A PROJECT DOCUMENTATION

ON
PEDAL POWERED ELECTRICITY
GENERATOR
SUBMITTED TO
SBTET, HYDERABAD
DIPLOMA
IN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
BY
P.SRIDHAR 17492-M-090
V.VIJAY KUMAR 17492-M-099
M.ARAVIND REDDY 17492-M-063
V.SHYAM SUNDER 17492-M-106
Under the esteemed guidance of
Mr. J. SURENDER
(ASSISTANT PROFESSOR)
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL
ANURAG COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
AUSHAPUR, GHATKESAR, MEDCHAL-501301

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 DECLARATION
It is hereby declared that this project has been done by P.Sridhar , V.Vijay kumar,
M.Aravind and V.Shyam and has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any
degree or publication

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Abstract:

Pedal powered generator is a device that uses human energy to

produce electricity for charging a battery. Here an alternator is used
as the electricity generator. The alternator is coupled to a pulley
which is rotated by a belt and chain- sprocket system of a bicycle
structure. The input power is given to the paddle and final rotational
speed is achieved in the alternator rotor.

Most components of the portable pedal power generator are based

upon existing inventions, both recent and historic. The real
innovation behind this power generator is portability. University
groups often organize events around and off campus. Therefore,
mobility of equipment is of great importance. This innovation brings
together the resourcefulness of pedal power generation with the
transportation feasibility of a bicycle frame. The integrated unit will
generate needed electricity on-site, and transport it to the site with
pedal power. During transportation, the unit can also capture energy
used in braking and coasting. A photovoltaic panel could further the
energy production while demonstrating the portable potential. We
think our pedal-powered device will inspire students and the public
to think about the realities of energy production, which may spark
new energy solution.

In our country it can be used in the villages as useful electricity

source for a small family where the family members themselves can
charge the battery by paddling for a short period of time each. This
will not only provide electricity when needed but also provide a
useful way of physical exercise for them. And due to the low initial
cost and very low maintenance cost, wide scale application of ‘Paddle
Powered Generator can be a suitable source of renewable energy

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter Content Page

Chapter 1 :
1. 1 Introduction 5
1.2 Objectives 6
1.3 Application of Pedal Powered 6
Chapter 2:
2.1 Selection of Battery 7
2.2 Selection of Alternator 8
Chapter 3:
3.1 Limitations 9
chapter 4:
4.1 Conclusion and Recommendations 10
4.2 Further improvement 10

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Chapter 1:
Introduction 1.1:
Pedal powered generators have been of interest at many places
where no other alternative electricity generator has been viable.
While using pedal power is not a new concept in itself, it has not been
successfully used on a wider scale. Pedal powered generator is a
device that uses human energy to produce electricity for charging a
battery. Here an alternator is used as the electricity generator. The
alternator is coupled to a pulley which is rotated by a belt and chain-
sprocket system of a bicycle structure. The input power is given to the
pedal and final rotational speed is achieved in the alternator rotor.
Most components of the portable pedal power generator are based
upon existing inventions, both recent and historic. The real
innovation behind this power generator is portability. University
groups often organize events around and off campus. Therefore,
mobility of equipment is of great importance. This innovation brings
together the resourcefulness of pedal power generation with the
transportation feasibility of a bicycle frame. The integrated unit will
generate needed electricity on-site, and transport it to the site with
pedal power. During transportation, the unit can also capture energy
used in braking and coasting. A photovoltaic panel could further the
energy production while demonstrating the portable potential. We
think our pedal-powered device will inspire students and the public
to think about the realities of energy production, which may spark
new energy solution. By using this pedal powered generator, different
types of equipment, such as, TV, radio, CD player etc. can be run by
using pedal power. Pedal powered generator is very useful to those
areas, which areas do not have electricity connection. The pedal
power generator stores energy to a battery which provides electricity
in DC form, if AC type of electricity is required, an inverter is
connected.

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1.2 Objectives :
The goal of pedal powered generator is to find a fun way to bring
energy into the output, reduce consumption, or just enjoy more
productive physical exercise; Pedal power can supply turnkey
solutions or components for larger projects or exhibitions.

1.3 Application of Pedal Powered Generator:

1. Pedal powered generator can be used to charge the battery which
may be a great opportunity of people of remote area to use
telecommunication system.
2. It can be a great source of light during night time and save a great
amount of electricity.
3. Pedal powered generator can be used to operate the machines such
as
a) Photocopy machine.
b) Fax.
c ) Printer.
d) Computer.
e) Water pumping machine.
f) Laptop computer
g) tv

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chapter 2:
2.1Selection of Battery :
Battery selection depends on load. Capacity of the battery must be
increased for the higher power consumption.
A sample calculation for selection of battery is provided below:
Total Watt-Hr = 230.0 WHr
Battery Voltage=12V
Ampere-Hr= (230/12) AHr
=19.2 AHr @ 4 Hr
Assume, Depth of Discharge (DOC) = 70%
Then Ampere Hour= (19.2/7) AHr
= 27.44 AHr @ 4Hr
The battery is rated at 20 hour for discharging. So efficiency falls
down.
Efficiency, if the battery discharge rate at 5 Hr = 75%
Efficiency, if the battery discharge rate at 3 Hr = 66% 13
So,
Efficiency, if the battery discharge rate at 4 Hr = (75%+66%)/2
= 70.5%
Recommended battery = (27.44/.705) AHr
= 38.92 AHr
= 40 AHr (Available at stock)

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2.2 Selection of Alternator:
With a number of surveying and consultations in the local markets
ND (NIPPON-DENSO) alternator was selected. It is a manual alternator
(without IC regulator) normally used in the Japanese automobile
(Toyota). It is an AC component and provides DC current due to
rectifier circuits. The major advantages of automotive alternators are,
- Easily available
-Compact in size
-Repairing cost is low
This alternator is mainly used for its easy mounting arrangement on
the setup . As automotive battery is used as a storage equipment
,connection is very easy for anyone. But output depends both on the
rotor speed and the Field current. Permanent magnet generator (DC
generator) can eliminate this problem easily because its terminal
voltage only depends on the variation of the speed
DC generator is very much suitable for this purpose but there are
some reasons to avoid it. The reasons are
• High Cost.
• Heavy weight
• Difficult to repair.

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Chapter 3:
3.1 Limitations:
This project is not a perfect one. It has some limitations. They are:
1. Alternator rotates at the same speed of engine. Engine speed is
1100-1400 RPM which is very difficult to reach by pedaling. But, even
more difficult task is to maintain this high speed all the time.
2. Alternator needs an initial power source to excite it’s own magnetic
field. Battery works here as an initial power source and storage
equipment. As a result alternator takes time to give output and cannot
work without battery.
3. This setup will stop production for any kind of interruption of
current in the alternator magnetic field. So, we cannot get any kind of
electricity even a very high speed without current in the existing field.
4. Stable position of the alternator is very necessary for proper
output.
5. No safety device such as voltage regulator cut out is used in this
setup it can make the whole setup slow and costly.
6. A brand new component give always give better performance. The
main component of this setup is the alternator but brand new
alternator costs 5 times greater than the second hand. So, we could
not use brand new equipment.
7. Battery specification is very important. Charging time mainly
depends on the battery size. Large battery needs more human power
and time.
8. To transmit power, a V-belt is used. Rope wire chain is not suitable
fo

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Chapter 4:
4.1Conclusion and Recommendation:
The pedal powered generator is a very effective way to produce
electricity in these times, when the problem of energy is rising. It is a
very good solution of the shortage of energy. It can make a dramatic
solution of the problem regarding power.

4.2 Further improvement:

The performance of the machine can be further improved by taking
the following steps:
1. A permanent magnet generator is a better option than AC
alternator. It requires only the rotation of the rotor, no extra power
for the magnetic field. It can also provide instant power supply. But, It
is rare now a days and one time use.
2. Flywheel is the simple solution of maintaining uniform speed. But,
balancing of a flywheel is a difficult task. So a heavy wheel can be used
as a rear wheel of the cycle.
3. A larger wheel can provide greater speed to the rotor. At the same
time, if smaller pulley is used in the alternator speed can be
increased.
4. Permanent joint (welding, riveting) should be avoided for easy
maintenance and transportation. It also gives opportunity to use the
bicycle.
5. An adjustable cycle frame can be used so that people at different
ages and sizes can pedal comfortably.

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