Pedal Power Generator

HISTORY:

Human power is basically as old as mankind. As long as there have been

people they have used their muscles to pick up, carry and handle things. Human began

making small tools which are the first examples of ‘Human powered products’. The

first human powered product to convert human work into electricity was the Philips

dynamo torch. Which was invented during second world war. The torch was widely

used in those years because electricity was often not available and the use of bright

lights was forbidden. It would take until 1992.After that number of devices were

commercially available in the market, some of those were…Wrist watch powered by

micro generator introduced by SEIKO.

South African company Freeplay introduced BayGen radio in 1996.

The radio was powered by constant torque spring that has to be wound up. About half

a minute of winding was required to listen to the radio for 30 minutes. Many winds up

radios were introduced by other manufacturers. Freeplay also introduced other human

powered products like torch and mobile phone charger.

But all these applications were only for very low power devices and not for

general use.Even those were only applications and didn’t play major role in

generation of power for general use.

The term human power is used in this topic as an abbreviation of the more

accurate term “Human powered energy systems in consumer products”. For this the

effective medium is Pedal Power Generator.

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Pedal Power Generator

INTRODUCTION:

Human power is an alternative energy source like solar power. Short definition

of human power can be given; “Human power is use of human work for energy

generation to power an electronic device” Human power is user friendly and available

anywhere.

In the modern age three are more and more electrical devices which do the

work that human being once had to do physically. In the field of power generation we

can take use of human power in the form of PEDAL POWER. Pedal powered

generation simply involves the activity just similar to the pedaling a bicycle.

Normal daily activities engaged in by humans often involve movement that

can be harnessed as a source of energy without interfering with the performance of

those normal activities. The energy harnessed from the movement associated with

normal daily activities can be used as any of the following; direct power, alternating

power, regulated power, or battery charging power. The amount of such energy is

sufficient to power portable electric devices such as cellular telephones, notebook or

palm-top computers, cameras, drills, artificial limbs, and other medical devices, all of

which would otherwise draw their power from wall sockets, or other less efficient

batteries. If this human generated energy was used on a wide spread basis, then the

total energy savings to society as a whole could be substantial.

Now human power can be considered with some different aspect that is pedal

power. Pedal power can’t be used only for ‘electricity’ generation; it can be used

directly for converting pedalling in to some useful mechanical power.

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Pedal Power Generator

BASIC PEDAL POWER STUDY:

There are at least two different ways that pedal power can be put in to practice,

1. By transmitting rotational motion to the device by means of belts and pulleys

directly to run the devices.

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Pedal Power Generator

2. Through spinning rotors that in turn drive the generator that produces electricity.

Above picture is about generating electricity using a stationary bike coupled to

some sort of generator which in turn generates electricity.

This phenomenon can be understood in better way by studying the “Human Power

Generator”.

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Pedal Power Generator

HUMAN POWER GENERATOR:

a. System Description:

It is a system that harnesses a readily available source of renewable energy

– Human Power. It is user friendly, portable and available whenever you have the

need for it. The power output is directly proportional to the effort put into it, the

Human Power Generator can be a valuable tool in teaching an appreciation of the

power we tend to take for granted. The Human Power Generator is primarily designed

to charge 12-volt batteries, which can run dc lights and small appliances. You can also

run AC appliances with the Human Power Generator by using a dc-ac inverter

connected to a battery. It is also possible to directly power certain dc appliances, such

as water pumps, without using a storage battery.

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Pedal Power Generator

The amount of electrical power that can be generated by the Human Power

Generator is determined by the energy available to turn the crank. The stronger the

user, the more electrical power can be produced. The Human Power Generator

consists of a heavy steel frame holding a bicycle-like crank, with a step-up chain drive

attached to a permanent magnet dc generator. Either foot pedals or cushioned hand

cranks can be attached to the two crank arms.

b. Electrical Connections:

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Pedal Power Generator

A cable with connectors on both ends is supplied to interconnect between the HPG

and the device you are powering (stock number 289070). To attach the connector to

the HPG.

1.Align the connector with the receptacle matching the keyways.

2. Insert the connector into the receptacle until it is fully inserted.

3. Human power generator with rear view with power cable. Rear Connector To

disconnect the cable, gently pull back on the gray sleeve until you can rotate it

counterclockwise, then you can pull the connector straight out to remove the cable.

Connect the other end of the cable to the device you are powering up. The standard

cable with twist-lock connectors on both ends is used to connect the HGP to our

Portable Power Pack. Insert the connector as below.

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Pedal Power Generator

c. Positions of Human Power Generator and Pedaling Notes:

A typical setup for using your HPG might look like the photo at right. Please note the

rug under both the HPG and the stool. The rug is a key element in preventing the HPG

and stool from slipping apart. When moving the unit, please grasp the base of the unit.

