Semester 2 week 14

TITLE :

Prepared for the engineers day and the report FYP

OBJECTIVE:

To get ready to present the project
To finished the report

CONTENT:

Just to maintain the functioning circuit and clean up the projects from dust. For myself i have to get ready and prepared for presenting the project. Beside i have to finish my report and submit the draft ASAP.

CONCLUSION:

Doing the minor work for the  project and start to settle down all the report for chapter 3, 4 and 5.

Semester 2 week 12 and 13

TITLE:

Welding the parts to make it tougher.

OBJECTIVE:

To join all the parts through welding.
To assemble all the items altogether.
To finalize the structure of the design.
To get ready for later presentation.
To get finalize of the projects

CONTENT :

My supervisor want to see the progress of the project hardware and as well as the poster. so i made up the poster to present to my supervisor.


For my projects the main structure was set up. Now some of the parts need to joint through welding. So i have sent all this item to awning shop near BMI to welding all this. It really cost me and burden me to bring them to there. This is because the size is big and cannot carry with motorcycle. Need the car to carry them to the welding shop.

The alternator

Bicycle gear

things that i want to weld,

here is the results of the welding.

After the welding

The final of my project.

 Here is the poster

Poster of my projects

CONCLUSION:

Spending a lot of money to welding all this. Now i can see the actual of my project being build from nothing to something. the objective have been successfully been archived. the project progress is now almost 95% done.

Semester 2 Week 11

TITLE :

What is alternator

OBJECTIVE:

To understand the alternator

CONTENT:

An alternator is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current.

Most alternators use a rotating magnetic field with a stationary armature but occasionally, a rotating armature is used with a stationary magnetic field; or a linear alternator is used.

In principle, any AC electrical generator can be called an alternator, but usually the term refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines. An alternator that uses a permanent magnet for its magnetic field is called a magneto. Alternators in power stations driven by steam turbines are called turbo-alternators

here is the link for the connection of the alternator

http://web.media.mit.edu/~nathan/nepal/ghatta/alternator.html


CONCLUSION;

basically there is 3 parts  of the alternator. first is the rotor as moving part,second is stator as non moving part and third is diodes.the altenator is the combining of the generator and rectifier.

Semester 2 Week10

TITLE:

Building the custom made generator


OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the output generator
To construct the generator
To test the generator


CONTENT:

Previously, im failed to build the generator which give no output voltage. i seek for my supervisor helps and ask him about the problem im faced. He told me to to this in order to make the generator. First i have to cut the plywood into a circle and as well as pro-spec to place the magnet and coil later. second i turn the coils 200 turns each with 3 anti clock wise turn and another 3 clock wise turn. third, i placed the coil 60 degree from each other with clock wise and anti clock wise intervals and connecting in series. fourth, place the magnet interval with north and south. here is the results

neo dymium magnet

Thr coil with clock wise and anti clock wise intervals

CONCLUSION:

The generator making is done and the voltage output are not high enough, it only can produce about 1.2V by rotating faster by hand. so i think it is not enough either voltage or current even i put much magnet or turn of the coils so i decide to stop wasting or finding due limited time. My supervisor advice me to use the alternator kancil to apply to my projects. I will move on what my supervisor said which just use the alternator kancil as a generator.

Semester 2 Week 9

TITLE :

Making the generator.

OBJECTIVE:

To build the 12V custom generator.

CONTENT:

this are the materials needed for making the generator.

1) magnet

2)copper wire

3)glue

4)pro-spec

5)plywood

6)cable tie



Basically, in order to make any type of the generator, the concept is the same.
here is the useful  link that help me to make my generator.

http://www.miniscience.com/kits/woodengenerator/index.html

this link, teaches how to make wooden generator and some justification on why the problem occurs when testing the generator.

i followed the steps from the above links, but had adjusted a bit because i'm not making wooden generator. The design of my generator and the materials i'm using doesn't imitate from the links due to my design the and environment place which where i placed does not suitable for wood generator (hydro generator).

