Lego Gravity Generator

Simple gravity powered generator, built out of lego parts. It uses a gear ratio of 1:42. I'm fairly pleased with the efficiency rating of 28%, considering the short time it took to build. I hope to make an improved version in the future.

Stats (with only one resistor):

Weight = .45 kg
Height = .69 m
Voltage = 2.3 V
Resistance = 1kOhm
Time = 160 s

Input Energy = m*g*h = 3 J
Output Power = V^2/R = 5.3 mW
Output Energy = P*s = .85 J

Efficiency = Jout/Jin = 28%

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Lego
• Gravity
• Generator
• Power
• Voltage
• Amps
• Energy
• Motor
• Technic
• DC

[smde1]

Superbly done.

Any possibility that you might share teh wiring and electronic diagram.

I would love to make a similar effort .

[IronFire116]

@smde1 The wiring was very simple, I just hooked the motor leads directly the LEDs/resistor in parallel with a capacitor. The cap smooths out any fluctuations in the voltage to give a nice steady DC.

Honestly, I built this before knowing anything about power generation. There are good circuits that can be built to provide maximum power. For example, try the searches "I-V characteristics of a solar cell" or "solar cell circuits", which I think would be comparable.

[CardSearcher911]

What did you use as weight a horseshoe?

[IronFire116]

Two horeshoes actually =)

It's one of those mind bender puzzles - the ring tied at the other end of the line connects in between the two horeshoes.

[IronFire116]

I made a better version which outputted 60 mW at about 25% efficiency, but didn't get a video.

[newage4energy]

Hey, I went to Legoland in So. Calif. I know, "Good for you" 28% isnt bad. You can only go up from here, right?

[SnoozersDog]

oh really...well i made a lego gravity DEgenerator!

[Madmonkeythegreat]

haha I though it ment a machine made out of lego that generates gravity lol

[stop4stuff]

That's pretty neat, I made a weight driven generator (see my vids) using Lego & a homemade alternator... I found the efficiency can be greatly increased by using some PTFE/Silicone oil to lubricate the Lego parts, the oil doesn't harm the Lego as ordinary oil would.

Great use of all Lego parts :)