Pedal Power

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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.


11/26/11:  UPDATE IN PROGRESS




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


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  '

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!!! ]


____________________

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

____________________

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!!!]



____________________

Electronics:

ONE (1) x low-voltage schottky diode


ONE (1) x adjustable positive voltage regulator

Two (2) x aluminum heat sinks

  • Can use scrap aluminum bar or thick sheeting, so long as there is a flat surface for mounting to components
  • IMPORTANT:  Depending on circuit configuration, it may be necessary to connect diode and voltage regulator to separate, non-contacting heat sinks.  (Remember, aluminum conducts electricity!)

Construction