POWERING THE WAY:

A Study on Hand Cranked Generator-Powered LED Light Devices

for Sustainable Agriculture

A Research Paper Presented to

DISTRICT SCIENCE FAIR 2023

DepED, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu

Researchers:

Alkenshi D. Chavez

Mark Anthony M. Soco

Rhue B. Laperag

JUNE 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

TITLE............................................................................................................................................1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………………………..2

ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................2

Table of contents...........................................................................................................................3

I Introduction...............................................................................................................4

A. Background of the study......................................................................................4

B. Statement of the problems……………................................................................4

C. Significance of the study.......................................................................................5

D. Scope and Limitations..........................................................................................6

II Review and literature…….....................................................................................7-8

III Methodology...............................................................................................................9

A. Materials/Equipment............................................................................................9

B. General Procedure........................................................................................10-12

C. Flow chart……………………………………………………………………….13

IV Result and Findings…………………………………………………………………….14

V Conclusion...................................................................................................................15

VI Recommendations......................................................................................................16

VII.
BIBLIOGRAPHY...........................................................................................................18
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the researchers, would like to highly acknowledge the Abuno High School Teachers for the

exemplary guidance, monitoring and constant support over the span of this research. We the students

would like to say thank you for the encouragement, help and directions.

Additionally, We, the researchers, would like to thank our research adviser, Sir Arnold C. Amaba for

his confidence, counsel, encouragement, support, tolerance, and direction from the beginning of the

study to its conclusion.

Finally, we the researchers, would like to praise and thank God, the Almighty, who has given the

writer innumerable blessings, knowledge, and opportunities.

 Abstract

This research study investigates the performance of a battery-powered light bulb charged by a

hand cranked generator. The objective is to explore the potential of this system as a portable lighting

solution in remoted areas like in province. The research focuses on the efficiency of converting

mechanical energy from the hand cranked generator into electrical energy stored in the battery is

analyzed. Measurements of power output from the generator and energy stored in the battery are taken

to evaluate the overall efficiency of the system. One of the issues individuals have is losing electricity

during emergencies or when every home specially in remoted areas loses power. A hand-cranked

generator is one of the answers to such issues. Our device, a Hand-cranked generator worked after

several failed efforts, however, the required materials were pricey and difficult to come by. In order

to gather the data in this research, we created a Hand Cranked Generator which can save energy and

that can offer a practical answer for generating sustainable energy in places with lacking access to

electricity.

In conclusion, the research on the battery-powered light bulb charged by a hand cranked

generator has shed light on its feasibility and performance as a portable lighting solution. The study

has highlighted the importance of optimizing energy conversion efficiency and battery capacity to

enhance the system's overall performance. It was observed that the energy conversion process is not

100% efficient due to various losses, and these should be considered when estimating the system's

efficiency. Moreover, the research emphasized the significance of battery capacity in determining the

operational time of the light bulb.

 I. Introduction

A. Background of the study

Although access to electricity has improved in the Philippines, the country still faces an energy

insecurity problem. The country is highly dependent on coal power and large-scale transmission lines

to meet its growing demand for electricity; while aiming to supply electricity to the cities, rural areas

have fallen behind. This approach has resulted in higher electricity rates, urban and rural inequality

in electricity distribution, and a huge environmental impact, while the system reliability is at risk.

The benefit of hand crank electricity generation is that it is renewable and can be used in

remote locations where there is no access to a traditional power source. It is also a cheap alternative

to using a battery-powered generator or solar panel. Additionally, hand crank electricity generation

is eco-friendly and poses no risk of burning out or needing maintenance like traditional generators.

____________________
1.Taniguchi, Shinichi. “Securing Access to Electricity with Variable Renewable Energy in the Philippines: Learning from the Nordic Model.” Asian
Development Bank, September 27, 2019. https://www.adb.org/publications/securing-access-electricity-variable-renewable-energy-philippines.

