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by

 

Waffa Zahralyn

Grade 11, HHM

 

Introduction:

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Traditional alternative energy production methods often face challenges related to intermittent gaps in power generation. Take, for instance, solar and wind power, two prominent renewable energy sources heavily reliant on weather conditions. (Tong, D. et. al., 2021) One can use Newfoundland as an example, particularly noting that Newfoundland is recognized as one of the cloudiest, foggiest, and windiest regions in North America. (Environment Canada, 2008) Days with overcast skies or erratic multidirectional gusts of wind can lead to diminished energy output, creating interruptions in power generation that may not align with consistent energy demand. (Sanchez Gomez, M. et. al., 2020) This variability poses a significant hurdle in maintaining a stable and reliable energy supply.

 

In the sector of alternative power generation, my design for a new power-generative device proposes an innovative approach that involves harnessing the forces of an electromagnetic repulsion disk propeller to run a generator without using fossil fuel. This technology capitalizes on the principles of electromagnetic repulsion to establish a dynamic and efficient propulsion mechanism. Through the interaction of neodymium magnets with electromagnets, the resultant repulsive forces drive the disk propeller forward, converting mechanical energy into electrical power. This method enables the potential for sustainable energy solutions and introduces a cost-efficient, simple, and adaptable concept for electricity generation.

 

The Upsides and Downsides of Traditional Energy Methods:

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Windmills:

In the context of Newfoundland, windmills –also known as wind turbines– present a mix of advantages, but they also have drawbacks. On a positive note, the region's status as one of the windiest places in North America positions wind energy as a potentially lucrative and plentiful resource. The consistent presence of strong winds offers the prospect of high energy production, providing a steadfast source of electricity for the local community. Additionally, embracing wind power aligns with the global shift toward renewable energy, contributing to a diminished reliance on traditional fossil fuels and a consequent reduction in overall carbon emissions, aligning with the province's dedication to sustainability and environmental preservation.

 

That being said, challenges are evident in deploying windmills in the Newfoundland setting. The inclement weather conditions, marked by frequent fog and storms, can introduce operational difficulties and escalate the already high maintenance costs. (Nina Chestney, 2023) The unpredictable nature of wind gusts may threaten the windmill's stability. (Devbratta Thakur et.al., 2009) Exposure to salty sea air can expedite wear and tear on turbine components, potentially shortening their lifespan. (Dalir A., 2021) Despite the region's consistently high winds, which are favorable for wind energy, there are evident drawbacks that limit the practicality of windmills.

 

Fossil fuels:

Leveraging fossil fuels as an energy source comes with specific advantages and disadvantages. One notable advantage is the existing infrastructure for oil and gas extraction offshore. Newfoundland and Labrador has significantly impacted the offshore oil industry, contributing to the region's economic development. (Vodden et. al., 2014) The proximity of oil and gas resources provides a localized and reliable energy source, contributing to the province's energy security. (Lisa Baiton, 2023) 

 

However, the reliance on fossil fuels poses considerable environmental and economic challenges. The extraction and use of fossil fuels, particularly from offshore oil drilling, carry ecological risks. (Rakesh Kumar, 2013) Some of these risks include the potential for oil spills and habitat disruption. Moreover, burning fossil fuels is harmful to the environment. It contributes to climate change and impacts the earth's health and inhabitants. (Satyabrata Nayak et. al., 2020) The global push toward renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions presents economic challenges for regions heavily dependent on fossil fuel industries. (IRENA, 2022) The transition to cleaner energy alternatives is crucial. It is not only to address environmental concerns but also to ensure the earth's long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

 

Solar Power:

Harnessing solar power has its benefits, but comes with its limitations as well. One significant limitation is the relatively lower amount of sunlight the region receives, especially during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter and the sun's angle is lower in the sky. Weather conditions and geographical locations also play a role.  For example, the northern latitude of NL, resulting in reduced solar insolation, impacts the overall efficiency of solar panels in converting sunlight into electricity. Additionally, Newfoundland's frequently overcast skies and high precipitation levels, including snow during the winter, further diminish the consistent availability of the sun and disrupt the ability of solar-related technology to absorb energy from the sun. (Rylan Urban, 2023) 

 

Nuclear Energy:

Nuclear energy is a form of energy harnessed through a process known as nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom splits, releasing a large amount of heat. The heat is then used to generate electricity. This method produces low greenhouse gas emissions and high energy density, which makes it a highly efficient method of obtaining electricity. However, the cons outweigh the pros. Nuclear energy produces radioactive waste, which can lead to environmental contamination, which counteracts its initial objective as a form of an environmentally friendly energy source. It also has high initial costs and a possibility of creating catastrophic accidents. (Mark Z. Jacobson, 2023) 

 

Research objectives:

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The research objective includes the practical implementation and testing of the Magnet-Electromagnet Repulsion Disk Propeller in real-world conditions that involves designing and building prototypes to assess the design's efficiency, durability, and adaptability to varying environmental factors. 

