MINOR PROJECT

GRAVITY LIGHT
Project Mentor Presentation by :

Dr. Manoj Chouksey Ayush Sharma 0801ME181018

ME, SGSITS, Indore Prarthana Dwivedi 0801ME181037
Shreya Singh 0801ME181054
1
MOTIVATION
There are just under a billion people in the world who are still living without
electricity. Many of them rely on dangerous, polluting and expensive
kerosene lamps for light. Gravity Light is designed to provide a clean
affordable alternative to kerosene. Unlike other solutions, Gravity Light has
no reliance on external factors such as sunlight.

The reason for generating power using gravity is that it is available all over
the Earth, abundant and consistent too. In this project, the gravitational
energy of a falling mass is converted to electrical energy.

We have learnt about various sources of renewable energy and how to
convert them in the subject Powerplant Engineering. in the previous
semester from where the idea stemmed to work for minor project on topic
of energy conversion. And the gravity light felt a good idea to work on
No. of people in millions off grid
considering global needs.

Dynamics of machine in which we have studied different types of power

transmission methods as belt, rope, chain drives, gears etc. was an
inspiration in selecting the design for our gravity light model.

2
 TIMELINE

METHODOLO Selecting & Planning the Design

Idea
GY
Analysing Research Papers
Softwares Used
Estimating Prototype Cost
1. Creo Parametric 7.0.0.0
CAD modelling
2. Creo Simulate 7.0.0.0
3. SolidWorks 2019 Analysis & Simulation
4. Altair HyperMesh 2018
Market Research

Building the prototype

Cross validating Results

3
 INTRODUCTION
• Gravity light is a solution that generates electricity by just raising a
certain weight for a specific time. It is a device that comes without
battery, solar panels or any other form of energy producing or storing
devices. Since it does not require a battery, it is not only
environmentally friendly, but also less prone to require regular
replacements as batteries deteriorate over time. The primary
objective of this project is to synthesize a gravity power generation
mechanism which can provide stable operation to continuously
convert the gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy and
then to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy, so as to
develop a reliable, effective and stable energy output.

• Gravity Light consists of an LED bulb fixed to an adjustable lamp that

can be hooked up on a wall or hung from a ceiling. It also comprises a
pulley mechanism and a ballast bag (weight) hanging from the lamp.
The potential energy is obtained from the ballast bag. When it is
suspended, the potential energy in the ballast is converted by gravity
into a slow descent of the bag. The converted energy then generates
electricity. The strength and run time of the light can be adjusted
from strong lighting to long-lasting low-level lighting.
Gravity Light Prototype

4
 MAIN COMPONENTS USED IN THE
PROJECT

Wheel/RIM LED Pulley Rope Dynamo

. We are using the rim of bicycle wheel • A light-emitting diode (LED) is a • It is a wheel on an axle or shaft that is • It is used for power transmission • The function of the dynamo is to
as a drum for rope drive. Sprocket semiconductor light source. LEDs are designed to support movement and drive having rim and pulley as driver change mechanical energy into
with load attached chain is connected used as indicator lamps in many change of direction of a cable or belt and driven drums. electricity. In the system mechanical
to it thus transferring the energy devices and are increasingly used for along its circumference. Pulleys are energy is provided to dynamo by the
produced by the motion of falling other lighting. Here in this model it is used in a variety of ways to lift loads, shaft connected to the pulley of rope
mass. acting as both. apply forces, and to transmit power. drive

Sprocket Chain Load Stand

*It acts as drum for chain with the • It is used as open end drive on which * When the ballast bag(load) is • For mountings and structural support
load. It is connected to rim with loads are attached. suspended, the potential energy in to the components of gravity light.
metal hub and bearings. the ballast is converted by gravity into
a slow descent of the bag.

5
 WORKING
• The gravity light consists of a dynamo as the generator, a bicycle wheel rim as the
larger pulley, a cast iron pulley as the smaller one and a rope which attaches the
larger and smaller pulleys.

• When a heavy load is applied to one end of the sprocket chain mechanism
connected with the larger pulley, due to gravity the load starts to fall. Hence the
larger pulley starts to rotate. With the rotation of the larger pulley the rope transmits
power to smaller pulley where dynamo is fitted.

• As the dynamo rotates, it produces enough electricity to light the LEDs. There is a
small pulley that is attached to the generator shaft and its diameter is 2”. Whereas
the diameter of the larger pulley is 24” which ensures that enough reduction is
provided

• The mechanism guarantees that the mass falls at a reasonably slow speed, long
enough to light the LED for a sufficiently long time.
Working Model

6
 CALCULATIONS
Using effective load of 2.683 kg (W - Wc) of effective load, the potential energy of load for
an altitude of 3m

Reduction at different stages and efficiency Potential energy is converted to electrical energy by dynamo
Dynamo output= Voltage*Current*run time
PARAMETER VALUE Power= dynamo output/run time=

Weight (W) 3.735 kg

Velocity of falling mass= 3/60= 0.05 m/s
Counter Weight (Wc) 1.052 kg Efficiency= = = 1.98%= 2% (approximately) 

Diameter of sprocket (Ds) 70.8 mm Pulley attached to generator shaft has diameter of 50.8 mm
Circumference of pulley
Diameter of Rim (Dr) 635 mm Linear speed of pulley per second
Rotational speed of pulley per second
Diameter of pulley (Dp) 50.8 mm Linear speed of rim i.e., large pulley is equal to linear speed of pulley
Therefore, Linear speed of rim=
Run time of model (t) 60 seconds Ratio of circumference of sprocket to rim (larger pulley)=
Thus, rotational speed  of sprocket= 0.35
Height (h) 3m  Linear speed  of sprocket= 8.89
Parameters Falling time(approximately)

But actual run time achieved is 1 min due to low efficiency which is due to mechanical losses in model.

