Chapter 3

ENERGY HARVESTING STATIONARY

FITNESS BICYCLE

Abstract

At a time when energy crisis casting its shadow all over the world, one

has to look into alternative renewable energy resources. One such alternative

way of generating power was presented in this paper. The rotating energy of the

pedal of the bicycle can be used to generate power at small levels. It is a useful

machine where there is a lack of power; also, the cost is very low. Easy to

maintain and make, moreover, it is a good exercise of pedaling, which makes us

fit.

There is a lot of future scope to extend this model to bikes and other

vehicles like cars, already some prototype models with cars were being

developed to extend this concept. The complete design and feasibility of bike

energy generation involves: battery, generator, bicycle, sprocket, inverter board

and chain. The bicycle’s front wheel combined through connects by the use belt

to the alternator. On the other hand, the belt is linked in sequence to the

generator and the inverter board. The current life off the individuals is running

with inevitable frequent power cuts of about three hours a day, which are hardly

regulated by the w6ealthiest people using electrical power generator and not by

middle-class individuals. The generators terminal is linked to direct to the

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battery. It can be stored directly in the as the current produce in the DC form.

The bicycle generator is built according to the design. Because of the manual

power by using the biggest sprocket begins to rotate, this manual load is applied

to the bicycle‘s pedal. The biggest sprocket is connected by a simple chain to the

tiny sprocket at the rear end.

Introduction

The focus of this study is on computing the operational hours of the

alternator and its speed of rotation on gear. The duration of each operation is

dependent upon the combination of constrained resources allocated to it.

As per the design, the bicycle generator is constructed. In this manual

load is applied on the bicycle pedal due to the manual force the largest sprocket

starts of rotated. The largest sprocket is connected with the small sprocket in the

back end by the simplex chain. Thereby the small sprocket also starts to rotate.

The small sprocket is placed in the center shaft of the front wheel. So that the

rotating motion of the center shaft transmitted to the front wheel thereby the

front wheel also rotates. The front wheel is connected by belt too with the

alternator. Now the motion is transmitted to the alternator. The alternator

converts this mechanical motion electrical energy.

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Researchers provided Energy Harvesting Stationary Fitness Bicycle within

the Urdaneta City University Campus. It was conducted in the First Semester of

Academic Year 2019-2020.

This project study conceptualized by three primary concepts: Speed of the

Pedal Rotation on Wheel as a mechanical part, Gearing set up as the solution for

lacking rotation and the Alternator Cutting Flux as the Result. The entire design

of bicycle power generation and its feasibility includes; Battery, Generator,

Bicycle, Sprocket, inverter board, Stand for Generator, Chain, and Belt. On the

other side, the pulley placed over the generator through the battery and inverter

board is connected in series. The two terminals from the generator connected

with the battery.

The battery is used to store the electricity as the current produced in the

D.C form it can be directly stored in the battery. The inverter board is coupled

with the battery to convert the D.C current to A.C current. Finally, the inverter

board is connected with the power terminal for power supply.

Conceptual Framework

This study intends to explain the process that a bicycle generation gets,

which can be used to measure the effectiveness and procedure or the

performance of the bicycle.

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Input Process Output

1. Number of 1. Concept
designing of
rotation
Harvesting
the project
2. Time
2. Operation Stationary
3. Gear set-up testing and
monitoring Fitness
4. Size of the
3. Designing
wheel Bicycle
Adjustment
and improving
the output

Figure 3.1 Process

Input

This study intends to explain the process that a bicycle generation gets,

which can be used to measure the effectiveness and procedure or the

performance of the bicycle.

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Process

          The main focus of this work is to propose a new design concept of the a

bike-sharing scheme using axiomatic design principles, a the concept that

consists of an updated bike-sharing model that can help solve some of the

challenges faced by traditional models whilst meeting the needs of the user and

the basic engineering specifications of the current ride-sharing project.

Output

 In the end, the results show that the constructed system is capable of

collecting (some) the energy generated by the biker on a stationary bike, but the

energy generated depends heavily on the system's limitations before reaching

the point of accumulation. Overall, the results show that the designed system is

capable of collecting (some) generated by the biker on a stationary bike, but the

output of the stationary bike.

It will help UCU students exercise more efficiently and generating

electricity by pedaling. It helps society to produce electricity and eco-friendly way

and not harm tour global society. To construct the bicycle, the materials needed

are cheaper than the other stationary bicycle that could not have to generate

electricity. For essential thing, in this project, because this is the number one

matter to buy materials. In pedaling the bike, the chain through the sprocket will

also rotate that connect into the alternator that produces electricity. By

continuous pedal, the generating will also continue generating electricity. The

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researchers personally administered the research instruments to the

respondents.