 

Trials and experimentation will validate the concept's feasibility for power generation, considering factors such as different operational conditions, propeller sizes, and configurations. Through rigorous testing, this research aims to identify potential challenges, optimize design specifications, and establish an innovation that generates a sustainable and scalable electrical power source. The ultimate goal is to create a valuable solution to the field of alternative energy by developing a Magnet-Electromagnet Repulsion Disk Propeller that is theoretically sound and practically viable for widespread use as a power generation system.

 

Structure and Mechanism of the Proposed Magnet-Electromagnet Repulsion Disk Propeller:

The proposed device/structure comprises essential components designed for efficient energy generation. A circular disk forms the core, constructed from Mu-metal, a nickel–iron soft ferromagnetic alloy. Within this disk, multiple neodymium magnets are strategically embedded at regular intervals. Mu-metal serves a crucial role in shielding these sensitive neodymium magnets from the magnetic fields of nearby magnets. (Magnetic Shield Corp., 2023) A series of electromagnets will be positioned surrounding the disk, and each set of electromagnets is to be activated and deactivated at regular intervals, ideally every second. 

 

This periodic activation results in the repulsion between the electromagnets and the neodymium magnets, generating sufficient force to rotate the disk. Connected to the disk is a generator through a gear system that will utilize the spinning motion of the disk to produce electricity. Additionally, a bypass connection from the generator output is incorporated to enable the control to switch the electromagnet on/off, allowing for convenient on/off functionality.

 

A gear system will be integrated between the disk and the generator to enhance the rotational efficiency and power output. This addition is fundamental in multiplying the original disk's rotations per minute (RPM). By strategically incorporating gears into the mechanism and significantly increasing the RPM, a substantial boost in output power generation occurs through the connected generator. This gear system plays a crucial role in optimizing the overall performance of the design, ensuring that the rotational energy of the disk is sufficient enough to be translated into a higher electrical power output.

 

Neodymium magnets:

A neodymium magnet of an N52 grade is a powerful, high-strength permanent magnet known for its exceptional magnetic properties. These magnets are composed primarily of neodymium, iron, and boron, forming a neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) alloy. Due to their powerful magnetic force, N52 magnets are widely used in various applications, ranging from industrial applications such as motors to consumer electronics like speakers and headphones. The N52 neodymium magnet's compact size and exceptional strength contribute to its versatility, making it a preferred choice in engineering this design, where maximizing magnetic performance in a limited space is crucial. (Shewane PG et. al., 2014) 

 

Electromagnets:

The type of electromagnet used in this design is a simple electromagnet created from a transformer. It involves repurposing the transformer's core and winding to induce a magnetic field. Transformers typically consist of a ferromagnetic core, primary, and secondary winding. (Scegbert, 2023) The primary winding will be utilized to convert it into an electromagnet. The first step involves safely removing the transformer's secondary winding, leaving only the primary winding intact. When an alternating current (AC) is supplied to the primary winding, it produces a magnetic field around the ferromagnetic core. This magnetic field, in turn, induces magnetism in nearby materials. By controlling the current supplied to the primary winding, the strength of the magnetic field and, consequently, the electromagnet's strength can be adjusted. This simple electromagnet created from a transformer will push away the neodymium magnets embedded in the spinning circular disk.

 

Gear system:

The intricate design of the gear system acts as a transformative force, taking the initial rotational input and exponentially multiplying it to achieve a substantially higher output. This mechanism is engineered to significantly amplify the rotation speed, dramatically increasing efficiency and power generation. Integrating the gear system into this design will ensure the design's ability to spin the disk sufficiently to power a generator and create electricity. (Băra, A et. al., 2018) 

 

In this design, using a Speed Increaser Gearbox would be beneficial as it offers several advantages in this particular application. One primary benefit is its ability to enhance the rotational speed of an input shaft, allowing for increased output speed. By adjusting the speed to match specific requirements, these gearboxes will maximize the efficiency of this project design. 

 

Project Expectation:

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The goal is to achieve maximum power output with minimal power input and to attain this objective, a series of calculations must be made. Initial considerations involve determining the number of electromagnets required to rotate a disk with a specified diameter. The power to activate a single electromagnet is calculated and multiplied by the total number of magnets needed. Further calculations involve establishing the ideal rotational speed of the disk in rotations per minute (RPM) and using a Speed Increaser Gearbox accordingly to achieve this goal. The hope is to ensure the design attains the needed rpm, maximizing power generation efficiency. By meticulously addressing these calculations, the aim is to optimize the entire system, achieving a greater power output than the input power used.