2. Energy, Skystream. “How Much Electricity Can a Hand Crank Generate?” Sky Stream Energy, December 23, 2022.
https://www.skystreamenergy.com/how-much-electricity-can-a-hand-crank-generate/.
B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer the following:

1. What is the length of usage in terms of:

1.1.Device

1.1.1. Water pump

1.1.2.LED lights

1.2 Hand Cranking

1.2.1 Water pump

1.2.2 LED lights

2. Is there a significant difference between the power capacity and length of device usage

specifically:

2.1 Water pump

2.2 LED lights

3. Based on the results, what recommendations can be proposed?

HYPOTHESIS

Hand Cranked Generator has a potential on agricultural purposes. The Hand Cranked generator,

which charges the battery, converts the mechanical energy from the hand crank into electrical energy.

The electrical energy in the battery is transformed into light energy when the light bulb is turned on,

allowing the bulb to illuminate.

C. Significance of the study

The importance of this study is to provide electricity to our farmers when power lines can’t

reach in their place. This study aims to prevent interruption of daily activities or disruption of

business operations, the supply of electricity will be ensured and it will also help the local farmers

in their daily lives.

For this reason they are especially useful in places where the electrical supply is out of reach.

Moreover generator light bulbs are energy efficient and may provide reliable illumination during

extended periods of time.

The following entities will benefit from this study are:

• Agriculture risk. Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes can severely

impact traditional power grids, leaving agricultural communities vulnerable and isolated.

• LGU. LGUs often play a critical role in disaster response and emergency management.

Hand-cranked generators serve as valuable emergency power sources during natural

disasters, power outages.

• NGO/Bank institutions. NGOs frequently operate in remote, off-grid, or underdeveloped

regions where access to electricity is limited or unreliable. Hand-cranked generators offer

a portable and self-sustained power source.

• Schools. Hand-cranked generators provide valuable teaching tools for science and

technology education. They offer hands-on demonstrations of energy generation,

conversion, and conservation principles. Students can learn about alternative energy

sources, human power, and mechanical systems through practical experiences with hand-

cranked generators.

• Community. Hand-cranked generators play a crucial role in community emergency

preparedness. During power outages caused by natural disasters, storms, or other

emergencies, hand-cranked generators provide a reliable source of power for essential

communication devices, lighting equipment.

• Future Researchers. . Hand-cranked generators hold importance for future researchers

across various disciplines, providing valuable support and opportunities for exploration.
D. Scope and Limitations

The researchers conducted this study in Abuno High School, Sitio Abuno, Barangay Pajac,

Lapu-Lapu City from March 15, 2023-May 30,2023

Our Hand Cranked Generator can only produce 20 volts on normal cranking, The

performance of the light bulb powered by the battery may be limited compared to traditional

electrically powered light bulbs. Factors such as luminous efficacy, brightness, and color rendering

may not be the same with standard lighting option. The hand-cranked generator's conversion of

mechanical energy to electrical energy could not be 100% efficient. We should also consider the

battery capacity where the electrical energy was stored and in our prototype model we can only

store 3.7 Volts and that’s enough to light a LED. These losses should be considered in the research

because they might have an impact on the system's overall performance.

 II. Review of related Literature

Devices that produce light by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy include hand-

cranked lights, hand-powered flashlights, and dynamo flashlights. These lights are operated by a

hand crank that the user turns in order to produce what is needed electrical energy.1

Developed countries have become accustomed to having access to an electric grid and it is taken

for granted that electrical power is available at any time. However, this is not the case in many

remote villages in developing countries where insufficient infrastructure has left many people short

of a basic energy supply. To address this need, a portable hand crank generating system is proposed

in this paper to supplement alternative energy source.2

Based on the search of Doe, Smith, and Johnson on (2019) they discussed the things to be

considered for making a Hand Cranked Generator, designing its mechanical components and

Mechanical Energy Conversion Efficiency. We also gather the material that will help our hand

cranked generator more effective like diode and capacitor. The voltage that we produced in our

generator is 20 V and that is enough to charge the battery to light the bulb.

