What is the UPG? The Urinal Power Generator (UPG) came from realizing that a large amount of energy is wasted when people go to the restrooms, especially males. Additionally, people today are more concerned about their health, especially with the spread of (H1N1). In 2009 alone, 22 million individuals were affected by the H1N1 virus (H1N1 Statistics). Therefore, the UPG allows individuals to use the restroom without having to touch bacteria infested handles. It also allows people to contribute towards the sustainability movement that is ever so present today.
The UPG team decided to use a standard flush valve assembly. Current motion detector systems utilize four AA batteries to supply a voltage to the sensor and the solenoid, which initiates the flush. It was essential for the Urinal Power Generator to eliminate batteries completely and use ONLY the energy from a stream of urine to initiate the flush. Thereby, the UPG eliminates the need for batteries which add to electronic waste which is now considered the fastest growing part of the waste stream by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the high cost of the sensor, prevents user exposure to bacteria/virus/germs due to 'hands free flush', and attempts to bring entertainment into the typical bathroom setting.
Is there a Market for UPG? Initially, it was essential to determine if their already exists a product similar to the UPG design and whether an actual market exists for the product. Extensive research was conducted to determine if the Urinal Power Generator design would infringe on any current patents and to establish the ideal market to target our product. The market research provided an insight into some of the various designs and competitors in the urinal market. Some of the market competitors include the urinal fly, the waterless urinal and the Eco-Power flush valve found
Market Competitors:
The UPG team decided to use a standard flush valve assembly. Current motion detector systems utilize four AA batteries to supply a voltage to the sensor and the solenoid, which initiates the flush. It was essential for the Urinal Power Generator to eliminate batteries completely and use ONLY the energy from a stream of urine to initiate the flush. Thereby, the UPG eliminates the need for batteries which add to electronic waste which is now considered the fastest growing part of the waste stream by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the high cost of the sensor, prevents user exposure to bacteria/virus/germs due to 'hands free flush', and attempts to bring entertainment into the typical bathroom setting.
Is there a Market for UPG? Initially, it was essential to determine if their already exists a product similar to the UPG design and whether an actual market exists for the product. Extensive research was conducted to determine if the Urinal Power Generator design would infringe on any current patents and to establish the ideal market to target our product. The market research provided an insight into some of the various designs and competitors in the urinal market. Some of the market competitors include the urinal fly, the waterless urinal and the Eco-Power flush valve found
Market Competitors:
- Urinal Fly
- Waterless Urinals
- Eco-Power Flush Valve
- 'Hands Free Flush'
- Environmentally Friendly
- Requires no batteries
- Sustainable Technology
- Waterless Urinals: US ~$400-1,200
- Toto Eco-Power Flush Valve: US $734
- ONLY for the valve does not include urinal
- The urinal + Eco-Power Flush Valve system will cost upwards of $US 1,000 for a single system.
The user simply walks up to the urinal, aims at the stars along the outer edge of the turbine fin to produce maximum torque. The turbine wheel is attached to a shaft with a large gear which connects to a small generator. When the turbine wheel rotates, the gear on the shaft mating with the generator pinion rotates the generator producing an electrical voltage output. The faster the turbine wheel is rotated, the more voltage is generated. The electrical voltage from the generator then feeds into the electrical circuit.
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From left to right
- Krzysztof Slomiany
- Gustavo Zarazua
- Matthew Alvarez
- Jutarop Limpinyakul
- Rodrigo Aihara
- Ken Boubel
- Matthew McKinley