1) i make 6 coils where each coil contains 200 turns

2) i attached 6 neo-dynium magnet to a circle  pro-spec using glue.

3) i attached those 6 coils onto the plywood using cable tie.


CONCLUSION;

Making the generator is done but still need to  test the generator because i need o know how either its working or not and how many the voltage being produce and minimum rp. that i need in order to produce 12V.

Semester 2 Week 8

TITLE:

The idea for making a custom 12V generator


OBJECTIVE:

To find a suitable generator for the project.

To understand how to built a generator.


CONTENT:

I need to find a generator that produced 12V  which suits the project well. after doing some research on the generator (theory parts) and with the helps from this video, i was thinking to build the generator with custom made generator which can produce 12V output voltage. the materials needed to build the custom generator are; 6 pieces of neo-dymium magnet, copper wire, pro-spec, plywood and cable tie.

CONCLUSION:

need to purchase the materials and need to start doing the custom generator ASAP.

Semester 2 Week 6 and 7

TITLE :

Design and build the main structure of the project.

OBJECTIVE :

To build the projects.
To get the best design for hydro generator.
To get the material for the actual design


CONTENT:

I went to the half cut shop, hardware, motorcycle shop,grocery, fishing shop, bicycle shop buy the things that needed to build the main and overall structure of my projects. Below are the lists of the thing I bought from the hardware,  grocery shop ets.

1. Ex5 cover clutch
2. Spoons
3. Ball Bearings
4. Angle Bar
5. Jointer of the angle bar
6. Bolts and nuts
7. Hose pipe
8. Pipe and accessories
9. Spray
10. Aquarium (plastic)
11. Chain
12. Gear
13. Flywheel gear

All the listed items are not all of them are easy to find, it take time to go survey and finding all the items .After all the items i have. then i proceed to do the next step.

Angle bar

With the angle bar and the accessories that i bought, now im going to cut them join them with the jointer, bolt and nuts. It is not easy to cut them with the saw, it really sweats me a lots. i have to measure all them to make it perfectly accurate to the size or else it will not give me the right size. Besides, it will give some difficulties to joint each other.

The structure of the design

CONCLUSION:

After all the hardship to find the item and build it, now i can see almost the actual of the project. from now i can proceed to next step which are combing all the items together. But some of the items need to do through welding shop.

Semester 2 Week 4 and 5

TITLE:

Finalize the Inverter Circuits

OBJECTIVE:

To assemble the components.
Solder th components leg
To test the circuits
To placed the inverter circuit and transformer in 1 place.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

Before assembling the component. I have to check the polarity of the each components such as positive and negative of the diodes, the capacitor, the e-b-c for transistor to avoid misplaced which can damage some of the components. Place the component correctly and do double check before soldering


Soldering one by one and solder the components leg carefully to avoid damage of the circuit and the components itself. After done soldering all the components leg are not being cut for future arrangement if the mistake or misplace occurs. 

Every electronics and electric can harm people. so it must have the cover, a safe one. After successfully construct the inverter i decide to place them together and sealed as well for unreachable from people and to make my projects have a safety precaution.

I decide to make the cover from acrylic (pro-spec) because it easy to cut them and place the plug, fan and whatsoever in one place.

CONCLUSION:

The inverter circuit input and output have been tested and checked. There is no problem for the circuit. the cover for the circuit also have been build and as well as the plug and fan have been installed altogether in one box.  Proceed to next stage.

Semester 2 Week 3

TITLE:
Start buying the component and transformer.

OBJECTIVE:

To get the components for the inverter circuits.
To assemble components.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

This week i went to Jalan Pasar to get this components:

1. 14 resistor which each have their own value
2. 4 diodes
3. 2 diode zener
4. 8 transistor (mosfet)
5. Ic LM555N (timer)
6. 2 E-capacitor
7. 2 Ceramic capacitor
8. Relay of 12V (5 pin)
9. Transformer 5A 12V-240V
10. Fuse
11. PCB board

Above are the components which are needed to build an inverter circuit its not cheap and very sensitive and its expensive. For the transformer there is ready made sell at Jalan Pasar.