 

Description/Conclusion:

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In conclusion, the Magnet-Electromagnet Repulsion Propeller presents a promising solution to address the challenges associated with traditional alternative energy production. The proposal of harnessing the forces of magnet-electromagnet repulsion introduces an innovative and adaptable concept for electricity generation. The limitations of conventional green energy and energy methods, such as windmills, solar power, nuclear energy, and fossil fuels, highlight the need for innovative approaches to overcome geographical, climatic, and cost constraints.

 

The proposed design's structure and mechanism, involving a circular disk with strategically embedded neodymium magnets, electromagnets, and a speed-increasing gear system, demonstrates a new approach to power generation. This design can reach the goal of producing greater output energy than input.

 

The research objectives emphasize practical implementation and testing, focusing on efficiency, durability, and adaptability to real-world conditions. The proposed calculations and expectations aim to perfect the system design for maximum power output with minimal input, ensuring its sustainability and efficiency.

 

Overall, the Magnet-Electromagnet Repulsion Propeller, with its innovative design, integration of advanced materials, and consideration of practical implementation, holds the potential to contribute a valuable solution to the field of alternative energy. As research progresses and functional testing unfolds, the hope is to establish a reliable and sustainable power generation system that aligns with the evolving needs of energy production in the current challenging environmental conditions of the earth.

 

References:

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Tong, D., Farnham, D.J., Duan, L. et al. Geophysical constraints on the reliability of solar and wind power worldwide. Nat Commun 12, 6146 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26355-z (Retrieved 2023-12-14)

 

Environment Canada. "The Climate of Newfoundland". Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. (Retrieved 2023-12-14)

 

Sanchez Gomez, M. and Lundquist, J. K.: The effect of wind direction shear on turbine performance in a wind farm in central Iowa, Wind Energy. Sci., 5, 125–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-5-125-2020. (Retrieved 2023-12-14)

 

Nina Chestney. (2023) Wind power industry drifts off course as perfect storm of issues affects dozens of projects.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/international-business/article-wind-power-industry-drifts-off-course-as-perfect-storm-of-issues/ (Retrieved 2023-12-14)

 

Devbratta Thakur & Nadarajah Mithulananthan mithulan@ait.ac.th (2009) Influence of Constant Speed Wind Turbine Generator on Power System Oscillation, Electric Power Components and Systems, 37:5, 478-494, DOI: 10.1080/15325000802599320

 

Dalir A. (2021) The main tear and wear cases in off-shore wind turbines (Doctoral dissertation, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt).

 

Vodden, Gibson, Daniels. 2014. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Regional Development Policy. Working Paper CRD-18. Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook. 

 

Lisa Baiton, President & CEO, The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). 

2023 Energy NL Conference – Newfoundland and Labrador’s Offshore: An Opportunity Reimagined

 

Rakesh Kumar, editor (2013). The extraction and use of fossil fuels, particularly from offshore oil drilling, carry ecological risks. Nova Science Publishers, Inc. New York.

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Satyabrata Nayak, Madhumita Das et. al. Chapter 10: Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuels. Sustainable Energy and Environment: An Earth System Approach. Apple Academic Press (2020)

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International renewable energy agency (IRENA). World energy transitions outlook 2022. Executive summary and Introduction. https://www.irena.org/Digital-Report/World-Energy-Transitions-Outlook-2022#page-0 

(Retrieved 2023-12-14)

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Rylan Urban. Solar Power Newfoundland and Labrador (2023 Guide). https://www.energyhub.org/newfoundland-and-labrador/#:~:text=Because%20of%20low%20sunlight%20levels,for%20switching%20to%20solar%20power.

(Retrieved 2023-12-14)

 

Mark Z. Jacobson. Atmosphere/Energy Program, Stanford University. 7 reasons why nuclear energy is not the answer to solve climate change. (2023). https://www.oneearth.org/the-7-reasons-why-nuclear-energy-is-not-the-answer-to-solve-climate-change/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7OqrBhD9ARIsAK3UXh2aDl395Kun-OLmQPJDaKVSdbvOQ0HkhChLnSUEg93u4eWWHL_w5TMaAugVEALw_wcB

(Retrieved 2023-12-14)

 

"Magnetic Fields and Shields". FAQ. Magnetic Shield Corp. Archived from the original on 2008-12-18. Retrieved 2023-12-14.

 

Shewane PG, Gite M, Singh A, Narkhede AJ. An overview of neodymium magnets over normal magnets for the generation of energy. International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication. 2014;2(12):4056-9.

 

Scegbert. (2023) Microwave Transformer Electromagnet. https://www.instructables.com/Microwave-Electromagnet/ (Retrieved 2023-12-14)

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Băra, A & Nedelcu, Dorian & Hatiegan, Cornel & Bejinariu, Andreea & Nedeloni, L. (2018). General aspects of speed increaser gearboxes. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 294. 012032. 10.1088/1757-899X/294/1/012032.