Abstract:
The energy needs of the world Mining Industry show an exponentially increasing
trend owing to greater demand. The best available reports speculate that our present oil reserves will last for 40
years at most; therefore, efforts worldwide are directed towards identifying
and utilizing new energy sources. Renewable energy development receives
high priority among them. However, investing in new technology developments
for renewable energy is time and money consuming.
The main objective of the study was to adopt the Gravity Wheel concept
based on the parameters given in the BuzzSaw Gravity Wheel Design of 1909,
in order to develop a working model for mineral transport and power
generation. The SolidWorks CAD software was used for motion study.
Mathematical modelling was in favour of the continuous motion of the Gravity
Wheel design. The design promises to have significant economical benefits
for the mining industry. Additional benefits are also apparent for the
off-grid power generation industry as well.
Citation:
Premalal, D.A.D.T.R., Karunanayake, W.A.P.C., Kodikara, N.E., Razmy, S.A.M., & Dissanayake, D.M.D.O.K. (2011). Design of a gravity wheel for mineral transport and power generation. In N. P. Ratnayake & A.M.K.B. Abeysinghe (Eds.), Proceedings of the 6th National Conference on Minerals and Innovative Thinking (pp. 1-4). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa
