Alternative Energy Forums

Are you aware of any kits (hardware, etc.) for converting a Schwinn Airdyne to a stationary generator set?

J. Richmond

I was just thinking that an airdyne would be a good platform for a generator. Kits for other bike applications could be adapted, but going to the junk-yard for some steel for framing, etc. would be more green. I’m going to try to source mine as close to home as possible. The upcoming “tax rebate” is going to finance a small wind,solar,pedal system for my house. The reason I say “close to home” is that alot of this stuff can be cobbled together with nearby resources, rather than buying a kit from across the country and lining someone else’s pocket to boot!

Bill F

I’ve been thinking about the same process. It seems with the popularity and availability of Airdynes, the ability to use arms and legs for power, and the heavy duty construction, that they would be ideal platforms for a human powered generator. If you come up with good ideas, plans, parts, please post them. Now if I can recharge my Prius battery with one...

Duane

I’ve always told myself that if I ever get the motivation to do this, I would get an automotive generator out of a junk yard, preferably a crashed vehicle with low miles. My 3/4 ton Chevy pickup has a 112 amp generator, I think I remember from when I had to buy a new one a few years ago. The problem is converting that DC electricity to 60 HZ AC. I’ve forgotten what little electrical engineering / electronics I once knew, and in my limited inquiries into the subject, all the converters I’ve seen are really expensive. AC to DC is simple and not all that expensive, but getting a smooth phase AC is the problem. Light bulbs and most other home uses aren’t very sensitive to it though, so slight frequency variations won’t matter.

U.S. Engineer

I have read that the average person can put out anywhere from 75-150 watts on a bike. So I would imagine with an air dyne if you’re quite fit, you could do between 125-200 watts. I know some people say at 7 cents per Kwh its not worth it. It would take 6 plus hours to make 7 cents etc. However I know for most of us that is not the point. If not for fun, back-up, or post apocalyptic living then do it just because you can.

Maybe the air resistance itself could be used to turn a turbine. Or like I've seen attaching the wheel to a permanent magnet DC generator that can then be plug into a 12 Volt battery. Some even have a DC to AC converter. One company I have seen wants $1000 for the generator and battery but maybe someone out there who knows a bit more can tell us how to make a cheaper set up.

Enviroman101