Super Capacitor Science Kit
The Super Capacitor Science Kit introduces students to the extraordinary storage and power potential of the super capacitor. Create energy from the hand crank and monitor energy storage with a charge level indicator. Then demonstrate the energy density and power of the super capacitor by running a small fan module. With super capacitors an integral part of the automotive revolution currently changing the way we think about transport, this is the ideal kit to explore the principles of high density energy storage.
Super Capacitor Science Kit - product overview
- Discover the science behind capacitors and generators by using them to power simple electric circuits.
- Understand electric charge, electric current, and other physics concepts while using a generator to charge a capacitor.
Conduct dozens of exciting, hands-on experiments with the science kit
Ideal as a battery replacement for a wide variety of basic electricity experiments, the hand crank generator is a low voltage power source that lets you create electrical current by simply turning a crank. This ingenious device generates student interest producing electrical energy through hands-on student effort. Student's enthusiasm is immediate, whether they are third graders lighting a bulb or college students reviewing sophisticated principles such as Ohm's Law or the electromagnetic properties of light. Made from a sturdy, see-through ABS resin with nylon-plastic gears and handle, the kit is designed to shrug off use and abuse. It produces approximately 200mA of usable current. It is capable of producing up to 6 volts. You can reverse polarity by simply cranking the handle in the opposite direction. And, when powered by another kit or low voltage power source, it acts as a motor.
Activities and uses
Some of the activities require accessories sold separately. You can study electron flow, parallel and series circuits, Ohm's Law, motors and generators, energy transformations, and more.
Using a cellophane tap, wrap two wires onto a compass. Ensure you wrap the wires in the compass needle axis. Connect the other end of the wires to the hand crank generator. Turn the handle clockwise with different velocities. Do the same counter-clockwise. Does the defection angle is linked to the handle angular velocity? Does the deflection angle is linked with the handle sense of rotation? Explain.
Repeat the above experiment exactly, but rotate the generator counterclockwise. What is the result?
Elementary and Middle School
Electricity in circuits can produce light, heat, sound, and magnetic effects. Electrical circuits require a complete loop through which current can pass.
Use electric currents to create magnetic fields.
Students know the role of electromagnets in the construction of electric motors, electric generators, and simple devices, such as doorbells and earphones.
Describe electron flow in simple circuits.
Students know how to design and build simple series and parallel circuits by using components such as wires, batteries, and bulbs.
High School
Energy is a property of many substances and is associated with heat, light, electricity, mechanical motion, sound, nuclei, and the nature of a chemical. Energy is transferred in many ways. The total
energy of the universe is constant. Energy can be transferred by collisions in chemical and nuclear reactions, by light waves and other radiations, and in many other ways. however, it can never be destroyed. As these transfers occur, the matter involved becomes steadily less ordered.
Electricity and magnetism are two aspects of a single electromagnetic force. Moving electric charges produce magnetic forces, and moving magnets produce electric forces. These effects help students to understand electric motors and generators. Measure the thermal and electrical conductivity of various materials and explain results.
Analyze the relationship between an electric current and the strength of its magnetic field using simple electromagnets. Investigate and compare series and parallel circuits.
Curriculum
What is included in the horizon energy curriculum? The lab equipment is just the beginning. We’ve built the horizon energy curriculum to provide teachers with multiple resources for engaging their students.
Materials provided
- Hands-on Lab Activities
- Teacher's Guide
- Student's Guide
Concepts covered
Physics Concepts
Capacitors, Current/Voltage, Electric Charge, Electric Circuits, Energy, Generators, Ohm's Law, Power (Electric)
Earth Science Concepts
Renewable Energy
Super Capacitor Science Kit - FAQ
What is a capacitor, how does it work ?
A capacitor is an electrical component which is composed of two plates separated by an electrical insulation. This component could function in two modes, the charge and the discharge. The charge occurs when there is a difference of potential across the conductors. It permit to store energy inside the generated electric field. In general, this kind of component is used for blocking the direct current and for letting pass the alternative one. They could be used to stabilize the voltage and the power flow in an electric power transmission.
What is a hand crank generator?
A hand crank generator is an engine which is used as a generator. It turns a mechanical energy into an electrical current. It is composed of three principal components which are the stator, the rotor and a rotary handle. The user will turn the rotary handle which will make turn a magnet inside a coil. Due to the rotation of the magnet, the electrical field turn and an electrical current will appear in the coil.
What will happen if I turn the hand crank handle in the wrong direction.
The hand crank generator could function as an engine in both directions. The direction of rotation will just impact the sense of the current which is generated. However, you should be careful with the components which are connected to the generator. In fact, some components are polarized and they couldn’t works in both sense.
What will happen if I connect the hand crank generator to the fan in the wrong direction?
Nothing bad, the fan is composed of a small engine which works in the same way as the generator but in the other direction (it turns an electrical current into a mechanical motion). If you pug the generator wires in the wrong direction, the fan will turn in the other direction than previously.
Is there a special position to plug the generator to the potentiometer?
There is just one thing to know when you use a potentiometer, it should be wired in parallel with the component you want to measure the voltage.
What will happen if I connect the hand crank generator to the capacitor in the wrong sense?
You will damage seriously the capacitor if you turn the handle when the wires are incorrectly plugged into the capacitor. In this way you risk breaking, or cracking, the capacitor. Warning, if you connect the capacitor in the good way but you turn the hand crank generator handle in the wrong sense, you also risk to break the capacitor.
Troubleshooting
1. The bulb light on the hand crank generator does not work when I rotate the arm.
Replace the bulb light. It could have been damaged by long time using.
2. The fan does not run when I rotate the arm and all the connections are correct.
Please tap the fan blade with your finger to help it start.
Kit Content
✔ Hand crank generator
✔ Potentiometer
✔ Super capacitor
✔ Fan module
✔ Fan blade
✔ Capacitor base
✔ Capacitor support
✔ Wires
✔ Renewable Energy Curriculum CD