Below are the components that had been bought at Jalan Pasar to make an  inverter circuit.

The Inverter components.

Before assembling the components, the PCB board need to sketch first. Sketch the connection of the components using the special marker to do the sketch. Here is the picture of the PCB which had been done.

Sketching the PCB 

After finish the sketching, i use the acid water to remove unwanted copper in the PCB. In order to get the sketching printed in the PCB i have to dip in the acid water and spin the acid for about 45 minutes to get the copper remove and the printed copper remain.Below are the  results of the the PCB that have been hatching.

Although there are some connection are loss due the hatching i can fix it with multimeter to check the connection continuity, solder and sand paper. to repair the losses of the connection due the hatching, First need to test the continuity with refering to the circuit diagram. Find the the losses along the connection then solder it to joint each other. Use sand paper make it thinner and softer. Refering to the picture above, the silver colour is the joint made from solder.

CONCLUSION:

The component have been bought and hatching the PCB also had been successfully been made. The connection of the PCB has been tested and the hole on the PCB for the components leg have been done. Now i can proceed to next stage.

Semester 2 Week 2

TITLE:
The Inverter Simulation

OBJECTIVE:

To test the inverter circuits base on simulation.
To check the connection of the components.
To investigate the results.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

I have done some research before on building the inverter circuit. so for my projects, i will need inverter to change the DC sources to AC sources. My projects will have 2 output sources which is 12V DC and 230V AC. But in order to get the AC signal. The inverter circuit is needed while to have the 230V output.

Below are the simulation results and the connection of the components in an inverter circuits

The connection and the results for the simulation.

CONCLUSION:

The circuit had been tested, the connection is correct and the results for the simulation have been obtained. The simulation on inverter circuits is successful and now i can proceed to next stage which is do the actual inverter circuits.

Semester 2 Week 1

TITLE: 

Start to types the thesis for chapter 1, 2 and 3. Also do some findings and survey for the hardware.

OBJECTIVE: 

To finished the thesis chapter by chapter.
To identify where to find all the things needed for hardware installation.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

During the semester break, i already start doing the thesis and some research for the material needed for hardware installation. For chapter 1, i will brief the introduction and the background  for my project and why i want to do this project. For chapter 2, i will state a few projects that have been done by other people, the comparison between their projects and mine including  the advantage and disadvantage of their project. There is no right or wrong of their projects and its the matter of where the projects is implements. For chapter 3, is about how i start the projects including hardware and the circuits that i will used to do this projects. this chapter is a methodology of the projects. When i have free time, i will off to jalan pasar to do a survey, finding which item or components are available and not available and write down on the paper. I also go to the hardware shop nearby to find some material for the hardware parts.

CONCLUSION:

The conclusion that can be made for this week is stay in front of the laptop and start to do a paper work and getting as much information from the hardware shop and electronic shop at Jalan Pasar. Succesfully submit the chapter 1 and chapter 2 to Sir Suhairi as a projects advisor. For the chapter 3, i cant submit it yet because it is not finished and it will stay as a draft for a while.

Week 12

Title: fyp sem 1 presentation

Objective: To present about the project

Discussion/Analysis:

This week, we have been  evaluated  by the examiner in project presentation. Every student will be given two examiners. My first examiner is, Miss. Fazlin and second examiner are, Dr. Khairil instead of Sir. Ismail Adam due of hie emergency leave. They ask many questions about  my project. This happens to all the fyp sem 1 student. In my opinion, this is good thing because from the assessor we know better about how the project will be thought by others. Furthermore, the assessor also give a good feedback and tell me how should i done this project supposedly. The feedback will be discuss with my advisor.