Do not pick up by the chain guard. If the stool or chair is too low, the HPG may tip

backwards during use as shown. If a fixed position of the HGP is desired, the four

rubber feet can be removed from the bottom of the base and the HPG can be screwed

to a surface using the screws and washers provided in the accessory kit. You may

want to use the HPG in the recumbent position. In this case, the HPG can be mounted

on a vertical surface using the same screws and washers. The HPG may also be used

with hand cranks as shown by adding the optional Hand Crank Accessory Pack. The

power output with hand cranks will be 30 to 50 watts due to the smaller muscle mass

of the upper body.

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Pedal Power Generator

d. Battery Charging:

The terminal voltage of a fully charged battery will be between 12.5 and 13.8

volts, depending on the type of battery. A battery should not be allowed to discharge

below about 10 volts, as most 12- volt appliances will malfunction or shut down if the

battery voltage drops below that level. To charge a battery, a dc power source of a

higher voltage than the battery is connected to the battery, positive to positive and

negative to negative.

As long as the charging source is of higher voltage than the battery, current

will flow into the battery until it is fully charged. In other words, if your battery is at

11.5 volts, you must produce 11.5 volts or more to further charge that battery. If the

voltage of the charging source is less than the battery voltage, no current will flow

into the battery even though the charging source may be capable of supplying power.

The Human Power Generator will not deliver a charging current to a battery

until it is turning fast enough to develop a voltage higher than that of the battery.

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Pedal Power Generator

Consequently, very little effort is required to start cranking or pedaling, but as soon as

the generator voltage reaches the battery voltage, a considerably greater mechanical

resistance is felt as energy begins to be transferred into the battery.

When the battery has been fully charged, it will no longer absorb electric

current, so if a higher voltage continues to be applied the battery, it will heat up and

possibly emit gas. This is referred to as "overcharging" the battery, and can damage

the battery and its surroundings.

When using the Human Power Generator, the effort required to turn the cranks

or pedals decreases as the battery becomes fully charged. At the same time a

voltmeter would indicate a rising voltage, meaning that it is time to stop charging the

battery before overcharging occurs.

Battery Voltages:

While the Human Power Generator is designed primarily to supply 12 volt

circuits and to charge 12 volt batteries (with typical float voltages of 13.6 – 14.0v), it

can also be used, without modification, for 6 volt circuits and batteries. Due caution is

required to avoid overcharging. The typical "float" voltage for a 6 volt battery is

between 6.3 and 6.8 volts.

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Pedal Power Generator

e. Measurement of Human Power:

Pedal Power:

While human beings vary widely in weight, strength and endurance, the typical

maximum amount of power that a person can generate for short periods by pedaling is

about 125 watts. The average continuous power that can be generated sustainably by

pedaling is about one-sixth of a horsepower, more or less, depending on the strength

and weight of the person pedaling. This is equal to the maximum current for which

the Human Power Generator is rated, for intermittent duty.

If human power is measured by pedaling from a recumbent position, it is

primarily a strength and endurance measurement, whereas the subject’s weight is a

factor if pedaling is done by standing on the pedals.

Hand Crank Power:

The maximum power typically available through hand cranking is about 50

watts, or about one fifteenth of a horsepower.

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Pedal Power Generator

Applications:

•Emergency power generation and battery charging - land and marine.

• Exercise systems that do useful work generating power while exercising.

• Measurement of human power and endurance.

• Remote or off-grid power for water pumps and small appliances.

• Independent radio or radiotelephone systems; emergency communications.

• Classroom projects and educational exhibits to demonstrate the amount of effort

required to generate electrical power

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Pedal Power Generator

Possible Inventions:

Pedal Power Potential: What is possible?

There are many other possibilities that we can think of for this device. The

efficiency and variable speed of the output are two features that can be exploited.

Since it requires no fuel, and is not affected by time-of-day or weather, it would make

an excellent Human-powered emergency generator, ready for any blackout. Here are

some other devices that could be powered by the basic unit:

Pedal powered charging system for portable "Jump Start" systems. These

devices feature lights, air compressors, battery chargers, power meters, 12

Volt DC outlets, and of course jumper cables. It can be plugged directly into

the 12 Volt DC output of the PPPM for charging, and then moved to wherever

the power is needed.

Pedal powered biodiesel circulation pump or biodiesel transfer pump - direct

drive, with no electricity and no battery. The Pedal Generator design is

perfectly suited to circulate, agitate and then transfer a batch of biodiesel.

Pedal powered washing machine (this would be a tremendous workout,

especially with the spin/sprint at the end!)

Pedal powered whole-house ventilation fan (15 minutes in the evening to cool

off an entire house)

Pedal powered pump and watering system when combined with a cistern to

store rainwater

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Pedal Power Generator

Pedal powered emergency sump pump - keep your basement dry during a power

outage

Pedal powered whole-house (central) vacuum cleaner - requires two people, of

course

Pedal powered air compressor (compressing air takes a LOT of power, and is

not very efficient. This would work for small jobs only, like filling tires, staple

guns, nail guns, caulking guns, small hand tools.)