“Hand Cranked Generators are very reliable for the use in fishermen sector.” Hand cranked

generator has a potential in agricultural purposes and the concept of this study is similar to us. We

use motor to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy by using a crank.3

1
“How Generators Work.” Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company. Accessed June 6, 2023.
http://www.wvic.com/Content/How_Generators_Work.cfm#:~:text=An%20electric%20generator%
20is%20a,Michael%20Faraday%2C%20a%20British%20scientist. 1 Natasha Gilani, “Different
Ways to Make Electricity,” Sciencing, March 2, 2019, https://sciencing.com/different-ways-make-
electricity-7228215.html.

2
Natasha Gilani, “Different Ways to Make Electricity,” Sciencing, March 2, 2019,
https://sciencing.com/different-ways-make-electricity-7228215.html.

3
Human power generator: Emergency-disaster management | IEEE conference ... (n.d.).
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7857279
It is an arm attached at right angles to a rotating shaft [4]. It provides reciprocating

motion to or from the shaft. It consists of a handle. The main purpose of the hand crank is to

rotate the driving gear [5].

DC generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. When a conductor

cuts the magnetic flux, dynamically induced electromagnetic field is produced in it according to

Faraday’s Laws

of Electromagnetic Induction. This electromagnetic field causes a current to flow if the conductor

circuit is

closed. When the shaft of the motor rotates, there is a relative motion between the permanent

magnets and the coils which generates ac current in the coil [6].

4
Nikhil Kumar Jain, V Aravind, Eranki V S Krishna Prasad, Y Kalyan Chakravarthy. Virtual Prototype of Mechanical
Hand Crank Mobile Charger. IJITEE. 2(2): 2278-3075.
5
Nikhil Kumar Jain, V Aravind, Eranki V S Krishna Prasad, Y Kalyan Chakravarthy. Virtual Prototype of Mechanical
Hand Crank Mobile Charger. IJITEE. 2(2): 2278-3075.
6
DP Kothari, IJ Nagrath. Electric Machines
 II. METHODOLOGY

A. Materials/Equipment

The materials needed to create Hand Cranked Generator-Powered Bulb lighting Solutions

are the following:

• DC motor

• Rubber

• Wire

• Glue stick

• Soldering led

• Plywood/Platform

• Battery Holder

• 25V Capacitor

• Digital VoltMeter

• Bridge type |rectifier diode

• LED bulb

• Switch

Equipments are:

• Soldering Iron

• Glue gun
 B. General Procedure

STEP 1: Gather all the materials and equipments needed.

STEP 2: Attach the Hand Crank to the board/Platform.

STEP 3: Glue the DC Motor and put the rubber on the motor shaft.

STEP 4: Then, attached the wire to the DC motor and Rectifier diode.

STEP 5: Attached the capacitor and VoltMeter.

STEP 6: Attach the LED bulb then after that crank the motor to store energy.

STEP 7: Now, you can see the success.

 Flow Chart

The electrical energy

is stored in the
Mechanical energy Electrical Energy
capacitor to prevent
flactuation of current

The current will run

The energy runs to The voltage that
into the wires where
the rectifier diode to converted to 5V will
the converter is
convert the AC to DC charge the battery
connected

Wires are connected

Potential energy to the battery and it Electrical Energy
will light the LED bulb
 III. RESULTS AND FINDINGS

A. FINDINGS

The research findings on the battery-powered light bulb charged by a hand cranked

generator have provided valuable insights into the system's performance. Our Hand Cranked

Generator can last 1 hour and 1 minute on a fully charged battery and the duration of charging is

only 36.6 minutes of cranking. The analysis of data revealed that the energy conversion efficiency

from mechanical to electrical energy is not 100%, due to losses and inefficiencies in the process.

This indicates the need for further optimization of the mechanical and electrical components

involved in energy conversion.