7
CALCULATION , Where C is a constant
Putting Values in

KINEMATIC ANALYSIS And solving for T1 and T2 from equations of translation motion
𝑇 2 −𝑚𝑔=𝑚𝑎 From Translation Motion using derived function of a, we have
𝑀𝑔− 𝑇 1= 𝑀𝑎 of the masses
gBD
2𝑅
𝑀𝑆 ( 𝑇 1 −𝑇 2 ) 𝑅= 𝐼𝑠 𝛼 From Rotational Motion

Let at any instant, the mass has risen a height ‘y’

Assuming a uniform mass per unit length of the chain as ‘w’ Where
𝑇2 The net masses on the left and right sides of the sprocket have been
𝑇1 change to M’ and m’
Where, D=

m’ Putting these values in equation of translational and rotational motion

and solving for ‘a’
𝑦 We have,

M’ Now Using the differential equation

And solving for y as a function of t, and plugging back values in the acc.
Function of y, we have This is the required Kinematic Solution

8
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD)
• We designed our model
using Creo Parametric
7.0.0.0 to assist in
finding potential
assembly problems and
clearances.
• This model is exact
replica of the parts
procured from market
used by us in making
the prototype of the
project.
• We used this model to
perform real time
analysis and simulation

Front View Exploded View Side View

9
 DYNAMIC ANALYSIS &
SIMULATION
• Dynamic simulation of the model was done using Creo Parametric 7.0.0.0 & Creo
Simulate 7.0.0.0. We have performed the analysis using analytical equation of
torque derived in calculations part.
• The dynamic analysis focuses on obtaining RPM at the desired position i.e.
Dynamo Shaft, while analysing intermediate components
• I/P Torque = gBD

Output Parameters
RPM Rim 24 RPM
RPM Pulley 191 RPM
RPM Dynamo 410 RPM
Theta Rim 150 Rad.
Runtime 60 sec

Dynamic Simulation The analysis successfully corresponds with the real time running of the model

10
 GRAPHICAL
INTERPRETATI
Fast
ONS
• The graph is a plot b/w time and
Intermediate various stage reductions at Rim,
Pulley and Dynamo respectively.

Low • For better understanding we did

simultaneous plotting of all
studies

• The graph is in accordance with

the calculations obtained during
reduction analysis.

Plot b/w various reference parameters

11
 COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING (CAE)
• Most of the components of our model are OEM procured, hence we
only performed CAE analysis of certain components. We did Finite
Element Analysis of the Stand used in the model to support other
components
• We used Creo Simulate 7.0.0.0 and Hypermesh 2019 for structural
analysis

FEA of Stand
Material Plywood SYield = 31.2 MPa
Mesh Size 5 mm
Load Case 500 N At lower 100 N at Upper
Stud Stud
Max. Stress 7.6278 MPa
Deflection 0.33 mm
Factor of Safety 31.2/7.6278 4.09
Mount Analysis
Max Stress Region

12
•
CONCLUSION
Our design method, forced us to constantly research, redraw, and think outside the
box in order to have a successful and unique design. We have carried out various
tests (simulated as well as real life), numerical, and graphical analyses to ensure the
performance, manufacturability and reliability of our model.
• Generation of gravity power can be increased by applying much heavier load at the end of
rim. Though heavy load increases the voltage and current of dynamo but it decreases the
lighting time of LED. Applying heavy load, it may cause bending to the stand. So a suitable
mass must be used so that it falls for as long time as possible. If we use low rpm dynamo,
the lighting time will increase. Due to friction of the pulley and rope, there is a power loss
to a great extent.
• Gravity light needs no operating cost, so it can be operated as required. In remote areas,
it may play an important role for fulfilling the demand of the power. Moreover, the power
can be stored in the battery so that it may give a great advantage to emergency situation.
• In short, the idea proves to be a standout in proposing a solution to the problem
faced by most of the people in remote areas. It can also be developed to meet high
electricity requirements when engineered according to specific needs

13
 FUTURE
INTERESTS
DEVELOPRED
* Future vision for this project is to increase the
run time and to be able to store the energy
produced so that it can give continuous supply of
electricity rather than a process which requires
reloading after every cycle by using a electrical
energy storing circuit made using capacitors and
resistors.
* Compacting the size of the model by completely
replacing the drive system by epicyclic gear train
while selecting a mechanism that proves to be
more effective than the current mechanism.
* This is the proposed CAD model for the gear train
that we wish to achieve in the future versions of
our project. It incorporates a geartrain that is
capable of power transmission through multi-
stage reduction and also compacting the model.
Future Prospects

14
Gravity Light V2.0
FUTURE
INTERESTS
DEVELOPRED
* We also aim at reducing the mass of the system
by 3D printing the entire assembly and thus
reducing the dependance on OEM parts.
* This model is inspired by Gravity Light made by
Deciwatt PVT. LTD.
* Till date India has no commercial grade
manufacturing or even product availability of this
sort, thus it provides great commercial and
industrial scopes in the market for emergency
lighting solutions.
* We successfully integrated the knowledge of
various subjects in designing this project and
further applying the same on various industry
grade software. We further plan to do the same
on future versions of this project.
Gravity Light by Deciwatt LTD.
Future Prospects
15
THANKYOU
REFERENCES
1. M AT W E B M AT E R I A L L I B R A RY
2. D E C I WAT T LT D .
3. R I M S TA R G R AV I T Y L I G H T V 1
4. C R E O PA R A M E T R I C H E L P C E N T R E

16