Bicycle "generator" lights

[BrudderT]

I've been thinkin

I don't know if they still make them or not, but you know those old "generator lights" we used in the 70's to 90's? They had that little wheel that rested against the tire and spun to generate power for the lights.

Would it be possible use one of those to charge batteries? I'm thinking stationary bike for excercise and battery charging.

Thoughts?

[LoupGarou]

Originally Posted by BrudderT

I've been thinkin

I don't know if they still make them or not, but you know those old "generator lights" we used in the 70's to 90's? They had that little wheel that rested against the tire and spun to generate power for the lights.

Would it be possible use one of those to charge batteries? I'm thinking stationary bike for excercise and battery charging.

Thoughts?

Oh, they make them, and several people sell them (even one in the back of Popular Mechanics for a while).

http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/
http://www.windstreampower.com/Human...tor_Series.php
http://www.los-gatos.ca.us/davidbu/pedgen.html
http://www.humboldt.edu/~ccat/pedalp...peg/index.html
http://www.theworkshop.ca/energy/bengen/bengen.htm


Here is the issue, the human body can handle producing about 100-130 watts of power for about an hour before starting to really "feel it", and that is for healthy individuals. You could use one to charge a 12V battery in the 7AH to 18AH range, depending on how discharged it was. Not bad, but you also have to figure in how much energy is used in food consumption to get that charge. If you have kids, and they have "boundless energy", one or two of these might be the perfect thing, but again, you have to weigh in on the food consumption.

You might want to look into solar, yes, it may not charge as fast (depending on Amp output of the panels, and the amount of sun you get, but it uses very little of your own energy to charge that same battery.

And they do make them in portable versions as well:
http://shop.ebay.com/vitabon/m.html?...1&_from=&_ipg=

Loup

[chanman]

How about useing old fan blade and mounting on roof. I think your idea is a good one and made me think about my flowing well its only about 3 to 4 gallon a min. but made some kind of water wheel set up. It seems to me old Ford 1960's 70's had a generator instead of alternator. I think I will call local auto parts salvage yard , he might know. U got me wondering now.

[Sly]

These may give you some idea's!

http://www.thebackshed.com/Windmill/AssemblyA.asp

http://www.fieldlines.com/section/homebrew

Mine are wind, but I can see some pedal power if needed.

[RENMAN358]

Originally Posted by BrudderT

I've been thinkin

I don't know if they still make them or not, but you know those old "generator lights" we used in the 70's to 90's? They had that little wheel that rested against the tire and spun to generate power for the lights.

Would it be possible use one of those to charge batteries? I'm thinking stationary bike for excercise and battery charging.

Thoughts?

Thats a GREAT idea BT !!

It might be more efficient to consider a small
import alternator from an import car or a
motorcycle.

Even the shop built alternator from FORCEFIELD
is a good possibility.

Seem like there was an article in the old TMEN rag
back in the 70's. Maybe Backwoods home ?

Was thinking about a tread mill for my GS pooch .
Especialy during the monsoon rains.

Just some thoughts...........