Power Conversion System

From Wpi-kites

The power conversion system consists of several parts. The oscillating arm is attached to a rowing machine mechanism. The rowing machine mechanism allows for power to be produced in the up-stroke of the arm. When the cable is pulled from the rowing machine, it spins a shaft. That spinning shaft is then attached to another high speed shaft through the use of sprockets and chain. The rowing machine attached shaft has a very large sprocket, and the high speed shaft has a much smaller sprocket, allowing for it to spin much faster. The high speed shaft is then attached to a generator for the production and storing of electrical energy through the Electronics System. The high speed shaft also contains a flywheel to allow for continued power production on the down-stroke of the mechanism. A very important feature of the rowing machine is that it allows for the reeling in of the cable on the down-stroke without any effect on the rest of the system.

For video of the power conversion system being powered by hand click here (YouTube link).

To see a video of the first time the WPI kite power demonstrator produced power click here (YouTube link)