STEM FAIR INNOVATION PROJECT 2023
I.
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
Power outages are the most common problem in the Philippines, as the country struggles to access energy resources due to
an outdated energy system. Smartphones are always used in everyday life because they provide interaction and updates — but the
most important reason is for communication, mainly in life-threatening situations, so keeping the battery charged and full is critical. The
innovation is an eco-friendly alternative to using electrical outlets for charging smartphones. It should be considered essential
because, in addition to its numerous benefits, it has the potential to reduce the human footprint on Earth since human effort is used
instead of conventional energy.
Its main purpose is solely for emergencies: when there are no sources of electricity, this product can be used with just one
hand, where having the smartphone's battery charged is necessary. The hand-crank battery, on the other hand, is not new. Because
portability matters if the purpose is for emergencies, the flashlight has been selected to be the conductor of electricity. A flashlight may
also be readily available and can be found almost anywhere. The reason for choosing the cranking process is because of how easy
and simple it is, considering that it is for emergency situations. Production and product costs can be lower than those of popular power
banks on the market. It can also help families who live in remote or disaster-prone areas where communication is critical.
II.
RELATED RESEARCHES
The Efficiency of Hand-Crank Devices
Chakma et al. (2017) claimed that using hand-crank devices is a common method, but it is the most effective of all the
alternatives because the production of electrical energy from mechanical energy is demonstrated to be the most efficient and simple
way to generate power. This mechanism was previously used to generate short bursts of power when there was an urgent need for
communication. It is still in use today and continues to improve and perform well as a result of extensive research and experimentation.
This innovation is also said to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, which requires human effort to charge. Two advantages
can be seen here: mobile charging and arm exercise (Jawade et al., 2020). It can be favorable for those who have arm problems or
who need stronger arms because it requires full effort to produce electrical energy. This research concluded that the charger's
efficiency is high enough that it only takes a few minutes to charge a cell phone's battery, and it is cost-effective if used for business
purposes.
Citation:
●
Chakma, R., Thanarat Chawaphan, Mamun, A., & Harun, S. (2017,
May). Portable Smart Phone Charger Using Human Mechanical Energy by Gear Train with Hand Crank. ResearchGate;
unknown.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316789265_Portable_Smart_Phone_Charger_Using_Human_Mechanical_Energy_
by_Gear_Train_with_Hand_Crank
●
Jawade, S., Jibhakate, R., Sabe, B., Raut, D., Thakare, Y.,
Lahase, A., & Gandhare, K. R. (1147). HAND CRANK MOBILE CHARGER. In International Research Journal of
Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering (pp.
2582–5208). https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper/volume2/issue_6_june_2020/1870/1628083061.pdf
Cost of Raw Materials and Overall Product
According to Ocampo et al. (2019), the total cost of their research is approximately 1,610.00 PHP or 31.56 USD. This is less
expensive than other charging devices, which are too expensive and not budget-friendly. This simple technical performance that
generates electricity via hand crank is efficient, portable, usable, and user-friendly. The recommendation indicates that it requires
additional trials and verification to achieve its best performance.
Citation:
●
Design and Construction of Multi-Purpose Hand Crank Mechanical
Energy Charger. (2019). International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, 9(2), 429–432.
https://doi.org/10.35940/ijitee.b6426.129219
Performance of the Product
LED light bulbs require less energy than standard light bulbs, and they are typically brighter, so hand-crank flashlights use the
most efficient lighting system to get the most out of the power generated by hand-cranking (Dale, 2021). It is estimated that a fully
charged battery can be achieved after 4 hours, and the research proved that a 10 percent charge was achieved after 23 minutes of
hand-cranking (Slutsky et al., n.d). In the research of Mangompit et al. (2021), 90 cranks per minute produced 5.75 to 6 volts. The
research concluded that it can indeed charge mobile devices such as phones. It might be slow to have battery charge but what is
important is that it accumulates charge, which can be very crucial in situations where there is a need to communicate with others.
Citation:
●
Dale, T. (2021, March 17). The Best Hand-Crank Flashlights for
Light in Emergency Situations. Bob Vila; BobVila.com. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-hand-crank-flashlight/
●
Jay Mrl Mangompit. (2021, July 18).
Crankr-Hand-Crank-Portable-Power-Generator FINAL.Studylib.net.
https://studylib.net/doc/25571456/crankr-hand-crank-portable-power-generator-final
●
Slutskiy, D., Moreira, R. A. A., McGuire, M., & Basnet, S.
(n.d.). Open-Source Hand-Crank Phone Charger. Open-Source Hand-Crank Phone Charger. Retrieved November 11 C.E.,
from https://peer.asee.org/42192.pdf
III.
OBJECTIVES/PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
Problem:
Philippines' outdated energy system; experiencing a shortage of power supply in several areas of the country.
Objectives:
I.
To be able to charge a mobile phone without plugging it into the wall socket, thus being extremely helpful in emergency
situations like disasters or when sudden blackouts happen.
II.
It utilizes human energy to produce electricity quickly and efficiently.
III.
To provide a technological solution to the problem, especially in rural areas by using detailed opportunity recognition and
evaluation.
IV.
LOGO OF THE PRODUCT/ DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT
Logo
Product Description
Struggling because of no electricity? Crank it! will give energy to you! It's a perfect example of how people give power through
the use of the hand. This innovation will create a path where power outage is not a problem anymore in every urban and suburban
community. The product will serve as a starting point for communities with limited access to power and energy. Crank it! will always be
ready to give power through your hand!
V.
ILLUSTRATION/ PROTOTYPE
Prepared by:
Approved by:
Student Innovation Leader
Teacher-In-Charge