Motor/generator questions

 

Hi everyone,
       It's been a while since I posted here, hope there's still some
regulars.  I'm building a pedal-powered generator, mostly because I
can't stand using a regular exercycle that doesn't _do_ anything.

       Anyway, I've gotten to the point where I need a generator, but I
don't really know what to look for.  There is a junkstore nearby that
has a good selection of surplus motors.  What should I look for?  What
will indicate good efficiency when run as a generator in a low input
power range? (I guess that I can put out about 200 watts, but don't
really base that on anything.  Can probably do more for short periods.)

       Am I correct that if I run the motor in reverse at the same
speed it runs at on wall current, that I will get the same voltage and
hz output?

Thanks!

 

uioped1 wrote:

you'd get the majority of your V_out, but not all by any means.

Stepper motors would work without gearing, but be too low v and too
little power for you.

NT

 



Have you considered direct drive to a bug-zapper?  How about making a
big honkin' pedal powered wimhurst machine?

 



The Industrial Science and Industry Museum in Chicago used to have a bike
generator. It was all I could do to get a single 100 watt light bulb (120v)
up to full bright.  I was a LOT younger then.  I could only hold the light
bulb at full bright for a few seconds before wearing out.

 

I have tried that too and they had a V belt mechanism
on it. Don't need any friction with a V belt. Don't
tell the US car manufacturers though.



there's still some

mostly because I

_do_ anything.

need a generator, but I

junkstore nearby that

should I look for?  What

generator in a low input

watts, but don't

for short periods.)

reverse at the same

the same voltage and

used to have a bike

watt light bulb (120v)

could only hold the light