Pedal powered, sewing machine (an ancient idea), hand tools (grinder, disk

sander, buffer, drill, reciprocating saw, lathe).

Pedal powered Science Fair Project - anything from the efficiency of the unit,

to the physiology of the rider can be studied. Human power generation is a

vast subject with many possible areas of scientific exploration.

Basically, any device that was hand cranked, foot-powered, or powered by a

fractional horsepower electric motor could potentially be converted to pedal power.

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Pedal Power Generator

Children’s play:

When large numbers of children play in a playground, part of the power of their play

could be usefully harnessed resulting in large energy storage. This stored energy can

then be converted for basic, low-power, applications in the school such as lighting,

communication, or operating fans. Energy can be produced through the use of

pneumatic (i.e., compressed air) systems such as cylinders, motors, valves, and

regulators for the conversion of human power of children's play in school playgrounds

and other public places. The energy of the compressed air can then be converted to

electricity for purposes such as lighting and communication. This provides a low-cost,

low-resource means of generation of electricity, especially for use in developing

countries.

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Pedal Power Generator

PEDAL DREAMS:

This is a diagram of a human powered airship. It is shaped like a

Frisbee and so can be considered a lifting body. The lenticular/parabolic shape of the

airship is very aerodynamic and has a low cross-sectional surface area, reducing the

effects of cross-winds. The weight of the vehicle, pilot, passenger and cargo is

balanced by internal chambers .filled with buoyant helium gas, rendering the vehicle

almost lighter than air. The net weight of the vehicle is countered by lift provided by

two counter rotating 10 ft diameter propellers.

A mechanical transmission, shown in the diagram above, is used to reverse the

direction of one of the propellers. Counter rotation cancels out residual spin and

eliminates the need for a tail rotor, while providing angular momentum for stability.

An alternative method would be to drive each propeller with its own electric

permanent magnet motor, each motor being wired in reverse polarity with respect to

the other. The pilot would pedal an electric generator to supply electricity to the

motors rather than pedal powering a chain driven transmission. The counter rotating

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Pedal Power Generator

propellers are powered by a combination of human pedal power and an electric motor

which is supplied with electricity.

Within 25 years it may be possible to substitute a lighter/stronger material

made of pure carbon Fullerene. It is 100 times stronger than steal, light as foam and

theorized to be so stable that it is capable of self sealing when punctured; the pilot is

surrounded by an exterior airbag, capable of cushioning collisions. The helium filled

chambers are baffled in case of punctures. This vehicle would be capable of .flying at

an altitude of 3,000 meters (~ 10,000 ft). However, most .flying would be done at

about 3 meters (~ 10 ft.) above the ground to take full advantage of a energy saving

phenomenon of aerodynamics known as the ground effect.

The design of this vehicle would also enable it to hover at any altitude within

its altitude range. Since this vehicle combines the low flying techniques of the

Northern Harrier and the Hovering technique of the White Tailed Kite, It could called

a KARRIER, ( kite + harrier = karrier ). Steering is accomplished through banking

and thrust vectoring (via air vents along the side of the airship which direct air from

the propellers). The airship would be capable landing on water.While in “shelter

mode” the guide lines could support a tent and the solar powered propellers could

provide ventilation. One such airship could shelter almost a hundred people if used in

a rescue mission. Larger airships, known as cargo lifters, would be capable of

airlifting relief supplies directly where needed without the need of roads, airports or

even permission by flying low under the radar and using cloud cover to prevent

detection during their initial approach.

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Pedal Power Generator

CONCLUSION:

Pedal power is excellent source of energy. Pedal power can be applied to wide

range of jobs. Not only tasks which need electric power in domestic use but any

device that works hand crank, foot power could potentially be converted pedal power.

With the human population six billion and growing pedal power can be incorporated

in the lives of families living in urban as well as rural area where the uninterrupted

power is a major problem. It will help to improve quality of their lives while being

friendly to earth.

Pedal power is an appropriate technology for now and future. So we can say future

research should focus on human capabilities in providing energy to human powered

product and implementation of electromechanical system in product.

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Pedal Power Generator

REFERENCES:

GOOGLE.COM : http://www.pedalpower.org/works.html

: http://los-gatos.ca.us/davidbu/pedgen.html

(David Butcher)

: http://www.users.erols.com/mshaver/bikegen.htm

: http://econvergence.net/electro.html

(Convergence Technologies)

: http://www.freepatentsonline.com

: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/pedal-

power/eeexplore.ieee.org/xplore

: http://uoregon.edu/~casl/library/pedal-power/pppp.pdt

: http://users.erols.com/

: http://www.humboldt.edu/~ccat/pedalpower./

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