EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Building a pedal power bicycle 12 volt generator, ghetto style

Bicycle Bob · 12-09-09, 08:33 AM

Yeah, the human body is about 25% efficient at converting food calories into mechanical work. Another consideration is that the current farm system is about 10% efficient at converting oil into food, and often much worse. So, you should only exercise enough for health, unless you eat from an organic garden.

Regarding generator hook-ups, I'd try using a serpentine belt from a car or a clothes dryer. The dryer has a tiny pulley to get high step-up ratios. You can wrap the belt over even a knobby bike tire, and it will ride in the middle, the same as on any crowned pulley with a flat belt. It can be bundled and wrapped on the frame for road use, or removed by popping the wheel off.

12-09-09, 08:33 AM	#88
Bicycle Bob Suncatcher Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Spiritwood, Northern Saskatchewan Posts: 42 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Yeah, the human body is about 25% efficient at converting food calories into mechanical work. Another consideration is that the current farm system is about 10% efficient at converting oil into food, and often much worse. So, you should only exercise enough for health, unless you eat from an organic garden. Regarding generator hook-ups, I'd try using a serpentine belt from a car or a clothes dryer. The dryer has a tiny pulley to get high step-up ratios. You can wrap the belt over even a knobby bike tire, and it will ride in the middle, the same as on any crowned pulley with a flat belt. It can be bundled and wrapped on the frame for road use, or removed by popping the wheel off.