A bicycle generator is a device that allows you to generate electricity by rotating the pedals and transfer it to the bicycle’s lighting fixtures or third-party electrical appliances. By design, bicycle generators are divided into several types: bushing, bottle, carriage and contactless.
The current and voltage output are inextricably linked to the pedaling frequency - the speed of movement. The pattern is valid for all types of generators. The bicycle generator produces alternating current, which is stabilized into direct current using a bridge rectifier. Its role can be played by soldered diode lamps or special devices, for example, a full-wave rectifier.
"Wireless" generator
A wireless or contactless generator is perhaps the most interesting option of all discussed in this article.
It is safe to say that it has the main advantages of those that have already been described above, and at the same time is practically devoid of all their disadvantages. Of course, a wireless device is more complex and technologically advanced, so it will cost significantly more. But it weighs very little, and the headlights are built right into it, which greatly simplifies its operation and saves a lot of energy. In addition, such an electric motor does not have any wires or cables; moreover, it does not come into contact with the wheel in any way, which means it does not create any friction or resistance.
History has happened again...
...in 1992, when Mr. Weltz invented a new orgone-accumulating material, which was given the name orgonite by the author.
Orgonite is much more efficient than traditional materials, such as layers of thin compressed steel filings and compressed glass reinforced mass or Celotex (materials with a fine fiber structure), and it also allows the production of orgone accumulators and generators of small sizes.
This new material, orgonite, allows the production of very small chi generators, such as the JU series Chi generator®. The first orgone generator EPG 2000 with orgonite appeared on the market at the beginning of 1993. Thousands of these devices around the world have been snapped up by people determined to reach the limits of their aspirations.
The creation of orgonite led to further developments: the development of powerful amplifiers and transfer disks.
EPG 2000, 1993, already with a layer of orgonite covering the coils inside the device.
Left: PB 2000, one of the first high-power amplifiers, still with brass tube. Right: One of the first transfer pairs.
One of the first Precision Low Pulse Orgone Generators LPOG 2400, (1997), with a silver tube.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET ELECTRICITY FOR YOUR HOME WITH A BICYCLE GENERATOR?
Even in the greenest renewable energy area there is still a significant amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to consumption, as even hydroelectric installations are damaging to the environment and emitting methane.
You could literally drive yourself crazy if you overanalyzed your every move in terms of protecting the environment and reducing your climate impact, so when we came across a cool tech gadget, it's an easy way to be eco-friendly and look like fun then we love passing it on. Hence this post about a bike generator - instead of riding to the gym to exercise, how about charging your phone with a pedal at home?
You can use your bike to generate electricity at home just by doing a daily workout - sounds like the perfect way to contribute to climate change!
Application of electric generator
Where can a bicycle electric generator be used in our everyday life? You can, for example, charge your phone while exercising in the morning. Well, really, why not exercise and save energy at the same time? Measure how long it takes to charge your cell phone. Try to remember the time and try to beat it in the future. You can combine business with pleasure, so to speak - see if you can generate as much energy as the blender consumes. Then you can make yourself a sports cocktail.
If you have a technically adventurous child, why not try bringing this idea to life just for the experience. Use your imagination and maybe some other funny ideas will come to your mind.
It is possible that you will want to bring your ideas to life. What do you need for this?
- Bike. An old one that has not been used for a long time or has been lying around is perfect for these purposes.
- 12V DC motor.
- V-belt for connecting the rear wheel to the engine.
- Beam for stand 100*50 mm.
- Diode.
- Battery 12V.
- An inverter that converts direct current 12V into alternating current 220V.
How does a generator work on a bicycle?
When you press a pedal on a bicycle, the action spins a flywheel, which spins the alternator and charges the battery. A highly efficient home (such as one with LEDs) can meet basic lighting and power needs. Of course, other solutions will be needed to efficiently heat water, cook and heat.
A bicycle can also be used to reduce energy costs while eliminating the problem of excess weight.
