How Much Horsepower is a Horse?
TLDRIn a quest to debunk the myth and determine the true horsepower of a horse, the team at Donut Media embarked on an ambitious project to create the world's first horse dynamometer, or 'horse dyno'. They selected a draft horse named Big D, considered the most 'car-like' breed, and partnered with Motivo, an engineering firm known for ambitious projects. After constructing a custom rig to convert the horse's linear pull into rotational motion for the dyno, they faced challenges with the laser RPM measurement. Undeterred, they employed a homemade optical encoder and conducted multiple pulls with Big D. Following rigorous data analysis and mathematical adjustments for mechanical losses, they revealed that one horse, in this case Big D, is capable of producing approximately 5.7 horsepower. This experiment not only provided a new perspective on the traditional measurement of horsepower but also highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the blend of engineering, science, and a bit of humor in solving complex problems.
Takeaways
- 🚗 The term 'horsepower' is a historical unit of power that dates back to James Watt, who compared his steam engine's output to the work done by horses.
- 🔍 Contrary to the common misconception, one horsepower does not equate to the power of one horse, as the original measurement is based on outdated experiments.
- 🛠️ The team at Donut Media, with the help of engineers from Motivo, built a custom 'horse dyno' to measure the actual power output of a horse.
- 🐴 They chose a draft horse named Big D, considering it to be the most 'car-like' in terms of consistent power output, similar to how James Watt based his experiments on draft horses.
- 📐 The dyno they built used a spool and tension line to convert the horse's linear pull into rotational motion, which could then be measured by a dynamometer.
- 🤝 Collaboration was key in this project, with Adam Savage from 'MythBusters' and Tested providing insights, and Motivo engineering firm contributing their expertise.
- 🧮 The experiment involved a significant amount of physics and mathematics to account for mechanical losses and calculate the true crank horsepower.
- 🔢 The initial tests with humans pulling the dyno resulted in measurements around 1 to 2 horsepower, which was surprisingly close to the common figure for human power output.
- 🐎 Big D, the draft horse, was expected to pull harder than ever before, with safety measures in place, including a limit of five pulls and quick-release switches.
- 🏁 Despite a minor glitch with the laser RPM measurement, the team was able to successfully collect data from Big D's pulls using a homemade optical encoder.
- 🎉 The final calculated crank horsepower for Big D was 5.7 horsepower, setting a new standard for the actual power output of a horse.
Q & A
What is the common misconception about horsepower in relation to actual horses?
-The common misconception is that 1 horsepower equals the amount of work a horse can do, which is often cited as 15 horsepower. However, this number comes from a 100-year-old experiment that modern scientists reject, and the actual measurement of 1 horsepower is based on an even older experiment that likely never occurred.
Who is credited with coming up with the concept of horsepower?
-James Watt, an inventor during the Industrial Revolution, is credited with the concept of horsepower. He used it to advertise his new type of steam engine by comparing its power output to that of a horse.
What was the original experiment conducted by James Watt to measure horsepower?
-James Watt claimed to have observed a team of draft horses working a full day at a local brewery and concluded that one horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds per second. However, historians believe this experiment was more of an advertisement than a real scientific study.
What type of horse was chosen for the experiment to measure actual horsepower?
-A draft horse named Big D, also known as Normandy, was chosen for the experiment. Draft horses are known for their strength and power, making them a suitable choice for trying to establish a new horse-based standard for cars.
What is the purpose of the spool in the custom-built horse dyno?
-The spool is used to convert the linear force provided by the horse into rotational torque. As the spool uncoils, it spins the transmission of the car, which in turn spins the dyno drum, allowing the measurement of the horse's power output.
What are the challenges faced when trying to measure a horse's power output accurately?
-Challenges include accounting for power lost in the system, determining optimal gearing, and ensuring the dyno is accurate for measuring a figure that is likely much lower than what it was designed for. Additionally, there is the need to calculate crank horsepower from the wheel horsepower measured by the dyno, which requires complex mathematical modeling.
What role did the company Motivo play in the experiment?
-Motivo, an engineering firm, helped to design and build the custom horse dyno. They conducted rigorous testing and research to build a mathematical model of the mechanical losses and characteristics of the dyno, the car's drivetrain, and the custom fittings to ensure the accuracy of the experiment.
What was the final measured crank horsepower of Big D, the horse?
-The final measured crank horsepower of Big D was 5.7 horsepower, which is a significant result as it provides a real-world figure for the power output of a horse.
Why was a GPS device and load cell used in addition to the dyno?
-The GPS device and load cell were used to provide redundant systems for measuring speed, distance, and pulling force. This additional data helps to ensure the accuracy of the horsepower figure by accounting for variables that might affect the dyno's readings.
What was the issue encountered with the laser used for measuring rotational data?
-The laser used to measure rotational data was not working effectively, as it was not computing the RPMs well. This issue was overcome by using a homemade optical encoder and a GoPro for later processing.
How did the team ensure the safety of Big D during the experiment?