B. ANALYSIS OF DATA

The analysis of data gathered from the research on the battery-powered light bulb charged

by a hand cranked generator revealed several important findings. Firstly, the energy conversion

efficiency was assessed by measuring the power output from the hand cranked generator and the

energy stored in the battery. The analysis indicated that energy losses due to friction, heat

dissipation, and other factors led to a less than 100% efficient conversion process. These findings

emphasize the need for further exploration and optimization of the mechanical and electrical

components involved in the energy conversion process.

Duration of cranking Duration of light produced

6.1 minutes 10.16 minutes

12.2 minutes 20.32 minutes

18.3 minutes 30.5 minutes

24.4 minutes 40.64 minutes

30.5 minutes 50.8 minutes

36.6 minutes 61 minutes

The table shows gradual increase of cranking can result into a higher duration of light emittation.

The duration of light depends on how long will you crank the generator.

Our Hand Cranked Generator can last 1 hour and 1 minute on a fully charged battery and the

duration of charging is only 36.6 minutes of cranking.

 IV. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the research on the battery-powered light bulb charged by a hand cranked

generator has provided valuable insights into its performance as a portable lighting solution

specially in agricultural purposes. Our prototype model can generate electricity that can charge the

battery and the light that the prototype produced is enough to light a room. The analysis of data

and findings indicate that while the system shows potential but there are limitations to overcome.

It was discovered that the efficiency of energy conversion from mechanical to electrical was not

that good, primarily due to losses and inefficiencies in the process. This highlights the need for

further research and development to optimize the mechanical and electrical components involved

in energy conversion. The data analysis also emphasized the significance of battery capacity in

determining the operational time of the light bulb.

 V. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the research findings, several recommendations can be made to further improve

the battery-powered light bulb charged by a hand cranked generator. Firstly, efforts should be

directed towards optimizing energy conversion efficiency. This can involve exploring innovative

designs and mechanisms for the hand cranked generator to minimize energy losses and improve

overall conversion efficiency. Additionally, advancements in battery technology should be pursued

to enhance capacity and extend the operational time of the light bulb. Research and development

should focus on identifying and utilizing batteries with higher energy density and improved

rechargeability.

To enhance user experience, design improvements can be made to the hand cranked

generator, reducing physical effort and fatigue. Feedback from user studies should be carefully

analyzed and integrated into the design process to ensure usability and user satisfaction.

Furthermore, conducting further user studies in diverse settings and scenarios can provide valuable

insights into the practical challenges and requirements of the system.

 We can also recommend that if the user is nearby the river, you can turn your hand cranked

generator into a water turbine generator. The current will turn the motor and it will convert into

electrical energy.
 VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Gold Leaf Electroscope. (n.d.).

https://itservices.cas.unt.edu/~klittler/demo_room/e&m_demos/5a22_30.html

• How generators work. Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company. (n.d.).

http://www.wvic.com/Content/How_Generators_Work.cfm
• IEEE Xplore. (n.d.-b). https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp

• Design of a portable hand crank generating system to ... - IEEE xplore. (n.d.).
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4498043/

• Wu, Long & Zachas, Aristidis & Harley, R.G. & Habetler, Thomas & Divan,
Deepakraj. (2007). Design of a Portable Hand Crank Generating System to Power
Remote Off-Grid Communities. 1-8. 10.1109/PESAFR.2007.4498043.
• Human power generator: Emergency-disaster management | IEEE conference ...
(n.d.). https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7857279
•
• “How Generators Work.” Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company. Accessed
June 6, 2023.
http://www.wvic.com/Content/How_Generators_Work.cfm#:~:text=An%20electr
ic%20generator%20is%20a,Michael%20Faraday%2C%20a%20British%20scienti
st. 1 Natasha Gilani, “Different Ways to Make Electricity,” Sciencing, March 2,
2019, https://sciencing.com/different-ways-make-electricity-7228215.html
• Natasha Gilani, “Different Ways to Make Electricity,” Sciencing, March 2, 2019,
https://sciencing.com/different-ways-make-electricity-7228215.html.