DESCRIPTION OF A HAMSTER EXERCISE WHEEL ELECTRICITY GENERATOR
By Adam Fanello - 10/29/1996

   This description of a hamster exercise wheel-based electricity generator (HamstGen) is intended for the person who needs an electrical source under some unusual circumstances. It is also useful for the college student in need of a writing topic. Tolerance of small rodents is required.

General Description

   The HamstGen generates electricity by converting the enormous supply of energy available in a single hamster into mechanical motion via an exercise wheel. This motion is then converted to alternating current (AC) via an AC generator. The electricity produced can run any appliance that will run effectively from an alternating current of inconsistent voltage. Possible uses including lighting and toasters.

   The mechanism consists of some four main parts: the hamster, the motivational item, the exercise wheel and enclosure, and the AC generator.

Functional Description

   The first functional part, the hamster, serves as the source of all energy into the system. Healthy hamsters of approximately one year of age produce the best results.

   The second main part is the hamster motivational item. This is composed of a stand, a string, and an item of food enjoyed by hamsters. The stand may be composed of plastic or metal. The pole of the stand is mounted vertically to a square base. An arm attached to the top of the pole holds the item of food via a piece of string. Varying the length of the string can place the food at a height ideal for the particular hamster used.

   The third functional part is the exercise wheel and enclosure. This part consists of the following subparts: the wheel, the wheel axel, the cage, and the door.

   The wheel is made from three circles made of plastic or metal wiring and connected by cross beams intermittently spaced. Three spokes are on each of the outer circles, converging in the middle. A spoke is placed every 120° along the outer edges. The wheel axel is attached through the center of the wheel. It passes freely through a ring in the cage and into the AC generator.

   The wheel is inclosed in a cage just large enough to hold the wheel suspended within it. The wheel axel extends through one side, which is mounted to the AC generator. The cage is composed of the same plastic or metal tubing as the wheel. The opposite side is hinged to form a door through which the hamster is inserted for operation.

   The last functional part is the AC generator. It consists of the following subparts: the case, the wheel axel, two slip rings, two brushes with terminals, a loop of wire, and two magnets. The wheel axel connects to the center of the slip rings, thus turning the rings when the hamster turns the wheel. Wires connect the two slip rings, and form a square loop in the middle of the wire. This loop turns within the magnetic field of the two magnets. The magnets are placed with their opposite polarities on each side of the wire loop. The action of the wire loop turning within the magnetic field creates electric current within the wire. This process is called induction. The current flows through the slip rings and to the stationary brushes that rub against the rings. These brushes are also the terminals on the outside of the casing.

Concluding Discussion

   The HamstGen is a convenient source of electrical power when other sources of power are unavailable. They are often used in remote mine shafts and excavation sites for lighting. The hamster serves the additional function of being an early warning system for gas leaks in these areas. This disadvantage is that if the hamster dies of a gas leak, the lights also go out, making evacuation difficult. Unlike energy from a battery, a hamster lasts longer

   A hamster-powered generator uses a long lasting and inexpensive power source. Many operators also enjoy maintaining their hamsters. Contrast this with a battery, which has a short life span, and are expensive to replace. A rechargeable battery may have a longer life span and require fewer replacements, however, they have a larger replacement cost than both normal batteries and hamsters. In addition, recharging batteries is not as joyful as caring for hamsters.

   Lastly, with its only disposable part being completely biodegradable, the hamster wheel generator is far more environmentally friendly then the acidic battery. The benefits are clear.

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