Our process began with researching the relationship between magnetic field strength and wire coil turns. We created a work log that tracked our progress from the initial brainstorming phase to building a prototype using a PVC pipe, neodymium magnets, and copper housing
It features a stack of powerful neodymium magnets that slide through a center core wrapped in about 1,500 turns of enameled copper wire.
During this project, I significantly improved my problem-solving skills. In the middle of the build, our generator wasn't producing enough voltage to light the LED; instead of giving up, I systematically tested each component and discovered a short circuit in the wiring. I also excelled in communication. When our group had different ideas about the housing design, I created a quick sketch of both options to help us visualize the pros and cons, which allowed us to reach a consensus quickly.
One area I still struggle with is time management. I spent too much time perfecting the aesthetics of the PVC pipe early on, which left us rushing to finish the soldering of the bridge rectifier on the final day. In the future, I plan to use a Gantt Chart to prioritize functional milestones over decorative ones. Additionally, I need to work on organization.