-Safety was a primary concern, and measures included allowing Big D only five pulls at maximum strength before the day was done to avoid overexertion. Additionally, there were quick-release switches in place to detach Big D from the rig immediately if necessary.
What was the significance of the experiment in terms of academic and historical context?
-The experiment aimed to provide an empirically derived figure for horsepower, challenging the historical and scientific basis of the term as defined by James Watt. The team intended to submit their findings for academic peer review, potentially contributing to a revised understanding of horsepower.
Outlines
🚗 The Myth of 800 Horsepower Explained
The video begins by debunking the myth that an 800 horsepower car has the power equivalent to 800 horses. It clarifies that the traditional estimate of a horse's power output is outdated and inaccurate. The host expresses a desire to measure the true horsepower of a horse using a dynamometer, hence embarking on a quest to solve a 250-year-old mystery.
🛠️ Building the World's First Horse Dyno
The host outlines the plan to construct a device, a 'horse dyno', to measure a horse's power output. They discuss the need to select an appropriate horse for the experiment, eventually choosing a light draft horse named Big D. The video also includes a sponsorship promotion for KC HiLiTES, an off-road lighting company, and details the types of lighting upgrades available for off-road vehicles.
🔍 The Origin of Horsepower Measurement
The script delves into the history of the horsepower measurement, crediting James Watt for its invention during the Industrial Revolution. Watt's steam engine was compared to the power of horses, leading to the establishment of the horsepower unit. However, the host suggests that Watt's figures were more of an advertisement than a precise measurement, and thus the quest to find the true horsepower of a horse continues.
🤝 Collaboration with Adam Savage and Motivo Engineering
The host realizes the complexity of the task and seeks help from experts. He collaborates with Adam Savage from 'MythBusters' and engineering firm Motivo. Together, they design and build a custom setup to measure the horsepower of Big D, the draft horse. The video highlights the process of engineering and the challenges faced in creating an accurate and safe method to measure a horse's power.
🏎️ Testing the Horse Dyno Rig
The team at Motivo constructs a unique rig to test the horsepower of Big D. The setup involves a Honda Civic mounted on a mobile dyno with a spool system to convert the horse's linear pull into rotational torque. The video shows the successful construction and testing of the rig, with the team preparing for the actual test with Big D.
🐎 Big D's Power Pull and the Dyno Results
The climax of the video involves Big D, the draft horse, pulling the dyno rig. Despite a minor glitch with the laser RPM measurement, the team employs an optical encoder as a backup solution. After several attempts and meticulous data analysis, the team calculates the true crank horsepower of Big D to be 5.7 horsepower, setting a new standard for the term.
🎉 Conclusion and Commemoration
The video concludes with the host expressing gratitude to all involved in the project. They announce the successful measurement of Big D's horsepower and unveil a new t-shirt design that corrects the previous misinformation about horsepower. The t-shirt features the accurate 5.7 horsepower figure, celebrating the accomplishment and the collaborative effort that made it possible.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Horsepower
💡Dyno
💡James Watt
💡Draft Horse
💡Mechanical Engineering
💡Inertial Dyno
💡Power Curve
💡Crank Horsepower
💡Wheel Horsepower
💡Optical Encoder
💡Load Cell
💡GPS Device
Highlights
The concept of 'horsepower' is based on an outdated and scientifically questioned measurement.
James Watt's experiment, which equated one horsepower to 550 ft-lbs per second, was likely an advertisement for his steam engine rather than an empirical study.
The team aims to build the world's first 'horse dyno' to accurately measure the power output of a horse.
KC Hilites, an off-road lighting partner, provides upgrades for the project vehicle, emphasizing their Flex AA 4S lights for long-distance and wide coverage.
The project involves converting linear force exerted by a horse into rotational torque to measure horsepower.
A Honda Civic is used as a testbed, modified to be powered by a horse on a mobile dyno.
The dyno measures torque, time, and RPM to calculate horsepower, with adjustments made for mechanical losses.
Adam Savage from 'MythBusters' and 'Tested' collaborates on the project, bringing his expertise to solve the challenge.
Engineering firm Motivo joins the project, known for ambitious projects like the world's first 3D printed Supercar and the Volvo Super Truck.
The team constructs a custom rig to attach the horse to the dyno, ensuring safety features are in place for the horse.
The experiment includes multiple trials with humans and the horse, Big D, to generate comparative data.
The team uses advanced data acquisition methods, including a laser and reflective tape for RPM measurement, and a GPS device for speed and force data.
Despite initial setbacks with the laser, the team successfully collects data from Big D's pulls.
The final calculated crank horsepower of Big D, the horse, is revealed to be 5.7 horsepower.
The project concludes with the creation of a new t-shirt design reflecting the accurate horsepower measurement of 5.7.
The experiment is considered for submission as an academic paper, highlighting the scientific rigor of the process.
The team emphasizes the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary expertise in tackling complex engineering challenges.
Transcripts
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