Gita-nagari's Ox Power Unit
by Hare Krsna dasi
Posed December 11, 2002
In this article we will describe how we built an ox-driven,
sweep-powered generator. The concepts behind the design and operation of
this unit are not new or complicated. Throughout history all over the
world, man has used the same principles to produce power from draft
animals. Traditionally, the mechanisms used to produce power have been
made of wood, but we have constructed our generator from metal
components, with the objective of maximizing the strength and efficiency
of the unit. Five oxen pull the tongues which a circular motion. Then,
the motion is geared up, and the direction of the rotation is changed so
that we end up with a shaft spinning at 765 rpm that will provide 60
horse-power. By using various types of pulleys off the final shaft, any
range of speed can be achieved to drive any type of equipment desired.
To construct a machine similar to ours, you must have access to certain
raw materials and the facility to convert them for usage. The sizes and
strength of the components used in this unit have been carefully
engineered and coordinated, so that any reduction of the given
specifications will undoubtedly result in failure. In our case, many of
the parts we used were not new, but we made it a point to be sure that
used components were of good quality. Precision is essential. At one
point, we ran into a lot of trouble with a used 2 3/16" shaft that was
4' long, but 1/10000" out of round.
Much of the work involved can be done with basic metal working tools,
but there is also a lot of work that must be done by skilled machinist.
We did most of the work ourselves with an oxy-acetelyne torch, electric
arc-welder, drill press, and similar tools. In addition you must have
access to a metal lathe. We were lucky to have a neighbor who does this
work as a second job, so we avoided paying the inflated prices of a
specialty metal-working machine shop. What follows is a
section-by-section description of how the unit is constructed.
(Full article with 26 technical drawings attached.)
-- Hare Krsna dasi
