 |
 |
|
Poster frame from video: In most browsers, Click on image to play OR Right-click on image and "save target as" to your computer, then play in QuickTime, Windows Media Player, or another player.
|
The Bicycle Generator with belt guards removed
|
|
|
| Abstract |
A bicycle is used to spin a generator and power light bulbs.
|
 |
| Portable |
This is a portable demonstration that can be taken to schools.
|
|
| Principles Illustrated |
Almost all commercial electricity production is based on spinning magnets in coils.
Making electricity is hard work and the scale of electrical energy use in industrialised countries like New Zealand is huge.
When you draw more current from a spinning generator the generator becomes harder to spin.
|
|
| NCEA & Sci Curriculum |
PHYS 1.2, PHYS 2.7, PHYS 2.6
|
|
| Teacher Guide |
Would you like to contribute lesson suggestions? Contact us. |
|
| Video |
We can provide higher quality videos of many of our resources on DVD. Contact us if you want one. A lower resolution version is available below. Right-click and "save target as" to your computer. You will need some software to play the video. It will play in Apple Quicktime, Real Player. or Windows Media Player. If you have trouble, it is likely you do not have a late enough version of the player. See player software for help.
|
|
| Instructions |
 |
Bicycle generators can be purchased but are not cheap. Hand cranked generators are a more reasonably priced alternative but are not as impressive to students. If you are in the Wellington area we can bring our bicycle generator to your school. If you want to make one yourself, contact us for help as there are a number of technical issues and some safety issues.
There is an interesting aspect of generator design that is deliberately not mentioned in the videos but would be a very good extension topic for keen students in Level 3 physics. In larger scale generators, even most automotive alternators, the spinning magnets are actually not permanent magnets but electromagnets! Part of the electric energy induced in the coils is used to energise the electromagnets. The wires seen extending from the bicycle generator in some of the photos are connected to a battery to energise the electromagnets initially, as is required for such generators. The battery is then disconnected during operation.
Close up of generator assembly |
Close up with belt guards in place. |
|
|
| Safety |
Significant voltages can be generated depending on the type of generator used, belt guards should be attached.
Individual teachers are responsible for safety in their own classes. Even familiar demonstrations should be practised and safety-checked by individual teachers before they are used in a classroom. |
|
| Related Resources |
|
|
| References |
|
|
| Credits
|
This teaching resource was developed by the Te Reo Maori Physics Project with support from
|
|
|
|
|
| Copyright |
Copyright and fair use statement |
|