Week 11

TITLE: Presentation preparation

OBJECTIVE: 
To ensure student get ready for their presentation

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:

For this week, I had prepare my slide for my presentation which will be on thursday 12/4/2012. I had included all the the work that i had done before this inside the slide except the circuit. This is because the circuit had not been completed yet. Then I went to see Sir. Suhairi to check my slide for any correction. Sir.Suhairi give some advice on how to do a good presentation. He also said that I need to study and get prepared about my project so that during my presentation, I can explain about my project in detail and give  better understanding to the assessors. 

CONCLUSION:
As the conclusion, I had successful done my presentation slide and ready for the presentation next week. 

Week 9 and 10

Title: Proceed with  proposal

Objective:To ensure student understand about the project and do the minor correction.

Discussion/Analysis:

Our supervisor Mr.Suhairi asks me to completed proposal and done the correction. He also told us to do slide presentation and get prepared for fyp sem 1 presentation which will coming soon. Begins to start doing the proposal and also get to understand more the projects concepts and start to thinks how to build it roughly.

week 8

TITLE: Designing block diagram

OBJECTIVE: 
To identified what is the operation involved in the project.

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION: 

BLOCK DIAGRAM

This is latest block diagram and some improvement have been made from the first block diagram. As we can there is an Inverter putted in the block diagram. This features of the improvement can be made in this projects and if it is done, it will increase the budget due of the an inverter price is expensive. I do some discussion with Sir. Suhairi and he said it is not necessary to have an inverter but i can put it later if it is necessary for later used.

CONCLUSION:

As the conclusion, the block diagram is successful designed and other people will understand more about this project as the block diagram help them.

Week 7

OBJECTIVE: 

Improvement of the design

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

This week i just doing the design on how should i design my projects should look like. So i decide my project of micro hydro generator should look like the picture. This is due the practical design, portable and easy to operates.

CONCLUSION:

From this task, I can identified how the design should be in this project.

Week 6

Title: Searching for component

Objective: To give student more understanding about the component involved

Discussion/Analysis:

I went to Jalan Pasar, Kuala Lumpur to start search for components for my FYP. I didn't buy it. I just want to know that the components were sold or not. If not, I need to order it from outside or replace it with the other component that have the similar characteristic with the component that I desire. From this also, I can estimated the cost that needed for this project and make me well prepared in term of financial. I went to see Mr. Suhairi and bring my estimated budget. We discuss further about the circuit that been modified by me. We try to add another feature to this circuit driver.

Week 5

Title: search the senior which do the project relates to mine

Objective: To get more understanding about the Hydro generator

Discussion/Analysis: 

 
This week, I went to my supervisor and discuss more detail about my project. I have been asked by Sir. Suhairi to find the details from the senior which do the same title as mine. from the finding, i found the senior and ask him a few question about their projects. The answer i get from them is to do this project needs to understand the area where this project is implement. have to study on size, the flow of the pipe and choose the correct turbine to obtained the desire output of the generator. Besides, i also ask them about the circuit they used in their project and find rather if i can do some improvement or modification of their projects and applied to mine's.

Week 4

TITLE: Work plan of the project


OBJECTIVE: 
To identified how the project work.


ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:This project will be done in two semester. For the first semester, it only need the the student to do research base on the project they choose. Research is categorized by two which are from internet and book/journal. Simulation is made to design and test the circuit and also for troubleshooting before the real circuit is constructed
On the second semester, I will start construct and assembling the component at the breadboard first and identify if it work as the simulation and do some troubleshooting if it not work or function properly. Then when there is no problem with the circuit, i will construct on the PCB board as the final result. 


CONCLUSION:
From this task, I will know how to plan and manage my time with my FYP project. It's also work as a guideline to me.

Week 3

TITLE :


Research information about the project.



OBJECTIVE :


To ensure student understand about the project.
To analyze every part of system use in the project


CONTENT/PROCEDURE


In this week, we do the research, and understand every part of system we use in this project. After doing the research, the main of objective the project is to develop system Micro Hydro Generator. To study every part of the turbine, generator, circuit and the battery.

