Does anyone know where I can find a human powered generator or plans to make my own generator?

Question

Does anyone know where I can find a human powered generator or plans to make my own generator?

Answer 1

The cheapest way is to use an existing bicycle or just buy a second hand one from a garage sale.

Alternatively find an old cycling exercise machine that has an exposed rotating wheel.

For the bicycle, make a prop to lift the rear wheel, so you can pedal stationary like an exercise machine.

Once you have your engine, then attach a bicycle dynamo to the rotating wheel and tap the electricity. Some old bicycles might already have the dynamo and a front light.

The dynamo usually generates 6 Volts, at maximum 1 Ampere that give 6 Watts of power. You can test fitting more than 1 dynamo if cycling does not become too hard.

You must have some knowledge of electricity to be able to put the outcome to any use. If not, visit your local electronics hobby shop. Ask for help at the counter or even ask any nerd around. They would be more than happy to offer you many options.

Good luck

Answer 2

Recycling of human energy is becoming a reliable resource indeed. Check the source links for a couple of ideas bout this:

Answer 3

Save your money. Just about anything you can do with a human powered generator you can do without the electricity generated by one.