The basic project requirements that were established are summed up in the following needs statement:
“Design a small-scale generator system that converts human energy into electricity in order to power a light for working or reading, using materials that are typically available in developing countries”.
The team, Bright Solutions, that tackled this project was comprised of Jessica Dzelzkalns, Alina Goldenberg, Dan Higginson, Denali Jones, and Alastair McKee. The final prototype was called the Igenerator. The unique aspect of this project was that the design was accomplished by using parts that could be found locally in developing countries in order to increase the usability of the final product. In the final design it was deemed necessary to supply certain components, such as magnets, that could not easily be sourced in all countries. The final prototype produced 2 minutes of light for 1 minute of cranking with the final report outlining additional improvements that could increase the efficiency. Below is a photo of the final prototype.
