How to Build a Bicycle Generator

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

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How To Build A Bicycle Generatorby saullopez52 on July 21, 2010

Table of Contents

How To Build A Bicycle Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro:   How To Build A Bicycle Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1:   PowerPoint Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 2:   Obtain a bicycle and remove the back tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 3:   Build a stand to elevate the bicycle off the ground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Step 4:   Attach the drive belt along the back rim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Step 5:   Attach the motor to the stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Step 6:   Place a diode in series with the motor and battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Step 7:   Connect battery to the diode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Step 8:   Connect the battery leads to the inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Step 9:   Plug the appliance of your choice into the inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Intro:  How To Build A Bicycle Generator

The intention of this project is to build a straight forward human powered generator from a used bicycle and to use it to power light bulbs, blenders, cell phones, laptops,and other small appliances. This project will help one develop engineering skills while learning about a clean way of generating electricity.

The project was created as part of Infrastructure Academy's environmental technology curriculum for high school students, so it is intended to be both achievable andaffordable.

Before continuing with the actual bicycle generator, one should understand how it works, and the components that make it up. View the PowerPoint presentation beforemoving on to the next step.______________________________________________________________________________________

Parts Tools

- 2" X 4" Wood- Wrench- V-belt- Saw- Diode- Wood screws or nails- Battery- Hammer or Screwdriver- Inverter- Tape Measure- Wire- Screwdriver- Motor (12-V or higher)- Perforated plumbers steel(if motor does not have mounting bracket)

Note: The bicycle generator could be accomplished by skipping steps 5, 6, 7, and 8, to save money, but connecting anything other than a halogen lamp directly to themotor is not recommended due to the varying voltages.

Image Notes1. If using this configuration with a light bulb, make sure it can take the wattage themotor is outputting or it will burn out.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 1: PowerPoint Presentation

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 2: Obtain a bicycle and remove the back tire.

You will need to unscrew the back rim to remove the tire and tube. Since the only part of the bicycle that needs to work is the chain and pedals, a junk bike or an old usedbike would work just fine.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 3: Build a stand to elevate the bicycle off the ground.The design of the stand is completely up to you. A few examples are shown below. Just be sure that the stand keeps the bike elevated and secure. If your bike has pegsattached to it, make sure your stand accommodates that feature.

The stand should be built so that the rear wheel of the bike is about 5-7 inches off the ground. The dimensions of your stand will be specific to your bike.

Before beginning construction of the stand, be sure to draft a design with appropriate dimensions. A design on paper will save time and prevent mistakes.

Image Notes1. Be careful when cutting wood, especially if you are using power tools.

Image Notes1. Precise measurements will save time later.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Image Notes1. The bolts of the back tire will be placed in these notches.

Image Notes1. It isn't screwed together yet.

Image Notes1. A simpler alternative

Step 4: Attach the drive belt along the back rim.

A drive belt can be purchased at any auto parts store. You will need to remove the back rim to attach it. Make sure to measure the distance from the motor to the rim soyou obtain the appropriate size.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 5: Attach the motor to the stand.

A 12-volt DC motor or higher is recommended. The wattage of the motor depends on what you want to power. The motor should be securely mounted to the stand.Mount the motor at a distance that will tightly secure the drive belt on the motor shaft. The belt and motor shaft should spin concurrently – make sure there is no slippingbetween them.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 6: Place a diode in series with the motor and battery.

Make sure the diode is only allowing current to flow from the motor to the battery. The cathode should be pointing towards the positive terminal of the battery.

Step 7: Connect battery to the diode.

The battery should be connected in series with the motor and diode. The negative lead form the motor should attach to the negative terminal of the battery. The positivelead from the motor should be attached to the diode, and the diode to the positive terminal of the battery.

Image Notes1. Cathode

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 8: Connect the battery leads to the inverter.

You could use an adapter to connect the battery to the inverter, or you will need to solder or tape the battery’s leads to the inverter so the circuit is secure. Be sure tocorrectly connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery to the inverter or you will blow the fuse in the inverter.

Step 9: Plug the appliance of your choice into the inverter.

Once the motor is secured to the belt, you will need to use a multimeter to measure how much voltage is being exerted while you pedal. Depending on how much youexert, you will be able to power small appliances. With the knowledge you’ve gained, try to make changes that will make your generator better and more efficient.

Fun Ideas Here are just a few suggestions to what you can do using your new bicycle generator.

Charge your phone and exercise: Ever charged your phone and just waited until it was done charging? Why not get a workout and charge it at the same time! See howmuch time it takes to charge your phone. Try to set a time and try to beat it in the future.

Human-Powered Smoothie : Think you can make a smoothie without wasting energy in your home? See if you can generate enough energy in your bicycle generator torun a blender. Then, see if the blender has enough power to make a smoothie.

Eco-Breakfast: If you are the type of person who wakes up in the morning wanting to exercise, then try this. Use the bicycle generator to make some waffles and toast.There’s nothing like building up an appetite, exercising, and cooking at the same time.

