Conversion of Rotational Kinetic Energy of a Fan to Electrical Energy for Portable Power Bank

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Energy conservation is the decision and practice of using less energy. The two main reasons people conserve energy are to gain more control over their energy bill and reduce the demand on the earth's natural resources. In this study, the researchers decided to convert the rotational kinetic energy from electric fan to electrical energy and stored this in a 5 volt portable power bank. Instead of consuming electricity for charging power banks, the converted electrical energy was used.

METHODS

In this study, the researchers attached the DC motor on the fan that converted the rotational kinetic energy of the fan to electrical energy, which was used to charge the portable power bank. The researchers first disassembled the housing of the fan and attached the gears on the rear shaft of the electric fan. Then, the DC motor was mounted on the fan with a 40 mm belt connected on the gears to the DC motors. After that, a 35V Capacitor was attached on the DC motor. Then, wires were connected on the DC motor to the circuit as the input. The micro USB was connected to the regulator in the circuit as the output of the prototype. Lastly, the power bank was connected to the micro USB.

RESULTS

The device generated an average output voltage of 4.97, which was enough to charge a 5 volts portable power bank. The average time of charging was 2 hours and 31 minutes. The effect on the electric fan's performance was tested by determining the number of revolutions (RPM) of the fan with power bank and without power bank. T-test was used and showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the number of revolutions per minute of electric fan.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results, the converted electrical energy formed from the rotating energy of the electric fan can charge a 5-volt portable power bank. Moreover, the performance of the rotating electric fan was not affected while it was charging the power bank.