Living on the Cutting Edge: Analysis of Different Power Sources Used to Run a Lawn Edger

Overview

Objectives/Goals Our experiment was to determine what power source, other than gasoline, would best run a lawn edger. We thought that the solar panels would be the best power source. Methods/Materials The only variable in our experiment was the type of power source. We used an electrical cord, solar panels, solar panels with magnifying glasses, wheelchair battery, and rechargeable battery. Each power source was tested four (4) times, for a total of twenty (20) experiments. We timed how long it took to edge my yard. We controlled: days between edging, outside temperature, and area to be edged. Each experiment was done under the same conditions and controls. Results The five (5) power sources that we used in our experiment, in the final ranking order were: (1st) Rechargeable battery, (2nd) Solar panels with Magnifying glasses, (3rd) Wheelchair battery, (4th) Electrical cord, and (5th) Solar panels. The solar panels didn't have a lot of power. Conclusions/Discussion Our hypothesis was that the solar panels would be the best power source for running a lawn edger. We were wrong, it was the worst. The rechargeable battery was the best power source to run a lawn edger. It did not have a power cord to drag around and get in the way. It was lighter and eaiser to push around then the others. It had a lot of power. We then, designed our own lawn edger with a NiCd rechargeable battery and have a patent pending.

Competition history

• CSEF 2004 Applied Mechanics/ Structures & Mechanisms/ Manufacturing · Entry S0204

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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