Design Type:  WORLD-CHANGING

Designer:  Christopher Natt

Universal Generator Throughout the world it is estimated that 1.6 billion people live without electricity and the simple yet life-changing benefits made possible by this technology. • INSPIRATION. The inspiration for the project comes from communities in the third world who develop ingenious and successful ways of survival by the imaginative use of what little is available to them. This resourcefulness allows them to see potential to adapt, mend and reuse objects repeatedly. What if they could produce sustainable electricity that might empower them to further improve their lives? The ‘Universal Generator’ is designed to be an integral part of an energy generating system. It is a simple device that generates electricity from any kind of rotary motion and could be the missing element that deprived communities lack in order to provide an adaptable and sustainable local power source. It aims to improve the quality of life for deprived and remote communities throughout the world by genuinely sustainable means of producing electricity. • PRINCIPLE. Like many alternators the core structure of this device consists of two key elements, in this case fashioned in to an outer and inner drum. The difference is that the universal generator allows either drum to be anchored, whilst a source of kinetic energy revolves the other within or around the stationary one, thus generating electricity. • VERSATILITY. Potential applications are maximized by a simple mechanism within the inner drum which allows the axle to be easily replaced by others of differing dimensions. Large thumb screws at either end of the generator allows easy access to the positive and negative cable terminals where cables can be anchored to the device as well as access to a key element of the device, a simple chuck mechanism which allows the removal or the replacement of an axle positioned at the centre of the generator. This permits the length and width of the axle to be varied from one application to another. In these, often primitive settings devoid of modern machinery, it is simpler for the operator to select a bar of the correct size than to try to extend the axle via a linkage or collet. Unique features on the outer shell enable flexible positioning of the generator via simple construction methods. • FORM. The semantics connected with the shape and aesthetics of the design must convey a sturdy durable impression to inspire confidence in the device. Such doubts could potentially limit its applications and reduce the prospects of empowering the operator to adapt the generator to specific scenarios. • APPLICATIONS. The generator could allow for water wheels to be made from bamboo, wind turbines to be created from old oil barrels, gearing to be created from old bicycle parts etc. Energy can be produced and stored on the move. The generator can be dragged behind a cow whilst plowing a field by connecting a rope through the inner drum and allowing the outer drum to role freely along the ground, Alternatively the generator could be connected to the axle of a donkey cart and charge batteries on the way to market. The electricity is regulated within the generator and used to power devices directly or to charge batteries. • IMPACT. It is the most vulnerable members of these communities – the young, the elderly and the ill who will gain the most, but all would experience benefits to their everyday lives through adequate, reliable and sustainable lighting. Communities can continue to function after dark eg children can study, adults can work and socialize. Scarce, valuable natural resources will no longer need to be destroyed to provide lighting and therefore remain available for other vital purposes. Furthermore, the present use of fuels within their homes to provide lighting and their associated dangers will be reduced. The powering of simple electrical devices such as radios can provide knowledge from the outside world at all times. With growing confidence, it is the communities who will determine and fulfil their present and future needs.