Bicycling is also a clean way to generate energy.
So if the price was right, would you use a bike generator?
When looked at in detail, the reality is that the bike is designed for very small homes and actual use is limited to a few light bulbs at very low wattage, perhaps the occasional use of a small fan and charging portable devices like phones.
Let's do the math: an hour on a bike produces about 0.11 kWh (more or less depending on how fast you bike, but probably not much), and the average home uses 30 kWh per day. So an hour on the bike provides only 0.37% of the energy needed for 24 hours, or about enough for five minutes.
Top articles: How to properly fasten your bike
So let's look at the positives when we look at how to reverse climate change, we all know we need to exercise more, but it's often difficult to tear ourselves away from our devices to do so.
And if you're familiar with the latest tech gadgets for micro-energy generation, off-grid power, or energy efficiency, try some of these—a pedal-powered washing machine, a portable wind turbine, a pedal-powered tiny house, or a cup holder phone charger that harnesses the heat or cold from your coffee or beer to charge your device... How cool is that?
Types of bicycle generators, their features, pros and cons
Dynamo hub
A hub dynamo is a magnetically enhanced conventional hub. Its mechanics is the formation of eddy currents. At the output, the energy becomes a current corresponding to the bicycle in strength, voltage and power. For comparison, in a car the energy is 6 watts, and in a bicycle - no more than 2.
- Hub dynamos are popular because of their simplicity and small size.
- It is attached to the hub, not the wheel, and does not create unnecessary friction. The current is transmitted directly to the headlight.
- The disadvantages of this type include the slow speed of the front wheel and the heaviness of the bicycle. The weight is corrected with a light magnet.
When pedaling, the current flows in waves, accelerating or decelerating. Therefore, a stabilizer is installed in the headlights with a bushing generator.
If the headlight is different, then a rectifier will be needed for stabilization. The brightness of the lighting depends on the output power of the bushing. The more powerful the headlight and the less powerful the output, the dimmer the light.
The design consists of components:
- An anchor that wraps around an axle
- Ring magnet attached to the sleeve,
- Double wires with terminals.
Bottle bike generator
The bottle electric generator has this name because of its external resemblance to a bottle. It is attached to the wheel and is adjustable to increase or decrease power. When you move it, it turns off easily.
- The price of generators of this type is inexpensive.
- Almost no effect on the weight of the bike.
- But it rubs the tires of the wheels.
- At high speed, operation is accompanied by a characteristic noise.
- And in rainy times, energy is poorly generated.
A bottle generator is suitable for short trips around the city in good weather.
Contactless bicycle generator
A non-contact generator is the most expensive design of all analogues. This is justified by the almost complete absence of shortcomings. The principle of operation is to accumulate energy from wheel rotations through a magnetic field.
The electric generator is located close to the wheel, which has a built-in dynamo hub. This way there is no friction or resistance to movement as in other designs. The electric generator is mounted in pairs at the front and rear.
The whole principle is similar to how flashlights work. The electric generator has a direct current transmission bridge from the bushing output to the headlight. It turns out that the headlight works as an independent mechanism. Such a device does not have a stabilizer, so the light would dim when driving at low speeds.
But this deficiency was compensated by the accumulation of energy during the trip. Thus, the headlight can remain on even when the bike is completely stopped.
Advantages of the device:
- No friction, rubbing, contact with bicycle components,
- Low weight,
- Energy saving system for headlight operation during stops.
- The disadvantage is the high cost.
Best articles: What to do if the rear wheel on a bicycle does not spin
Types of structures for cyclists
The following types of bicycle generators are distinguished:
- bottle dynamo;
- hub dynamo;
- contactless generator.
Each design has a number of advantages and disadvantages, so the cyclist should determine his priorities in advance: whether cost, ease of maintenance, noise level or other characteristics play a decisive role.
Bottle dynamo
The device is shaped like a bottle. It's essentially a small electric generator that attaches to the side wall of a bicycle tire. Operating principle: when the cyclist moves, the tire rotates the roller of the dynamo generator.