RESULT & ANALYSIS

The sketching of block diagram and sketching of design of system to make we easy to understand the project. From the source, the kinetic power will move the turbine. As the turbine is move the generator will follow the move of the turbine and it start produce the electricity. The electric produce in the generator will be stored in the battery. while it is stored in the battery, it will also supply to the load. for the protection of the battery life the cut-off circuit is required to be installed to prevent the battery to keep charging when it is already fully charged. the diversion loads is the ac load which for the improvement of the project later on. Where the conversion circuit such as inverter need to be installed for this diversion load to function.



CONCLUSION:

In this week, we can conclude the progress week 3 is successfully to make we understand system in project. We can continue the progress in week 4 to continue the proposal for the project.

Week 2

TITLE: Discussion with advisor about the proposal


OBJECTIVE:
To gain more understanding about the project
To understanding of the basic knowledge required for the project/research.
To identification of the research problem.
To Estimation on the cost of the project.

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:

For this week I am required to prepare a proposal for my project. From the research I have done and the information from my advisor began making proposals for this project. The project proposal should have the following format:


Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem Statement
Literature Review
Methodology
Objectives
Benefits/ Contributions
Work Plan
Budget
Conclusion
References

Week 1

TITLE:


Find the title and advisor for FYP


OBJECTIVE:

To get the title for the final year project.
To guide student how to make final year project.
To get the information from advisor.

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:


In this week, it is necessary to find a supervisor or advisor to supervise the FYP (final year project). finding the right advisor is not an easy task due lacks of lecturer in this campus and the lecturer are fully booked for this reason I almost use whole week around in the campus to find a supervisor and at last I went to see Mr. Suhairi Rizuan Bin Che Ahmad my Power Quality lecturer after my friends said he still available for accepting another 1 student. He agreed to be my supervisor and he give the FYP tittle which is Smart 12V Micro Hydro Generator.

This is some introduction my project.

Smart 12V micro hydro generator, its a renewable, clean and cost efficient to compare to others source. the idea is implement in the house where the water tank supply the water through the pipeline. In the pipeline the generator is installed to produce the voltage which is 12V dc without disturbing the water flow in each channel. the voltage produced is connect to the load in the house such as charger, LED or any small electronics application.


CONCLUSION:
From this week, I can conclude that the objective is successful without so much trouble. I think the title proposed is very suitable and related to my study area which is electrical.

Introduction

Hydropower is based on simple concepts. Moving water turns a turbine, the turbine spins a generator, and electricity is produced. Many other components may be in a system, but it all begins with the energy already within the moving water. Hydropower is the combination of head and flow.



Both must be present to produce electricity. Consider a typical hydro system. Water is diverted from a stream into a pipeline, where it is directed downhill and through the turbine (flow). The vertical drop (head) creates pressure at the bottom end of the pipeline. The pressurized water emerging from the end of the pipe creates the force that drives the turbine.

More flow or more head produces more electricity. Electrical power output will always be slightly less than water power input due to turbine and system inefficiencies. Micro hydro power is probably the least common of the three readily used renewable energy sources, but it has the potential to produce the most power, more reliably than solar or wind power if you have the right site. This means having access to a river or creek that has a high enough flow to produce useable power for a good part of the year.



Many creeks and rivers are permanent, because they never dry up, and these are the most suitable for micro-hydro power production. A micro hydro turbine can take several forms, the most widely recognized of which would be the water wheel, used extensively for grain grinding up until this century. Waterwheels are still used in some situations that do not require a fast-spinning turbine, such as for pumping water. However, other types of turbines have become quite common.



Hydro electric generating plants come in many sizes from huge plants that produce more electricity than most countries can use, to very small plants that supply electricity for a single house. A hydro electric plant which supplies electric power in the range from 15 kilowatts to 15, 000 kilowatts is called mini hydroelectric or mini hydro. Other phrases that mean the same thing are “small-scale hydro” and “small hydro”.