The current produced is in the form of D.C so it can be directly stored in

the battery. The inverter board is used to convert the D.C current into A.C

current and then it sent to the supply port. The analysis of bicycle power

generation and its feasibility was done successfully. Even though there is

something that needs to improve in our project, so we encourage and motivate

the students and juniors of our college to build up the bicycle generator with

more efficiency, like adding flywheel for increasing the rate of power production

and provide some mechanism for continuous pedaling.

And further developments like attaching generator core with the cycle

wheel and make the cycle wheel to act as a generator when it is rotated and set

the wheel in various positions to find the most effective power production. The

belt the generator can be connected with pulley can drive. Otherwise, the

generator can be attached to the center shaft of the front wheel. Bicycle power

generation analyzes and their feasibility was completed. While our project needs

to be enhanced, we encourage and inspire our college students and juniors to

create a more powerful bicycle generator, such as adding flywheel to increase

the power speed.

This chapter discusses the methodology used in conducting the study,

research design, data gathering techniques, data sources and analytical tools

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that served as the researcher's guide to achieving the study's objectives and

obtaining more relevant results. Research methods include technical papers,

journals, newspapers and informative magazines How to successively execute

the app by using the information on the Internet. The study also underwent a

brainstorming process to fully optimize the project prototype device that would

produce a better result that is close to the existing device concept. In this

project, researchers issue different research and information gathering methods

to provide a substantial form of information to support the study.

Feature of Bicycle

The energy harvesting stationary exercise bicycle is a different design, not

just the other current harvesting bicycle. The construction of the bike was more

brainstorming and analysis to build it. The front wheel has a diameter of 26

inches rim and that rim is connected to the center axel of the bike. This project

intends to build a straight forward human-powered generator from a used

bicycle and to use it to power light bulbs, cell phones, laptops, and other small

appliances. This project will help one develop engineering skills while learning

about a clean way of generating electricity. Before continuing with the actual

bicycle generator, one should understand how it works, and the components that

make it up. View the PowerPoint presentation before moving on to the next step.

The main goal was to develop a simple and modular system that can be used

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both in gyms and at home without special mechanical or electrical skills. The

basic idea is to connect a bicycle to a static system capable of transforming the

rotation of the pedals into electric energy.

Research Methodology

Research design and the methodology can be described as a survey

strategy and framework designed to provide answers to research questions on

business aspects.

The study strategy or concept shapes the final testing cycle program. The design

and the methodology framework of the entire research process, is starting from

formulating objectives, developing hypotheses, to the final evaluation of

collecting primary data.

Project Identification

Project assessment

Materials Gathering

Project Design

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Project Development

Project testing

Results Evaluation

Project Presentation

Figure 3.2 Research Methodology

Project Identification. A statement about an area of concern, a condition to

be improved, difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question in theory, or in a

practice that points to the need for significant understanding and considered

investigation.

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Figure 3.3 Purchase of the alternator

Project Assessment. In the process by which the researchers planned and

evaluate the study. In this part, the researchers consider some environmental in

energy sufficiency in the crisis issues and how to deal with it. This project can

guarantee to reduce calories. The researcher conducted, planned and analyzes

the materials needed to construct the prototype.

MaterialGathering. Researchers need to obtain the necessary equipment and

components for the construction of the project in this section. All materials need

to be accurate to ensure the desired result of the project without costing

inadequate parts.

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These are the main requirements needed to construct the prototype.

Name Specification

1. Alternator  12 volts,70
ampere

 Kerb Weight 94kg,

2. Mountain Bike Length 1,880mm,
Width 710mm,
Height 1,190mm,
Wheel Base
1,415mm.

 Input range ± 1
volt to ±1000
3. Voltmeter
volts

 DT- 2236(Surface
type)
4. Tachometer
 Electro(12 volts, 50
ampere)
5. Battery

Table 3.1 Materials

Project Design. Gathering and fulfilling all the resources and specifications

needed to support the design. Designing is required to provide a

recommendation on how the project is designed and built. In the development

phase, an idea or theory of how to build a plan, or how to begin a model, is

required.

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Figure 3.4 Design of the Prototype

Project Development . After collecting the required materials and designing

the project, we mount it to carry out our project. The next procedure is to

assemble the bike and attach the battery to the inverter.

Figure 3.5 Connecting Parts

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Project Testing. To complete the assembly and prototype of the project, the

Energy Harvesting Stationary Fitness Bicycle will be tested to ensure that the

said project is working well and that there are no problems. It is also time for

time trial testing to see that the prototype can handle and satisfy the specified

concepts.

