Determining the Effect of Buoy Size and Number of Magnets Added to a Energy Generator on the Voltage Generated by a Hydrokinetic Device
The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of number of magnets and buoy size of an energy generator on the voltage collected from an energy generator. The experimental results and processes can be used to bring a reliable, renewable power source to third-world countries and make future hydrokinetic devices more efficient. To conduct the experiment, an energy generator was created using a generator from a flashlight. A buoy was attached to a rod, which moved magnets up and down within the coil when waves were produced. The movement of the magnets inside the coil induced an electric current in the wire. As long as the waves are being created and the buoy is moving, the current flows continuously in one direction into the capacitor which stores energy. The results of the experiment showed that adding more magnets and using a larger sized buoy had a negative effect on the amount of voltage collected. The buoy size and number of magnets should be proportional.
Research Conducted By:
Sarah Lewandowski
Sterling Heights High School
Najah Mubashira
Warren Mott High School
Warren Consolidated Schools