Prototype Iterations

Originally the energy was going to be generated using a DC Dynamo which only generates electricity in one direction as in only when the dock goes up or down. So to be more efficient, we switched to an AC Dynamo which generates electricity in both directions, therefore generating when the dock goes up and down.

At first we were simply going to determine the voltage being generated by connecting the prototype to a multimeter. However we realized it would be much better to implement a voltage reader directly into the model which would return the values to a computer and App.

Originally an Arduino Nano was going to be used alone in order to read the voltage, however after the outputted voltage ended up being higher than the expected 5V, a voltage reader module was incorporated to read this voltage.

Throughout the construction process, several iterations were made to the case of the prototype. First of all it was changed from a square into a sleek modern design which also incorporated space for electronics. This space however proved to be too small to fit all the electronics so it was largened slightly in the next iteration as well as made in a different color.

In order to display the electricity being generated an LED was used along with the voltage reader. At first this LED was simply left dangling attached from the product by its bare wires, however, this was changed to look like a piece of marina dock lighting which would be seen in reality.