Hand Crank Generator for School Projects

Hi All,

In this Instructable, I will show you how to make a hand-crank generator using a DC motor and 3D-printed parts. This project is perfect for school demonstrations, illustrating the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. Let’s get started!

1. 3d Printer
2. 3d printed parts (file can be found here)
3. Red LED 5MM
4. 3v-6v DC motor (Details attached as an image)
5. 4 mm wooden dowel

This simple yet effective setup is a great way to understand the principles of electricity generation and how mechanical motion can be converted into usable electrical energy!

A DC motor functions as a generator when its shaft is spun. Inside the motor, there are copper wire windings and permanent magnets. When the motor is rotated, the moving magnets create a changing magnetic field, which induces an electric current in the copper windings due to electromagnetic induction. This generated current flows through the circuit, lighting up the LED

This DC motor with a 10-tooth gear, connected to a larger 100-tooth gear. As the handle is rotated, the smaller gear turns the larger one, creating a gear ratio that significantly increases the speed of the motor shaft. This rapid rotation allows the motor to generate electricity, which powers a red LED, demonstrating the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy.

1. Print at 0.2 Layer height
2. No Supports
3. Files are located here

1. Snap the gear10on the motor shaft
2. Fix a 5mm LED on the motor
3. Fix the motor on the Body, no glue is needed
4. Fix the gear100 with the axis and lock
5. Super glue a 4mm wood stick to the gear100

PS: LED has a polarity, so you may have to reverse the connect

Please share any challenges and feedback