Figure 3.6 First Trial of the Prototype

Results and Evaluation. It is the stage where the researchers will

forestall future problems with the Fitness Bicycle. It could be in interconnections

of the alternator, battery and inverter loads are not connected and to analyze

and monitoring all voltages, currents and performance curves of dynamic and

static electrical machines.

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a Trial bl

e  In 1 minute interval, the output voltage is 0.2 volts.

 In 2 minutes interval, the output voltage is 0.2 to 0.4 volts

 In 5 minutes interval, the output voltage 0.4 to 0.6 volt

3.2 Trial of the prototype.

Project Presentation . The project launching found to be capable and

ready for final defense. The outcome is done correctly working and has been

refining. Demonstrate the final result of the project.

Figure 3.7 Cause and Effect Diagram

Students. It will help UCU students exercise more efficiently and generating

electricity by pedaling.

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Environment. It helps society to produce electricity and eco-friendly way and not

harm tour global society.

Cost. To construct the bicycle, the materials needed are cheaper than the other

stationary bicycle that could not have to generate electricity. Cost is an essential

thing in this project because this is the number one matter to buy materials.

Method. In pedaling the bike, the chain through the sprocket will also rotate that

connect into the alternator that produces electricity. By continuous pedal, the

generating will also continue generating electricity. The researchers personally

administered the research instruments to the respondents.

Cause

The reasons for this inadequate access to electricity in developing countries are

the absence of energy sources such as gas, oil or nuclear energy and, even

where these sources exist, the lack of sufficient infrastructure to tap existing

resources.

Effect

Electrification has had a wide-ranging impact on the living conditions of

households, schools, and communities whose daily lives were made easier by a

choice of fonts. Besides, the most significant influence over these decades is the

lack of energy, high electricity generation, fewer jobs, less economic, and social

growth.

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Hardware Requirements

These are the important materials needed to construct the feasibility project. The

researcher finds a way to conceptualize and analyze how to build efficient bicycle

generator by using the materials discovered. This study investigates the

feasibility of using an alternator as a means of harvesting from stationary

exercise bicycles. A switch-mode converter was designed to regulate the current

in the alternator rotor winding, thus regulating the power required to pedal, and

consequently the power output of the bike.

Alternator. An alternator is an AC electrical generator that converts mechanical

energy to electrical energy and it cost Php 8,800.00. In the project, the

alternator is connected front wheel used by belt to the wheel to spin it when

pedaling the stationary bike.

Figure 3.8 Alternator

Battery. This battery used in the project 50 ampere-hour ratings. It costs Php

2,900.00 serves as a storage component to the generated electricity by using the

stationary bicycle.

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Figure 3.9 The Battery

Belt. It serves as a connector to the pedal into the alternator, and its use

for the alternator rotates when the pedal is making use of exercise. It cost Php

360.00.

Figure 3.10 Tension Belt

Inverter. This inverter used to in this project to invert the collect power

that store in the battery. By this device the DC current are inverted into an AC

current that can used in AC device or light bulb. The figure below is the actual

photo of inverter used in the project. It cost Php 1,000.00.

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Figure 3.11 Inverter

Taco meter. This device use to know the rotation of alternator by

pedalling the bicycle and also use to detect distance travel in every pedal of the

bike. In the figure below is the actual photo of taco meter use. It cost 755.00.

Figure 3.12 Taco Meter

Current to generate the magnetic field in the rotor comes from the

ignition switch and passes through the voltage regulator. Since the rotor is

spinning, we need a way to connect this current from the regulator to the

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spinning rotor. This is achieved by wires in the rotor connected to the two

spinning loaded brushes which rub against two slip rings.

Figure 3.13 Circuit Diagram of Alternator

https://www.google.com/search?

q=alternator+circuit+diagram&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=Y26Bkyo2G1_Sl

M%253A%252C9Tb6BIK4wpxOFM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-

kQ7AgXlWlz74ZcUqnypfXDsxxi0YA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiJoozh-

8bnAhUcI6YKHb9MBoUQ9QEwAXoECAgQBg#imgrc=Y26Bkyo2G1_SlM:

To convert directly an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), this which

done by using a series of 6 diodes that are mounted in a rectifier assembly. A

diode allows current to flow in one direction. If voltage tries to fly another

direction, it is blocked. The 6 diodes are arranged so that all voltage coming from

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the alternator is aligned in one direction, hereby converting AC into DC. There

are 2 diodes for each of three sets of winding in the stator. The two diodes are

facing opposite directions, one with the North Pole facing the wind and the other

with the South Pole facing the windings. This arrangement causes the

Alternating current (AC) coming out of the windings to be converted to Direct

Current (DC) before it leaves the alternator through the terminal B. Connect to

the B terminal alternator is a fairly heavy wire that runs straight to the battery.

