Practical tests have been started for the bicycle generator manufactured within the project

June 19, 2020

Practical tests have been started for the bicycle generator manufactured within the project   

Many modern inventions require independent energy sources. Batteries and accumulators are mainly used as such. A clean energy source that can be used when traveling to power electronic devices or charge batteries can be a generator that converts kinetic energy, for example when riding a bicycle, into a suitable electrical voltage. Within the framework of the project "Draugen (environmentally friendly small power generator with the rotor linear motion) Ventspils University of Applied Sciences researchers have developed and patented a generator with rotor linear motion which can be used in various industries. Applying mathematical and physical modelling methods, the performance characteristics of the generator prototypes to be manufactured were studied, as a result of which new technical solutions were created, the work efficiency of the equipment was increased and the generator manufacturing technology was improved.                                                                                             

The developed generator is based on the principle of switching the magnetic flux of the inductor magnetic conductor. The generator consists of a fixed inductor with a permanent magnet and a winding, and a moving part on which the switching elements made of silicon steel are placed.                                                                       

The generator design and performance analysis is performed using specialized 3D modelling software, which allows to calculate the optimal size of the generator for different customer needs.

Generator design modelling using SolidWorks 3D modelling software, as well as EMWorks software for generator electromagnetic model development, provides an opportunity to quickly adjust the design and output power of the generator to be developed according to customer needs. By modifying the design of the product in this way, the production costs increase insignificantly due to the production technology of the inductor strip. Thus, unlike the generator models on the market, the new product can be quickly adapted to market requirements and any type of bicycle. Using the developed mathematical model of the generator, researchers from VUAS and Joint Stock Company Latvo made a prototype of the generator, which is already built into the running gear of the bicycle and is currently measuring its parameters. The prototype is expected to be on display in November 2020 at the Eurobike2020 International Bicycle Exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Germany.   


Engineering Research Institute (ERI) Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences as a leading partner and joint stock company "LATVO" as the project partner since the beginning of March 2019 have started to implement the European Regional Development Fond Operation Programme "Growth and Employment" 1.1.1 Specific Support Objective "Increase the Research and Innovation Capacity of Latvian Research Institutions and the Ability to Attract External Funding by Investing in Human Resources and Infrastructure" 1.1.1.1 within the framework of the 2nd round of the measure "Practical Orientation Research" project "Environmentally Friendly Small Power Generator with the Rotor Linear Motion (DrauGen).


Total approved costs of the project are EUR 472 069,00 and they are financed from the following financial sources - European Regional Development Fund (ERAF) - EUR 272,855.88, Government funding - EUR 163,807.94, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and joint stock company "LATVO" funding – EUR 35,405.18. Project Duration – 24 months (03.2019-02.2021).


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