The table discusses the advantages and disadvantages of this type of structure:
| pros | Minuses |
| If you turn off the bottle generator for a bicycle or charging devices, headlights, the device will not create additional resistance while riding. | The device does not tolerate humid weather well and begins to produce less energy. |
| The device can be installed on almost any tire. | Making noise while driving. |
| On average, bottle appliances are cheaper than other types of designs, but there are exceptions. | When turned on, bottle dynamos make the cyclist's movement more difficult than hub dynamos and contactless bicycle generators. |
| It is difficult for a non-specialist to install the dynamo correctly: an important role is played by the angle and height of contact with the side wall of the tire. | |
| The device must be moved and turned on manually. Automatic mode is not provided. |
Important: if a bicycle generator of this type is not adjusted correctly, it may catch on the spokes during a ride. But some models have additional loops to prevent such situations.
Cyclists should be aware that falling to the ground can significantly damage the bike generator. Before each ride, it is recommended to check that the mounting screws are not loose.
Dynamo hub
Hub dynamos are a subtype of dynamos that are placed not on the tire, but in the hub of a bicycle wheel. The generator was created by the English manufacturing company Sturmey-Archer, then similar devices began to be produced by manufacturers Shimano and Schmidt.
The operation is based on a multi-pole magnet, which is located in the hub of the bicycle tire and rotates around a stationary coil mounted on an axis. Power for different models varies from 1.8 to 3 W.
Before purchasing, it is better to familiarize yourself with the main advantages and disadvantages of hub dynamos:
| pros | Minuses |
| Complete silence, achieved due to the absence of moving and, as a result, contacting parts. | Large weight, but the problem is solved by using aluminum shells and rare earth magnets. |
| Minimal resistance when driving. | High price. |
| Low maintenance requirements. | Sometimes a separate dynamo wheel needs to be assembled. |
| Efficient operation in any climatic conditions. | |
| Doesn't wear out your bike tire. | |
| Automatic switching on. |
Many touring bikes come with dynamo hubs. It is worth noting that it is possible to make such a bicycle generator with your own hands at home.
"Bottle"
This generator, which provides charge in the headlights, is called a bottle generator not so much because of its operation scheme, but because of its appearance. It is convenient in that it is attached to the outside of the wheel, which means that, if necessary, you can adjust it yourself, and you can also remove it without much effort if necessary, or simply move it temporarily if its work is not required now.
This device has its own certain advantages and disadvantages that are worth paying special attention to. Some of its strengths include the following:
- Affordable price;
- Easy to use and adjust by hand without the use of additional tools;
- Ability to disable, remove, replace if necessary;
- Minor impact on overall bike weight.
However, the “bottle” also has its own certain disadvantages, which are also quite sufficient:
- Wheel tires may be rubbed due to its operation;
- The generator hangs on one side of the wheel, thus creating an advantage;
- At high speeds, noise is generated during use;
- Efficiency is reduced in rainy weather.
This option is quite convenient and practical; the point is that you need to create a constant electrical voltage in conditions that are comfortable for driving short distances. In the case of those cycling enthusiasts who like to ride on any terrain and in any weather, using a “bottle” can entail certain difficulties. The same applies to those who like to drive at high speeds.
Tail light circuit with dynamo.
- Old relay
- Coil Contacts
- Mounting screw
In order not to waste time assembling the coil with your own hands, it is better to try to find some old relay. I took the panel in the picture above from an old PBX. The second picture shows a coil from a disassembled relay.
The coil resistance should be between 100 and 200 ohms. The resistance of the coil shown in the figure is 200 ohms. The higher the coil resistance, the more energy is generated, but at the same time the efficiency decreases due to increased losses in the coil.
- Stainless steel
Next, you will need to remove the neodymium magnets from the hard drive. My rear wheel dynamo uses three of these magnets, but you can use many more if you are able to mount them securely.
