A comment on the operation: Most cyclists try to keep to a certain cadence, at least the touring folks I used to be one of. I can see this as a great way to keep your rpms fairly constant, even be pedaling when stopped at a light or stop sign. So from that standpoint it is a good thing. There are losses in the generation of power in the form of heat both in the generator and in the battery, the wires will lose something (less so if you make sure your wire gage is sufficient). The controlling issue may be finding a generator matched to your battery bank, probably not an issue if you are using 12 or 24 volts but is above that voltage. Real Goods sells a human power generator which can recharge 12 or 24 volt batteries but it is very pricey @ $599, part number is 17330. There is no picture on their site that I can find.
On 10/24/07, john fisher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I am thinking through a high-powered 3 wheel elec-bicycle. For packaging > reasons, using the human-powered drive > component through direct drive is awkward. So what I am wondering is how > much efficiency would I give up by pedalling a > generator/alternator and charging the battery. > assuming: > the human produces about 150W steady > a few pounds of extra weight is acceptable. > the direct-drive efficiency is basically 100% > > any opinions? is it a 50% loss? even greater? > > > John > >
