Pedal Power generator

The unit is adjustable to almost any body size:

• the figure shown at left is about 98cm tall (3'3") - a 6 year old? - and the adult figure is 173cm (5'8"). [I based the minimum size on the smallest 2-wheeler I could find.]
• the handlebars and seat can be raised or lowered and secured with quick release bicycle clamps.

The green dome lights at either side of the front stand and inside the display box will flash or chase when the pre-set voltage is reached.

Peddle Power in use by a child [above left]
Size adjustments [left]

Construction.

The unit has been designed for strength and a long life and with this in mind and to facillitate future replacements, standard bicycle, automotive and engineering parts and fittings are specified throughout.

Frame construction is of light-wall steel RHS with 3mm steel plate to facilitate mounting the gearbox pulleys.

The front stand is of opal (white) acrylic with a frame of light steel angle. Corporate logos from computer cut vinyl.

The display box is of clear acrylic with a sheet-metal base.

For transportation the display box and front stand are unhooked from the frame and pins withdrawn to allow the seat and handlebars to collapse. The unit can then be manouvered like a wheelbarrow.

Assembling and collapsing takes less than 5 minutes.

Functioning.

The appliances inside the display box are:

• a 20w halogen bulb inside an amber hazard-style enclosure. The halogen bulb will burn very brightly and should show the variations in voltage very clearly.
• an electro-mechanical bell,
• a small personal fan.

On the sloping panel in the middle of the display box are a 10 step LED voltage bar and an LED numeric display, both of which display the voltage, and a green "success" light.

Gearbox

The generator needs to spin at around 3500 rpm and most people can easily peddle a bike at 90 rpm (1.5 revs per socond) once they get going. This gives a ratio of nearly 1 to 40.

A 150mm sprocket at the pedals turns a 60mm sprocket - a ratio of 1 to 2.5. This ratio is repeated 3 times. Each lay shaft and the generator are adjustable to maintain belt tension.

[The drawings show the pulleys and belts as featureless to save rendering time. Slotted belts and pulleys as used in some cars will be used.]

Pedal Power generator - under construction.

Seen here in the workshop, all parts have been fitted and tacked in place.

The next steps are for the final welding to be completed, the metal to be painted and all componenets reinstalled.

Construction genius

- Peter Haros of the Haros Boiler Co, Hobart.

Thanks Peter!