The first option is of particular interest; the operation of this type of device is distinguished by its simplicity and inconspicuousness. Unlike others, the dynamo hub is not fixed to the wheel, so it does not create unnecessary friction or any other problems. The voltage is created by the work of a magnet built into the bushing and is transmitted through alternating current circuits directly to the headlights.
Among the advantages of this option are the reliability, versatility and invisibility of dynamo hubs. At the same time, it cannot be said that the use of such a device affects the reaction speed of the front wheel and the overall weight of the bicycle. True, the last problem can be solved by using a lighter magnet.
What are bicycle generators and why are they needed?
A bicycle-mounted electric generator is a convenient, portable device that allows you to independently generate electric current to support the operation of headlights or other electrical appliances. For example, with its help you can charge your phone or GPS navigator for free on the go.
The operating principle is to generate alternating current, which is converted to direct current through a diode bridge. Facts about bike generators:
- depending on skills and riding speed, the cyclist produces 0.15-0.25 kW per hour;
- the record figure achieved in 24 hours was 12 kW;
- The higher the cadence, the more electricity is generated. A similar pattern is typical for both purchased and homemade bicycle electricity generators;
- pedal generators can be stationary: you can make the device yourself using an old and unnecessary bicycle.
On an industrial scale, the use of pedal generators makes no sense, since it takes about 10 hours to generate 1 kW of energy, but for personal use such a device is a good choice. After all, the main advantages: the ability to generate current for free both day and night, low cost of equipment and ease of maintenance. You can reduce the cost even more if you make a bicycle generator with your own hands.
A stationary pedal generator is also an alternative to solar tiles or batteries, which are not always possible to use due to climatic conditions. The device does not depend on the sun or wind in any way and can be easily placed in a house or apartment.
Inverter
The current that comes out of the outlet is alternating current (AC). The inverter converts the battery's low DC voltage into high 220V AC so you can connect regular electrical appliances. When choosing an inverter, make sure that it is capable of providing the output current and voltage for the required power. The inverter recommended in this project has a power of 500 watts.
Thus, it becomes possible, without the slightest additional expense, to obtain a sufficiently powerful, environmentally friendly source of electricity, at least 12 or 220 volts, which will help in case of accidents on power lines during a storm or other natural disasters. And at the same time, the generator works like a regular exercise bike!
Useful tips
| GEIGER COUNTER - CIRCUIT AND BOARD |
What is it for?
It's probably no secret that a bicycle moves due to the efforts of the legs turning the pedals, which, in turn, set the wheels in motion. Therefore, this device is not needed to move the iron horse from its place. The generator in this case has a different purpose. With its help, the lamps on the headlights work, illuminating the road.
Top Articles: How to Increase Bicycle Speed
This is very convenient because it allows you to provide energy to the headlights without a charging or additional energy source. The device simply allows some of the energy generated by the cyclist while riding to be used to keep the headlights burning.
How to make a generator for a bicycle yourself?
You can make an electric generator yourself at home. For this purpose, a stepper motor is used as a basis.
The characteristics of the motor for the lighting device must be:
- Voltage – 2.88 Watt,
- Resistance – 1.2 Ohm,
- Rated current – 2.4 A.
This design can be installed at the hub on the rear wheel.
Required materials and tools
To create an optimal electric generator you will need the following materials:
- Plastic tape (flexible material) for the handwheel.
- Type 4 rectifier LEDs, 1N400 company – 4 pairs.
- Linear voltage regulator (stabilizing) from LinearRegulatorStandardRegulatorPos.
- One-watt resistor CF-100.
- Resistor 1206 by 820 Ohm.
- Resistor for diode up to 0.25 Watt.
- One watt diode.
- Postings.
- 1 µF capacitor.
- Container for placing the generator (plastic box).
- Plate for additional mounting space (if required).
Tools:
- Glue gun (glue-sealant),
- Welding machine,
- Pliers,
- Sharp knife.
