Energy & Innovation
Power Drawer
Year
2022
Technologies
Energy Harvesting, Circuit Design, Mechanical Engineering
Role
Lead Developer
The Power Drawer is an innovative energy harvesting solution that converts the kinetic energy from everyday drawer opening and closing actions into usable electrical power. This project demonstrates how common household interactions can be leveraged to generate clean energy, contributing to sustainability efforts while providing practical power generation for small devices.
By leveraging expertise in inductor, resistor, and capacitor technology, the team successfully developed a simplistic yet innovative drawer that generates energy through a rack and pinion arrangement. The system efficiently captures mechanical energy during drawer operation and converts it to electrical energy, which is then stored for later use.
Designed and implemented a rack and pinion arrangement that efficiently converts the linear motion of drawer opening/closing into rotational motion. The system was optimized for smooth operation while maximizing energy capture, with careful consideration of gear ratios and friction reduction to ensure user experience wasn't compromised.
Utilized electromagnetic principles to convert mechanical rotation into electrical energy. The system incorporates a custom-designed generator with optimized coil configurations and magnetic components to maximize power output from relatively slow drawer movements. The design ensures energy is captured during both opening and closing actions.
Developed a specialized circuit for efficient storage of the generated power. The system incorporates capacitors and energy management components that condition the variable input power and store it for later use. The circuit design prioritizes energy efficiency to ensure minimal losses during conversion and storage processes.
Created a robust drawer structure that seamlessly integrates the energy harvesting components while maintaining full functionality as a storage unit. The design balances aesthetic considerations with practical requirements, ensuring durability and ease of use while accommodating the power generation system.
Explored various approaches to harvesting energy from everyday activities, ultimately focusing on drawer operation as an untapped energy source. Conducted initial feasibility studies and created conceptual designs for the energy capture mechanism.
Developed detailed designs for the rack and pinion system, optimizing for energy capture efficiency while maintaining smooth drawer operation. Created CAD models and conducted simulations to validate the mechanical design before prototyping.
Designed the power generation and storage circuits, selecting appropriate components for optimal energy conversion and storage. Conducted extensive testing to refine the circuit design and improve efficiency.
Constructed a working prototype integrating the mechanical and electrical systems. Used a combination of custom-fabricated parts and modified off-the-shelf components to create a functional demonstration unit.
Conducted comprehensive testing to measure energy generation capacity, storage efficiency, and overall system performance. Identified areas for improvement and implemented design refinements to enhance performance and reliability.
Developed the final version incorporating all refinements and optimizations. Created comprehensive documentation and prepared the system for exhibition and demonstration to secure funding for further development.
The Power Drawer project successfully demonstrated the viability of harvesting energy from everyday drawer operations. The final prototype generated sufficient power to charge small electronic devices and operate LED lighting, proving the concept's practical utility.
Following the development of a working prototype, the team secured funding for a minimum viable product, which went on to achieve widespread representation across the province. The project has raised awareness about alternative energy harvesting methods and inspired further exploration of everyday energy capture opportunities.
Challenge: Maximizing energy capture from relatively slow and infrequent drawer movements.
Solution: Optimized the gear ratio in the rack and pinion system to increase rotational speed at the generator while maintaining smooth drawer operation. Implemented high-efficiency generator components to maximize conversion of mechanical energy to electrical power.
Challenge: Ensuring the energy harvesting mechanism didn't negatively impact drawer usability.
Solution: Carefully balanced the mechanical resistance to optimize energy generation without making drawer operation difficult. Incorporated smooth-gliding components and precision alignment to maintain ease of use.
Challenge: Efficiently storing small amounts of energy from intermittent generation events.
Solution: Designed a specialized circuit with supercapacitors for rapid energy capture and efficient storage. Implemented power management features to minimize leakage and maximize available energy for end-use applications.
Challenge: Creating a system that was economically viable for potential commercialization.
Solution: Utilized readily available components where possible and designed custom parts for ease of manufacturing. Conducted cost-benefit analysis to identify the optimal balance between performance and production cost.
