Design
After considering several options, our team has decided that the simplest and most cost effective design is to have oxen pushing a generator around by walking in a circle. This option has been completed successfully by others who have tried.
Technical Challenges
There are several options for how we may convert the power from an ox into electrical power. One challenge of this task is the speed that an ox moves is much slower than most electrical generators require. To adapt to this challenge, we will need a method of gearing. Gearing can be done mechanically, or electrically by using a generator that has many poles. This way, the change in magnetic field will happen multiple times in each rotation.
Marginal Costs
This section will assess the various marginal costs associated with building an Ox Powered Generator
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Estimated costs assuming ox are purchased and rarely used
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Square Steel ~ $240
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60 feet at 4$ a foot
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Electric Generator ~ $200
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Other ~ $200
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Extra food $0.50 per day ($3650 over 20 year life)
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KWh generated: 1 kWh per day
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kWh to kcal= 860 kcal
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Efficiency of eating: 10%
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Average kcal consumed by a cow: 10,000
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With efficiency of 10%, this nearly doubles calories needed for ox to produce one kWh per day
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Total
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Capital Cost: $640
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Food cost per kWh ~ $0.50
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Full Cost
Based on the assumption that Ox are purchased for electricity use
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Pair of calves: $100 to $200
Well-trained team of two: $1000 to $2500
Food: assuming 50 cents/day, $3650 over 20 years
1 HP Motor - $200
Cost of building system: $650
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Total:
Ox purchased as calves ~ $4650
Ox purchased as well-trained team ~$1200 - 2000
Inverters
Case 1: If 60Hz AC is required
The ox power generator output will be rectified and inverted to produce 60 Hz AC
The DC power from PV will run through an inverter as well to produce 60 Hz AC
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Case 2: If the power is for cooking or incandescent lighting
Either form of electricity will work
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Case 3: If DC is necessary
Ox power will be rectified and dc-dc converted
Solar power will be mppt dc-dc converted
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Conclusion:
We can neglect the cost of an inverter