Think about some more fun ideas you can execute using the generator and test them out!

Related Instructables

Bike GeneratorPatio FurnitureMade fromRecycledMaterials w/VoltageRegulatedBatteryCharging

Bicycle PowerGenerator byaibarra1604

'No-welding'pedal generatorstand bychunkyhampton

Stationary BikeGenerator fromWashingMachine byandrew.spencer.2

DIY BIKE HACKDC BIKEGENERATORLED LightsLight EmittingDiode (video) byGREENPOWERSCIENCE

Home madetimber PushBike BicycleRepair Stand byMaking stuff - funand practical

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

System byKlockworkKevin

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Comments

50 comments Add Comment view all 78 comments

 duckyforbes says:  Jan 20, 2015. 7:09 AM  REPLYI made this for my middle school science project. I just twisted the diode around the wire from the motor and held it in place with the clamp of the inverter.Why was the live wire from the motor the black wire and not the red wire? The red wire did nothing, but when I connected the black wire, the motor turned(before I added the diode)

 MuhammadA22 says:  Dec 25, 2014. 12:38 PM  REPLYi want to charge a 12 v 200amp battery with this method it is possible ? and i want to charge it in short time 20 to 25 mints ??? please reply some one ....

 ddemille says:  Jan 8, 2014. 1:54 PM  REPLYCan you just use a altenator instead of a motor? Or are they the same thing...

 _CrashA_ says:  Dec 23, 2014. 5:08 AM  REPLYNo they are not the same thing. An alternator is an AC generator which requires electricity to excite the rotors magnetic field (since there are no magnetsin an alternator). When the voltage gets to about 12v+ it will disconnect the battery since it would have "self excited" the rotor by the electricity it isgenerating itself. The problem is, is that the alternator needs to be spinning at an a solute minimum of about 800RPM+ to start self exciting. You need tospin the rotor at about 1000-3000RPM depending on the alternators specifications in order to generate the amount of power its rated at / you want togenerate.

 dmeyer13 says:  Apr 3, 2014. 7:19 PM  REPLYwhat if i hook the motor straight up to the chain instead of using a v belt and back rim

 _CrashA_ says:  Dec 23, 2014. 5:04 AM  REPLYWell the ratio would differ that's for sure.

 kjdmac says:  Dec 8, 2014. 11:26 AM  REPLYThats Awesome!

but why use a motor? mechanical power from the bike is converted into electrical power, not the other way around

 _CrashA_ says:  Dec 23, 2014. 5:02 AM  REPLYBecause a DC motor can work as a generator as well as vice versa. At the end if the day, its just a rotating coil inside a magnetic field - which obviouslygenerates an electrical current.

 MuhammadA22 says:  Dec 22, 2014. 1:09 AM  REPLYadmin where are you?

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

 MuhammadA22 says:  Dec 22, 2014. 1:09 AM  REPLYadmin where are you?

 MuhammadA22 says:  Dec 21, 2014. 1:26 PM  REPLYi want to charge a 200amp Battery with 12 volt dc car alternator it gives 30 to 35 amp in normal speed , on extreme speed i think 45 amp? it is possible ?how many minutes required to charge a 200 amp battery?can i charge the Battery with cycle Generator and at the same time can i use the Battery powerwith an 1000 or 3000 watts inverter/ups

 Danp1 says:  Aug 11, 2014. 3:13 PM  REPLYwill a DC 12V 50mA 5RPM 31Kg.cm High Torque DC Gear Motor work? It would be great to get specific details about the motor, diode, batery and inverterfor those of us unskilled in the electronic arts.

 Mojo_JoJo says:  Jul 3, 2014. 8:30 PM  REPLYI've been thinking of using a solar cell to charge my inverterbatteries, while I understand the use of the diode, the only problem Ihave is how do you stop current being driven into the inverter circuitby the motor/solar cell?

 hnadeem2 says:  May 17, 2014. 6:59 AM  REPLYcan i use a 12v 7 ampere battery

 Ian11487 says:  May 13, 2014. 5:31 AM  REPLYyou should put this in the green design contest

 kalyanaprasadh says:  Apr 27, 2014. 5:18 AM  REPLYi made it

 alert aadhavan says:  Apr 1, 2014. 8:24 AM  REPLYcool!!!!!!!!!

 johnsv6 says:  Mar 29, 2014. 3:17 PM  REPLYI'm thinking mountain bike for the gears to get a flywheel going. Also, there is a double chain ring (the thingie thats connected to the cranks) Why not runanother rear wheel on the front with another chain connected to the second chain ring and be able to turn 2 alternators at the same time?

 svdkisore says:  Feb 7, 2014. 5:16 AM  REPLYwhat is the voltage that is poduced during cycling??

 Franco caca says:  Jan 12, 2014. 9:19 AM  REPLYdo u have a video for the second picture?