Fifteen kilowatts is about amount of power used by seven or eight houses in the industrial countries or be a very small manufacturing plant or it can provide lightning and other basic services for a village of 50-80 houses. Fifteen thousand kilowatts is enough for medium sized town. Hydro plants which are larger than 15,000 kilowatts are usually called “large hydro” or “conventional hydro” plants, but there is no sharp line dividing “mini hydro” from “large hydro”. All mini hydro and large hydroelectric plants use similar machinery, and must be designed by trained engineers. Both types of plants are also fairly expensive. Because of this, mini hydro plants are not well suited to village level development in most cases, a larger organization such as town, a collection of village or an industrial plantn is usually needed.

Other type of hydro plants, called “micro-hydro”, is better suited to village level development and local self help projects. These plants are usually smaller than 15 kilowatts and can be built by people without much special training, using mostly local materials and skills. Micro hydro plants are usually very low in cost but they are less efficient and the quality of the electricity is not as good. Micro hydro plants are suited to running lights, small motor or any small electrical appliances which did not need high voltage to on. Micro hydro power is another option of gathering electric power from moving water sources. By using small water turbines from a river or stream, individual can gather consistent power from the water. This is why this project has been selected for this final year projects.

Objective

The aim of this project is provide the opportunity for students to apply and integrate the theoretical knowledge and principles taught in the course in solving technical problem. It also provides the opportunity for the students to demonstrate independence and originality as well as to plan and organize a project over a certain period of time.

A propose to design and construct the smart 12v micro-hydro generator system for pre commercialization. These projects focus on electrical and mechanical system. The student will study on types of blades and selection of the generator motor. The objectives are:

· To research and study for development of micro hydro generator system.

· To design suitable micro hydro generator to implement to the area of the project for pre commercialization.

· To construct functional system of this project.

The main function of the system is to store the generated power by means of battery charging for future use particularly during electricity faulty or blackout in the resident area. However, this research is conducted to show the potential of the water in resident can be an alternative renewable energy.

Micro-Hydro Generator Components

1. Turbine - is responsible for converting the motion of the water to rotational energy. The type of turbine to be used will depend greatly on the type of water source to be harnessed. If it is of high head/low flow, typically a pelton wheel type turbine is used. If it is of low head/high flow.

2. DC generator - converts the mechanical rotation of the turbine into direct current electricity.

3. Inverter (optional) - converts the DC electricity into AC electricity. There are some cases where a generator which produces AC electricity is already used.

4. Batteries - Batteries are an integral part of the self-sufficient energy system. Lead-acid, deep-cycle batteries are usually used in hydro systems. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to withstand repeated charge and discharge cycles typical in renewable energy systems. Ideally, lead-acid batteries should not be discharged more than about half their capacity. Alkaline batteries, such as nickel iron and nickel-cadmium, can withstand complete discharge with no ill effects

5. Electronic Load Controller - is the most important addition to the micro hydro design that simplifies greatly the creation of a steady flow of electricity. The Load controller has made it possible to automatically regulate the electricity generated, even when the speed of the flowing fluid varies.

Micro Hydro Generator benefits

Efficient energy source

It only takes a small amount of flow (as little as two gallons per minute) or a drop as low as two feet to generate electricity with micro hydro. Electricity can be delivered as far as a mile away to the location where it is being used.

Reliable electricity source

Hydro produces a continuous supply of electrical energy in comparison to other small-scale renewable technologies. The peak energy season is during the winter months when large quantities of electricity are required.

No reservoir required

Microhydro is considered to function as a ‘run-of-river’ system, meaning that the water passing through the generator is directed back into the stream with relatively little impact on the surrounding ecology.

Cost effective energy solution

Building a small-scale hydro-power system can cost from $1,000 – $20,000, depending on site electricity requirements and location. Maintenance fees are relatively small in comparison to other technologies.

Power for developing countries

Because of the low-cost versatility and longevity of micro hydro, developing countries can manufacture and implement the technology to help supply much needed electricity to small communities and villages.

Integrate with the local power grid

If your site produces a large amount of excess energy, some power companies will buy back your electricity overflow. You also have the ability to supplement your level of micro power with intake from the power grid.