High-Level Project Summary
We were given the challenge of designing a storage system that will last for 60 days on Venus. Using the planets surroundings to generate power for its space rovers. We decided to use the High pressure atmosphere (~93) and, with winds reaching speeds of up to 85 m/s (300 km/h; 186.4 mph). We plan to use the mechanical battery running on Flywheel. Using the winds that will turn the turbine and initially start the motor on the same axis as the Flywheel. The kinetic energy is stored in in the Flywheel. That energy can be converted to electrical energy using bi-direction D.C convertor.
Link to Final Project
Link to Project "Demo"
Detailed Project Description
The project is a mechanical battery that consists of a flywheel, a motor, magnetic bearings, a shaft, and a vacuum pump. The energy is derived from the wind which spins the turbines creating electrical energy. this electrical energy is then transferred to a motor which lies on the same shaft as the Flywheel. Thus Kinetic energy is produced which is stored by the Flywheel as it rotates. The Flywheel spins at very high RPMs storing energy for a specific time.
Once the stored energy is required, the rotating flywheel transfers the energy back to the motor which now acts as a generator converting Kinetic energy to electrical energy. thus the current produced can be used for powering any device requiring an electric current.
the mechanical battery has a very high-efficiency rating, up to more than 85 percent. It also rotates at very high RPMs, around a range of 30,000 to 60,000 RPM and some even reach 100,000 RPM. It is lightweight thus being ideal for space use and can tolerate some damage whilst storing energy and providing it as well. Its maintenance costs are also low and has a long-lasting life, up to 20+ years. Its construction is also very strong as it is mainly made out of Carbon Fiber and Titanium.
We hope that this project and technology can enable us to further expand our space research and have a better understanding of our universe.
Space Agency Data
We mainly based our research off of NASA as adequate and accurate data was provided. We used the data of how much energy is stored in them and other technical specifications.
The CAD model was also designed around the dimensions of the mechanical battery on the NASA website. The prototype as well was built around the details off of the website.
Hackathon Journey
It was an experience like never before. The amount of knowledge we got was tremendous and it only kept increasing. The learning curve was very steep! Our interest in Space also propelled and learning about the advancements in Engineering and Sciences was a very enjoyable experience.
Our team loves challenges that require a lot of dedication and skill, we have a big interest in hardware and engineering, thus this challenge was one that we would enjoy to taking on.
We wanted to elevate our project to the next level, something unique and creative was our aim. We developed a complete prototype model along with a CAD file and other things which made our project creative.
We kept pushing ourselves trying to do as much work as we can without wasting a single minute. If we came across a problem, our team would carry out research and try finding a valid and an impactful solution.
We would like to thank NASA for this incredible opportunity. So much happened in this two day event! They should make sure such events continue happening as they extract tons of untapped talent hidden in people who will then get to showcase their skills and potential.
References
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/science/f_flywheel.html#:~:text=Flywheels%20are%20wheels%20on%20a,it%20for%20use%20when%20needed.
http://www.eseslab.com/ESsensePages/Flywheels-page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flywheel_energy_storage#:~:text=the%20torque%20frame.-,NASA%20G2%20flywheel%20for%20spacecraft%20energy%20storage,was%20limited%20to%20250%20pounds.
https://www.sandia.gov/ess-ssl/EESAT/2002_papers/00018.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X2U7bDNcPM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhu3s1ut3wM&t=184s
Tags
#Hardware #Alcyone #nasaspaceappschallenge