Energy Efficiency Demonstration Bike

Designed and built to meet the requirement for an eye-catching and interactive display for trade shows, exhibits, and conferences, the Energy Efficiency Demonstration Bike demonstrates the concept of energy efficiency in a manner that is both fun and educational. The cyclist spins a generator to make electricity which is used to power either a compact fluorescent or incandescent light bulb by way of a switch. By having to physically supply the power to each light bulb, the cyclist gains an experiential understanding of energy efficiency.

Designed and built by Eesmyal Santos-Brault
Client: BC Sustainable Energy Association

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• energy
• efficiency
• eesmyal
• bike
• exhibit
• BCSEA
• sustainability

[elledeeism]

Hi, I was wondering what the specification were for the motor you used - I'm trying to make a bike generator for a kids display, but I'm having troubles getting enough rpms to produce enough volts to anything with.

I assume that the light bulbs you're using are low watt too?

[eesmyal]

@elledeeism, its a permanent magnet DC motor that I got from a surplus store online from tape reels for old computers. You also just use a regular DC permanent magnet motor. You want the wattage to be at least 200W for adults who give'r. Depending on how you connect the motor to the bike will determine the RPM, which you can calculate with simple math.  As for voltage, use 12 V DC devices. The motor voltage will need to be higher that 12 and is directly related to RPM and load.

[leigh8959]

This is so awesome... look at the expressions on the kids faces! What's up with the haters clicking thumbs down???

[TimpBizkit]

Look at 'em spin effortlessly with the low energy and mash with the filament bulb that draws five times the current.

Lighting four 50 watt bulbs is over 200 watts of pedalling energy. I managed 250 watts in a gym - kids this age though - 200watts is likely to be more than they can do momentarily

[yuandrew]

I pedaled a similar bike that my power company (Southern California Edison) set up as a demonstration except it had four of each light bulb. Lighting up four 50 watt incandescant bulbs took a lot of effort and you'll get tired after a minuite unless you're Lance Armstrong but four 15 watt fluorescent lamps was very easy.