gravity to do work and create a water pressure for when being used in the instances of showering or toilet flushing. Figure 2 shows a depiction of how present water pumping system. 

Figure 2: Current Water Pumping System

The bicycle pump will replace the electric pump that utilizes the gas generator for power. This will minimize gas consumption and in turn reduce cost. Further cost analysis will give numerical estimates. The bicycle water pump system works by taking apart an old bike locking it into place, either with bolts or cementing it to the ground. The gear would then attach to pulley system that is created with the removed wheels. A wire with stoppers is latched to the pulley which rotates and traps the water from the lower reservoir into PVC (polyvinyl-chloride) plumbing tubes that dumps into the higher reservoir.

Figure 3: Proposed Water Pump System [2]

Work Cited

[1] "Basic Tutorial: Storage Batteries" Internet: http://www.freesunpower.com/batteries.php, [8 May 2012].

[2] “Working Bikes.” Internet: http://workingbikes.org/node/3445, [8 May 2012]. 

 

Week 5

This morning the group met with Professor Gallagher for the second time to give her a progress update. Initially there was some skepticism as to the possibility of the bicycle being a plausible and/or worthwhile solution to the wildlife center’s problems. Furthermore, the bicycle system might cost more than it was worth, the intitial investment being far greater than the overall savings. However, Professor Gallagher suggested a reevaluation of the current information. Initial estimates of the power needed to run the aforementioned appliances such as the lights, satellite internet, and water pump, had assumed full usage every day. However, the group can slightly lower the estimated daily power use by determining more factual daily usage amounts. For example, the water barrel holds 300 gallons of water, but the center doesn’t use 300 gallons a day. These new numbers will improve the  ablility to determine which appliances the bicycle would be able to sustain. kWh estimates for the appliances and bicycle will be posted within the next few days.

Another idea was mentioned during the meeting that is separate from the bicycle. This is to continue using the generator, but to use it to charge batteries. The wildlife center would then be able to use these batteries to run the necessary appliances, charge computers, and so on. It is suspected that a lot of energy is lost when using the generator so this system could potentially save a large amount of energy and gasoline.


As previously stated, prior to meeting with Professor Gallagher, some preliminary research had been done regarding energy usage. Several estimated kWh had been calculated based upon estimated wattage [1] and are as follow:
       Lighting: 0.768 kWh a day
       Satellite Internet: 0.292 kWh a day
       Laptops: 0.3-0.6 kWh a day
The total kWh from the above information would be 1.36 to 1.66 kWh a day. This is also assuming that the lights are compact fluorescent lights. If the lights are incandescent, they would require 2.88 kWh a day, which means a total of 3.4-3.7 kWh a day.

Some research has also been conducted in an attempt to determine how much energy can be produced from a bicycle. The best estimate that has been found is 1.5 kWh per 6 hours of cycling [2], which amounts to 0.25 kWh per hour or cycling. This doesn't account for the power loss during the process of conversion. No data was found estimating the amount of power lost during conversion, so two different calculations were done using 25% loss and 50% loss. With 25% loss and fluorescent lights, one would need to cycle for 8 hours a day. With 50% loss and fluorescent lights, one would need to cycle for 12 hours a day. With incandescent lights it would be 19 hours and 28 hours respectively.

[1] "Solar Electric System Sizing Step 1 - Determine Your Power Consumption Demands". Internet: http://www.solardirect.com/pv/systems/gts/gts-sizing-power.html, [April 26, 2012].
[2] Strzelecki R., Jarnut M., Benysek G.,: Exercise bike powered generator for fitness club appliances, 2007. 

Week 4

On Wednesday, April 25th, Jon and Janet met with Professor Gallagher to further discuss the project. Following this meeting, during lab on Thursday, the group began to research the appliances present in the building at the the wildlife center, particularly lighting, satellite internet, and the water pump. The group also researching the amount of power that can be generated using a stationary bicycle. While it's true that the group is lacking some details about the particular types of appliances that can reduce the amount of error of kWh needed to power these items, it was found that it's unlikely that the stationary bicycle could be used to create enough energy to power these items.

There were several options for utilizing the bicycle-it could be used any combination of the items mentioned. Theoretically, the bicycle could generate enough power to run the lights or possibly the satellite internet. There are other options, such as using the bicycle to charge laptops. However, it has not yet been determined how much power will be lost during the storage process. Furthermore, a cost analysis will have to be done to determine whether it would be worth it to utilize the bicycle to power the lights or Satellite Internet or if it would be more beneficial to simply continue using the generator.

