Design and Fabrication of a Speed Breaker Mechanism for Power Generation: A Case Study of Ikpoba Hill Benin City, Nigeria
Golden Enobakhare *
Department of Electrical/ Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
S. E. Ogunbor
Department of Electrical/ Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria and Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Peter Imasuen
Edo Electricity Regulatory Commission, Edo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
To meet the ever rising demand for power, innovative measures has to been put into place as convention power sources are fast depreciating. In light of the above, this study opines the distinctive design and fabrication of a small scale model speed breaker electric power generator by harnessing the kinetic energy from vehicles with goal of generating electric power. The model was developed utilizing available electrical and mechanical components such as flywheel (FW), battery, inverter, spring, rack and pinion, and DC motor. To this end, the aim of this paper is accomplished by demonstrating the process of conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy using a movable speed breaker mechanism and show that it can produce adequate amount of power for streets lights and traffic lights. In light of the above, methodology employed to achieve the above includes the construction of a small scale model of the speed breaker generator; using adequate power calculations, design specification with proper review of related works. In conclusion, the proposed model was developed and constructed in such a way that little applied pressure manually (by hand) on the speed breaker caused generation of electrical power. The technical feasibility of this model is illustrated in real case scenario at Ikpoba hill in upper mission extension in Uteh community employed as a case study.
Keywords: Speed breaker generator, energy conservation, flywheel, DC motor, power inverter.