Bicycle Powered Generator

 I want to put together a Bicycle powered generator to power a tv.  I have
looked at the various sites on the web and need a few recommendtaions.

I am going to build it using a exercise bike, generating power and putting
into battery (ies) then running an inverter into the tv.

Any suggestions for a generator, ampmeter would be appreciated.
Thanks,Rob

  There was an article in "Home Power" magazine within the last year by
someone who did just this. He used a recumbent excersize cycle and the gen.
was a motor/gearbox from a powered wheelchair. I think he used a battery to
regulate his output to a 12volt portable tv.

Kevin
VE1TV

 
For reference, my 19" colour TV uses around 60W.
Tiny BW portables may use well under 20W.

For a generator, pick a 12V permenant magnet motor with a max rating of
twice the power you want out.
Work out a comfortable pedalling speed, and arrange gearing to run it
at it's nameplate revs plus a hair.

Now, attatch this with a diode to a 12V battery, so the motor doesn't
spin when you stop.
Take the inverter, and attatch through 2 diodes (assuming that the
low-voltage cutoff is 10.6V (this reduces wear on the battery)) to the
battery.
Now, pedal for a bit and turn the inverter on.
You may want to add a resistor in series with the motor to enable you to
pedal a bit faster without problems.

An ammeter to ensure the motor does not go over its nameplate amps is a
good plan, as is a voltmeter to measure the battery state.

--
http://inquisitor.i.am/     |  mailto:inquisitor@i.am |             Ian Stirling.
---------------------------+-------------------------+--------------------------
He who lives in a glass house should not invite he who is without sin.

 Thanks for the Info Ian & Kevin

I would like to run the tv + converter which would likely be a total of 80
watts about twice as long as I pedal.  This is strictly an interest /
exercise program.  I was hoping someone would have a make / model / specs
for the permanent magnetic motor I should be looking for and the best spots
to look for one.  I think I can pick up the electronics from a local Radio
Shack.

Thanks


putting

Stirling.

 I've tried several types of PM motors as bicycle generators. The best was
from an electric weedwacker. The motor was actually an 110 VDC motor with a
bridge rectifier in the circuit.

Q