Pedal Power
Pedal Power for the Occupy Movement
To support the self-sufficiency of Occupy member sites, the Pedal Power group aims to facilitate the low-cost construction and effective usage of pedal-powered electrical generators and related technologies.
The goal for this design was low cost, with most materials sourced from Home Despot and/or local hardware stores. Can be built relatively easily by anyone with access to drill press and basic tools. Circuitry includes voltage regulator ($1.50 from digikey), a few capacitors/resistors, and a diode.
Contact Info
Group email: pedalpower@mit.edu
List admin: moallem@mit.edu
(** PLEASE DO NOT RELOCATE OR RADICALLY MODIFY THIS PAGE WITHOUT FIRST CONTACTING LIST ADMIN. KTHX **)
Parts/Materials List
"A-frame" bicycle stand
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Rear legs: TWO (2) x 20" lengths of 1" x 1" (cross-section) rectangular steel tubing
- e.g.,
- Alternatively, can use up to 2" x 1" (cross-section) rectangular steel tubingfor added stability
Rear cross-piece(s): TWO (2) x 12" lengths of 1" x 1" (cross-section) rectangular steel tubing
- e.g.,
- Alternatively, can use single piece of 2" x 1" rectangular steel tubing
Front legs: TWO (2) x 20" lengths of 1-inch angle steel '
Alternatively, can use 20" lengths of 1" x 1" rectangular steel tubing
Front cross-piece: ONE (1) x 16" (minimum, up to 30" maximum) long rectangular steel tubing, cross-section 1" x 1" (Note: If adding optional rubber feet, use longer front cross-piece for wider, more stable stance.)
Front-back connectors: TWO (2) x 20" long steel flats
[SPECIFY FASTENER HARDWARE!!! ]
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Rear-wheel (skewer) supports:
TWO (2) x 3/4" diameter (imperial size 3/4) socket cap bolts, length: 5" (Note: Can alternatively use hex-cap bolts; lower cost, but additional machining required)
FOUR (4) x size 3/4 Hex nuts
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Generator and mounting assembly:
ONE (1) x 24V DC motor (100 to 350 watt)
ONE (1) x heavy-duty door hinge
ONE (1) x strong L-bracket, at least 3" long on one side
TWO (2) x mounting plates (approx. 5" x 5", either steel or thick aluminum)
ONE (1) x roller bearings (should fit motor shaft perfectly)
ONE (1) x roller: solid aluminum cylinder, 1.25" to 1.5" diameter (Note: Can alternatively use Nylon cylinder with thin aluminum pipe as sheath)
[SPECIFY BRACKETS, FASTENER HARDWARE, AND DISTAL ROLLER SUPPORT!!! ]
[INCLUDE EXAMPLE LINKS!!!]
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Electronics:
ONE (1) xlow-voltage schottky diode
- e.g., http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/SR1045-TP/SR1045-TPMSCT-ND/2334476
- e.g. (alt), http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/MBR1645G/MBR1645GOS-ND/918588
- Note: Regular diode will work, but schottky diode minimizes power loss
ONE (1) x adjustable positive voltage regulator
- e.g., 5-Amp low dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator: http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/LD1084V/497-3413-5-ND/669183 [LD1084V Datasheet]
- e.g. (alt), 7.5-Amp LDO linear voltage regulator: http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/LT1083CP%23PBF/LT1083CP%23PBF-ND/888922 [LT1083 Datasheet]