. The regulated voltage can be measured with a multimeter, but this

reading can appear correct even if the alternator has a diode fault that reduces

the output. The field current approximately six to eight amps energize the rotor

which then induces an electric current in the stator as it is rotated..

In this study, researchers have concluded several theories and

gathered information and ideas in different resources to come up with sufficient

content of data information to support the research.

Research methods are through books, technical papers, websites, and

informative magazines. To make the said project more efficient and adaptable in

this modern-day, researchers had undergone a long period of study regarding

the transformer trainer. The study also has undergone to brainstorming process

to fully optimize the project model device that would give a better result that is

close to the existing device concept.

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College of Engineering and Architecture

former engineering students who completed their project study.

Result and Discussion

Figure 3.14 Hardware Development

We are using 48 tooth gears into the 14 tooth gear together to the shifter 7

tooth.

Figure 3.15 First Assemble of Prototype

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This project study will follow with the Project paradigm that adapted from
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In the first test the project in pure gear set up, the researchers get this output

voltage in the table below without using the taco meter voltage in the table

below.

SPEED VOLTAGE
 20 RPM 0 VOLTAGE
 50 RPM 0.3 VOLTAGE
 70 RPM 0.5 VOLTAGE

Table 3.3 First test of project

By the test of the project, the 20 rpm in that the researcher has read that has 0

voltage output come from the alternator and for the second test for 50 rpm,

there is an output voltage of 0.3 volts read by the voltmeter and the last is 70

rpm is 0.5 voltages. The more speed is of the alternator is much bigger output

voltages.

Figure 3.16 Placing the Wheel and Connect to Alternator

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For the second test of the project, the output voltage of the second design is

much higher than the first test conducted by the researcher. In this time the

project is re-design for much bigger and better by the use of the wheel as the

figure shown in figure 3.4.

Table 3.4 Second Trial of suggest project

Trials Time Velocity

In 1 1 minute 87-89 km/hr
2 2 minutes 86-89 km/hr
3 5 minutes 87-90 km/hr

the table, the first trial that the researcher response that the 87-89 km/hr read in

taco meter interval for 1 minute. In the 2 minutes interval runs for 86-90 km/hr

read in the taco meter and third interval, 5 minutes runs 87-90 km/hr.

Trial Output voltage

 In 1 minute interval, the output

 First trial voltage is 0.2 volts.

 In 2 minutes interval, the output

 Second trial voltage is 0.2 to 0.4 volts

 In 5 minutes interval, the output

 Third trial voltage 0.4 to 0.6 volt

Table 3.5 Trial of Constructed prototype

By the entire test, this type is more efficient in producing electricity through the

rotation of alternator connected use. By using this stationary bicycle in the trial,

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the output produced is 7.1 volts and the overall time is 1 hour and 13 minutes

and 5 seconds. The battery has 4.9 volts when we start the trial.

Figure 3.17 Using voltmeter

By the use of the voltmeter, it will see the generating voltage that the

alternator's output voltage. The taco meter used to calculate the velocity of the

alternator and the distance that travels by the user of this project.

Table 3.6 Second Trial of Project

Quantity Hours Consumed

5 watts led bulb 7 hours 1.2 volts
speaker 2 hours 0.5 volts
Cell phone Charging 4hours 0.3 volts
(Oppo A3s)

Base on the trial of the researcher, 5 watts led bulb used consumed 1.2

volts in the battery, used by 7 hours continuously. The next is the speaker

consumed 0.5 volts in the battery in 2 hours used and the last trial is cell phone

charger (Oppo A3s) consumed 0.3 volts in the battery 4 hours continuously.

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References

https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/nyu_getingear_activity1

http://www.fao.org/3/a-au766e.pdf

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https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/engineering-design-

process/engineering-design-process-steps

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323916746_Next_generation_bike_sh

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Powered-Electricity-Generator.pdf

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2016/ICGTETM_2016_paper_119.pdf

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https://www.google.com/search?

q=alternator+circuit+diagram&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=Y26Bkyo2G1_Sl

M%253A%252C9Tb6BIK4wpxOFM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-

kQ7AgXlWlz74ZcUqnypfXDsxxi0YA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiJoozh-

8bnAhUcI6YKHb9MBoUQ9QEwAXoECAgQBg#imgrc=Y26Bkyo2G1_SlM:

Energy Harvesting Stationary Fitness Bicycle