Post #2: Early Project Progress.

Our project is still targeting to alleviate the problem of "dirty" energy reliance and consumption that is threatening the environment (see post #1), by modifying common use playground equipment so that the mechanical energy expended in use of the equipment could be redirected into electrical energy. Our goal is to design a 4-ft diameter playground roundabout that converts the energy from spinning into electrical energy, with a target output of up to 200W of power. This roundabout should be able to support at least 160 lbs of human weight, since it's designed for use by children. We have been researching different materials that would be suitable for our project build (such as wood types), and types of generators we might be able to procure, but the ASTM playground safety standards will be one of the primary influences on our roundabout design. Due to safety standards, the clearance height for our rotating platform has to be in a range of 2.85"-3.50" or greater than 9" off the ground, so as to avoid kids getting stuck or crushing their limbs.

Figures 1:The dimensions of the turntable. Figure 2: Turntable adaptability features.

The turntable is one of the most important components of our project build, because it will be the mechanism for how our roundabout spins. Figures 1 and 2 above shows us three valuable aspects of the turntable. The 20-inch diameter and aluminum build will help provide some support for the rotating platform, it already has holes in the ring for attaching a platform, and it has a high weight capacity of 450 lbs which will give us a lot of leeway for heavier/sturdier components on the top, as well as additional weight capacity for people.

Figure 3: Rough draft of roundabout center shaft.

One of our primary concerns is how we are going to incorporate the generator into our roundabout design. We need to put the generator somewhere children cannot fiddle with it, and cover it to prevent potential moisture or debris from attacking the generator, as well as connecting the shaft to spin along with our roundabout. Whether or not we should use a belt, chain, or a more direct connection and if it will be connected to the middle shaft (figure 3) as the roundabout spins.