Design Proposal

BIOKO ISLAND BICYCLE POWER

ENGR 103 — Spring 2012

Engineering Design Lab III

Lab Section: 011                                                           Group Members:

Group Number: 05                                                        Janet Tran

                                                                                                    Jonathan Zevin

Advisor: Sabrina Spatari                                                Kira Bartlett

Teaching Fellow: Kim Marcellus

1. Problem Overview

This engineering design project is based at the Moka Wildlife Center on Bioko Island, which is located off the coast of Equatorial Guinea in Central/West Africa. Currently, there is no municipal source of energy; the wildlife center obtains power from a gasoline-fueled generator that runs for approximately four hours every evening. This electricity is used to charge computers, power lights and the satellite Internet system. Electricity is also necessary to run the pump that is utilized to supply water for storage tanks that are a component of the gravity fed plumbing system.

As previously mentioned, there is no municipal source of energy available for use by the wildlife center. The wildlife center manages with their currently solution to this problem, the gasoline generator, but is looking to improve upon their current situation. It has been proposed that a bicycle could be used to generate the necessary power; this power could then be stored for later usage. This method of using the bicycle would either cogenerate power with the generator, or replace the generator altogether.

The Moka Wildlife Center has suggested that the bicycle could include a battery system that would be used during daylight hours and would specifically run the lights as well as charge the computers. If enough power could be generated, it would be preferable to have the bicycle power system be able to run the satellite Internet modem as well as the water pump. Most likely the bicycle power system will cogenerate electricity with the generator, but if it is able to produce and store enough energy, it could potentially replace the generator altogether.

Furthermore, it would be preferable if the bicycle were designed to track the power generated by each individual using the bicycle. The wildlife center is staffed with several undergraduate students and it is suspected that these students would use the bicycle and generate more power if there was an opportunity to make it a competition.

2. Design Constraints

            The design of this project is bounded by certain restrictions due to location and circumstances, specifically the particular needs and available resources of the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Project. It is important that the limitations of the facility are considered when designing the solution to the Moka Wildlife Center’s problem.

            The final design aims to be able to produce enough power to run the lights at the field station, as well as charge multiple laptops. In addition, it is hoped that the power system could be utilized to support a satellite Internet modem and/or a water pump, depending upon the capability of the power system to generate and store electricity. However, there are limitations on how much energy could potentially be created as well as how much energy can be stored.

            The field station is small with few people working there; normally there are only two or three undergraduate students. Due to the small number of people available to ride the bicycle and the limited time during which they have the opportunity to do so, there is a limit to how much power can be created within a certain time period.

            There would also be some logistical concerns, including budget and the local environment, both political and economical. The system should be reasonably affordable for the island reserve: the center was considering purchasing a slightly similar system for approximately $6,000, but decided that the item was not worth it. Therefore, it’s expected that this design should cost significantly less than $6,000. As there are limited resources on the island to utilize in the creation of the power system, several parts may need to be shipped to the island. However, shipping is expensive, therefore the amount of shipped material should be limited in order to lower costs. Furthermore, any pieces shipped to the island should be discrete and unattractive to local thieves or dock workers who may prevent the parts from reaching the wildlife center.

3. Pre-Existing Soultuions

            The Moka Wildlife Center’s current solution to their energy problem is that a gasoline-fueled generator is run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day. However, the center is looking to improve upon their current situation and Drexel is looking to aid them in obtaining a more efficient and advantageous method of producing and storing energy. 

            Drexel University is currently a part of an academic partnership with the National University of Equatorial Guinea. A part of this partnership involves the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, whose mission is to protect the wildlife on Bioko Island. As a result of this partnership, Drexel students are occasionally offered opportunities to assist the island and wildlife center.

About two years ago, a freshman design team studied the energy problems at the Moka Wildlife Center. This project focused on the possibility of utilizing solar panels to generate electricity. However, it was determined that solar panels would be a poor method of obtaining energy due to the cloudy climate and high possibility of algal growth on the panels that would hinder the performance.

4. Design Goals

The objective of this design project is to create an integrated system that utilizes bicycle generated power to either replace or cogenerate power on Bioko Island. The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program could use the bicycle for charging computers, using equipment and running lights and appliances. This system should be able to record the power generated by each individual user, as well as multiple users, to provide records that may be used for various purposes, such as promoting competition.

The main goal of this project is to determine the most efficient method of using a bicycle to generate and store power. Once this has been found, further options will be compared, such replacing the generator or cogenerating power. This will be determined by calculating which method is more efficient and functional. It must also be estimated how much energy could be reasonably generated within a given period of time to determine what appliances the power system could power. If the bicycle can only generate and store a minimal amount of energy, it will only be used for powering lights and charging laptops. If it can hold more energy, then it could be used to power the satellite Internet modem and/or the water pump.

            Another key component of this project involves including a method of tracking the power generated by the bicycle. The preferred method of tracking involves individual users being able to determine the amount of power that they have generated.