 Franco caca says:  Jan 12, 2014. 9:17 AM  REPLYhow do i make the second one do u have a vide?

 dsweid says:  Jan 8, 2014. 8:20 AM  REPLYcan i by any chance get a bicycle generator to store energy in order to produce electricity to run a builiding??

 cyfekt says:  Aug 29, 2011. 5:21 PM  REPLYCould you possibly use a larger motor, and 6 batteries??

And if you did what kind of inverter would you need??

 astral_mage says:  Dec 24, 2013. 12:55 AM  REPLYdepending on wat u like to power up. small fridge, lamp, net work gear. 4000k would do nicely. then yr talking batteries. wat type do u plan to use sealdlead acid, universal, or golf cart. golf cart types are the best but expensive. go universal cheaper plus u can get them from harbor freight for roughly 75bucks or so.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

 viciousz0rz says:  Nov 18, 2011. 10:19 AM  REPLYWhat is the overall price of a project like this (if I already have a bicycle, anyway)?

 astral_mage says:  Dec 24, 2013. 12:50 AM  REPLYfrom 100 too 200 dollars depending on the route u take.

 ExxoShock says:  Nov 3, 2012. 10:25 AM  REPLYI was wondering. What affects of a larger than 12V motor on the amount of electricity produced? Because I would like it as efficient as possible, without itbeing overkill.

 astral_mage says:  Dec 24, 2013. 12:48 AM  REPLYgo with a geo metro alternator abut 50 bucks +/- at a local auto scrap yard.

 Aron313 says:  Jan 11, 2012. 2:47 PM  REPLYWhere did you get the motor?????

 Daniel Deacon says:  Apr 27, 2012. 5:59 PM  REPLYcorrect me if im wrong but it looks like a 24 volt 250 watt electric scooter motor

 wozzz says:  May 9, 2012. 4:24 PM  REPLYIs it ok to charge a 12 v battery with a 24v motor?

 Daniel Deacon says:  May 9, 2012. 10:07 AM  REPLYSure In fact you need at least 15 volts to efficiently charge a 12 volt battery this is because of the internal resistance. I wouldn't risk going over 30thou :D

 dhemanth01 says:  Nov 24, 2013. 7:08 AM  REPLYbut take care of the current and make sure the current given to battery remains lower than the capacity of the battery if it exceeds the batterywill be drained instead of being charged

 wagman45 says:  Sep 25, 2012. 12:25 PM  REPLYis it possible to run an inverter straight from the generator without a battery? or do i need one for any excess energy produced? could i just use a capacitor?

 dhemanth01 says:  Nov 24, 2013. 7:06 AM  REPLYyes of course you can ... but the voltage will surely vary on the speed you pedal. if the voltage goes high the inverter will take care but on low voltagenothing can be done..

 ExxoShock says:  Oct 27, 2012. 7:10 AM  REPLYIm not an expert, but you probably can, Yet, if you dont have a battery, you wont have any power if you stop, yet if you have a battery, it can charge thebattery, so you can stop if you want.

 wagman45 says:  Sep 25, 2012. 12:26 PM  REPLYnote: i'll be using a charge controller

 LiftAndLove says:  Nov 23, 2012. 10:04 AM  REPLYHow much do you think this would cost? Minus the bicycle.

 dhemanth01 says:  Nov 24, 2013. 7:00 AM  REPLY40 to 50 USD...and some hard work for the wooden frame...

 vgamesx1 says:  Sep 10, 2013. 4:02 AM  REPLYI have a slightly more practical idea.. why not instead get an even larger motor and a Grid Tie inverter? then feed power right back into your house, why not?it would be heck of a lot simpler than the idea of setting up a battery and an inverter and plugging different appliances into it and best of all you could just doit whenever you want rather than preparing a device beforehand and save some electricity.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

 dhemanth01 says:  Nov 24, 2013. 6:57 AM  REPLYi think in the above instructables you can also connect your device directly to appliances while pedaling... but connecting to the main line power supplywill not be advised. if there occur a back current flow from main line your generator will burn up...

 rmandalaa says:  Jul 25, 2013. 7:08 PM  REPLYwow

 JCG5 says:  May 9, 2013. 5:02 PM  REPLYDoes the diode control the direction of the electricity?

 dmetcalf2 says:  Jan 28, 2013. 7:11 PM  REPLYhere is a great way to go green and get some much needed exercise

 gpdas says:  Dec 19, 2012. 6:52 AM  REPLYVery good.

 ExxoShock says:  Oct 27, 2012. 7:33 AM  REPLYGood job, could have been more detailed, but other than that, I applaud you.

 wozzz says:  Apr 27, 2012. 11:35 AM  REPLYHas the base RPM of a 12v DC motor, to be taken in consideration?

 wozzz says:  Apr 27, 2012. 11:22 AM  REPLYWhat should be the minimum specifications of the diode?

 Tabbytha says:  Mar 26, 2012. 8:44 AM  REPLYWhat kind of motor? A stepper motor or another kind?

 bradpitcher says:  Apr 11, 2012. 7:52 AM  REPLYIn step 5 the author explains to use a 12 V DC motor

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