Quote:
Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel
oh wow, i wish you could share with us too ! 
you should hook that bike up to a generator for the next time an ice storm knocks the power out !! |
Actually, I found the bike trainer I'm using by looking for bike generator plans. This trainer is one that could be converted to a generator with the addition of an engine alternator, an inverter, and some capacitors. I haven't completely given up on that idea. Though bike-powered generators don't generate a
lot of electricity-- I'd particularly be interested in knowing if I could generate enough to operate the water pump. (Barring that, I've found a hand pump that would do the trick for US$700, but it would have to be outdoors where the well is, and that's somewhat unappealing....)
If anyone is interested in the bike generator plans, I can post a link....
Ah-- just checked, and the hand-pump people also have a motor that can be attached, and that would run off a bicycle-powered generator pretty easily.
http://www.simplepump.com/motorized_pumps.html
http://www.econvergence.net/electro.htm
The generator produces about 120-200 watts, and the Simplepump needs 120 watts. If I could afford to add a solar panel or two to supplement, that would be especially good. (Naturally, we're more or less broke right now. Need to find some project to raise some money.)