1. Hydroelectric Generator Workshop
Workshop Outline, 9/02/2016, Charling Li
Brief:
This workshop aims to:
 Introduce students to engineering and the role of an engineer in society;
 Introduce Engineers Without Borders and our vision/mission statement;
 Use real-life examples to demonstrate the application of humanitarian engineering in
the context of renewable energy generation;
 Define sustainability and appropriate technology;
 Engage students in an interactive, fun activity to promote teamwork and problem
solving in the context of building a hydroelectric generator;
 Teach students relevant introductory theory to be able to understand the activity; and
 Finish up by taking questions on post-schooling pathways.
Theory:
We aim to provide an introduction to:
 Magnetic fields (field strength, types of magnets);
 Voltage (Induced EMF, solenoids); and
 Mechanics (rotational dynamics).
Materials:
Each kit consists of:
 (1) frame on which to mount the water wheel;
 (1) metal rod which acts as an axle;
 (1) MDF plate which holds (4) magnets (pre-
assembled for safety reasons);
 (4) N52 Neodymium
 (4) N30 Neodymium
 (4) Y30 Ferrite
 (4) C8 Ferrite
 Assorted types of coils (pre-assembled for expediency of workshop);
 Assorted materials to make the water wheel (student-assembled).
 HDPE (Milk bottles)
 Packing foam
 Tape
 CDs
Also needed:
 A circuit connecting the coils to a diode or a multimeter;
 Sticky tape and scissors to assist construction of water wheel; and

2.  Money to help students budget their design.
Workshop:
The operation of the workshop is as follows:
 Parameters are given to students at the commencement of the activity.
 Monetary budget: (TBC)
 Time limit: 25 minutes
 Success: Lighting up a diode (or registering current on a multimeter)
 Students are given 5 minutes to plan out a design
 They must choose their type of magnet, plan out their water wheel design, and
decide on the number/type of coils to attach to the frame
 The shop opens after 3 minutes from beginning
 Students are then given up to 20 minutes to build their hydroelectric generator
 The shop closes after 13 minutes from beginning
 Students are then given 5 minutes to test their hydroelectric generators
Requirements:
 Minimum (3)volunteers to fill roles:
 Primary Presenter/Workshop Coordinator
 Secondary Presenter
 Shop operator
 Driver
 Kit Manager
 Cost per kit (for 6 kits):
 Most materials can be recycled or donated (HDPE sheets from milk bottles,
packing foam from Charling, unused CDs);
 Some materials can be reused (MDF frame, metal axle, magnets, coils);
 $6.69 per kit for acquisition of magnets ($40.11 total for initial purchase);

3.  $1.06 per kit for acquisition of MDF sheets ($6.36 total for initial purchase);
 Expected < $1 for maintenance over a semester.