           

5. Project Deliverables

            The final result of the project will be a detailed description of a possible solution, or multiple possible solutions, that utilize the bicycle to generate electricity. This description will include accurate data and predictions for the station’s power usage and a detailed estimated budget. Data included in this report will likely consist of the current power usage of the facility and the expected ability of the proposed power system and the bicyclers to generate power. This information is crucial to determining a complete list of all components necessary to implement the system, how to complete it, and what can be expected of the power system’s performance.

            Depending upon the research prior to designing the power system, this project may entail including several different products for the wildlife center to choose between. These products may differ in terms of power output, required riding usage, and approximate cost. All the information that would be necessary to decide between the options would be found in the deliverables. These may take the form of a pamphlet or booklet that provides all the information and that is aesthetically pleasing in order to maintain the interest of the reader.

            There will be a formal presentation of the final product design(s) as well as detailed supplementary information, such as the aforementioned data consisting of power usage and generation predictions. There will be no actual product created, however, all the information necessary to easily create and implement the power system will be included in the final report.

           

6. Project Schedule

           
6.1 Schedule Overview
The design project will take place over a ten-week period. During this period, research will be done by way of primary research (interviews with professors) as well as secondary research. This research will aid in the design of the bicycle power system. Specific goals have been mapped out for the time available to work on this project and are listed below.

6.2 Weekly Schedule

Week 2

• Meet with Professor Hearn to discuss what the power generated is going to be used for as well as the circumstances and restrictions of the situation.
• Complete design proposal.

Week 3

• Meet with Professor Gallagher to determine how much power is needed daily at the conservation center and to collect further information about the wildlife center.
• Research how long it would take to generate enough power for one day using bicycle generated power.
• Research how to pump water with a bicycle.

Week 4

• Research how bicycle power is converted and stored into a battery.
• Decide whether to co-generate power using the bicycle(s) and the gas generator or completely eradicate gas generator.

Week 5

• Consult Dr. Moseson on the design of the integrated bicycle power generating system.
• Create a basic design of the integrated bicycle generated power system.

Week 6

• Meet with Professor Gallagher for advice on whether the proposed system is feasible
• Continuing designing the system.

Week 7

• Continue working on the design and fixing any problems that may have occurred.

Week 8

• Survey project cost.

Week 9

• Write up final design and create presentation.
• Create poster of integrated bicycle generated power system.

7. Project Budget

            It is important that the final design(s) of this project is cost-efficient; at most, the design should cost several thousand dollars. Currently, the projected budget is well within this range. Primary research and basic ideas for the design of the bicycle power system have resulted in the following expectations for components and pricing.

• Battery

                        Details: to store bicycle-generated power.

                        Cost: $134.95

                        Quantity: 3

Manufacturer:http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/1333953/vpcsid/0/SFV/30046?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=GoogleBaseFeed

• Bicycle

                        Details: used to generate power and pump water.

                        Cost: $0.00 (Available on Bioko Conservation Center)

                        Quantity: 2

• Bicycle Generator

                        Details: to convert bicycle-generated power to electrical power.

                        Cost: $369

                        Quantity: 1

Manufacturer: http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Generator-Watts-Pedal-Dynamo/dp/B003GJL6GO

           

• Computer

                        Details: to run power yield software.

                        Cost: $0.00 (Available on Bioko Conservation Center)

• Power yield software

                        Details: to log power produced by bicyclers.

Cost: $199.00

Manufacturer: http://wattsview.com/

• Shipping

                        Details: to deliver parts of the system to Bioko Island

                        Cost: $200

Estimated Gross Cost: $1,172.85

Week 2

            This week Professor Gail Hearn, a biologist that specializes in the study of African primates on the Moka Conservation Center on Bioko Island discussed the demand for power on at the conservation centered and how bicycle generated power would be useful. The appliances requiring power are computers, internet modem, refrigerator, light, and a motor to pump water. We learned that there are people who are readily available bicycle and generate power, so laborers is not problematic. Therefore, it is speculate that either supplementing or completely replacing the gas generator with a bicycle-power generator would be more economical than purely relying on the gas generator. The design intends to store the bicycle generated power in 12 volt car batteries that can store up to 2100 watts of power. Hearn discussed that portability of power would be helpful in power usage while working in the field away from the gas generator. Therefore, the stored power on the batteries would supersede the limitations of the stationary gas generator.

Team Member Biographies

Students



Janet Tran
jt549@drexel.edu
Architectural & Civil Engineering
Blogger



Jonathan Zevin
jez35@drexel.edu
Mechanical Engineering
Researcher



Kira Barlett

kb683@drexel.edu

Environmental Engineering

Designer

Advisors

Sabrina Spatari

ss3226@drexel.edu

CAEE Department

Patricia Gallagher
pmg24@drexel.edu 
CAEE Department