The generator bike - experience energy for yourself!

The generator bike uses muscular power to generate energy, which can be used to run various consumers (devices, lightbulbs).

If a consumer only uses a little energy, the pedal resistance is low. When a lot of energy is consumed, the pedal resistance is correspondingly high.

In this way the various energy consumption levels of different consumers can be ‘discovered’ in an entertaining and memorable way.

Whereas the energy-saving lamp is illuminated without too much effort, hard work is needed for light from the conventional filament lamp. Athletic performance is called for if the kettle is also switched on. Up to four devices can be operated simultaneously from the 12V output sockets available.

Standard Equipment:

Generator Bike with 12 volt DC generator		pic similar 12V energy-saving lamp 12V filament bulb
pic similar 12V-Casette tape deck		pic similar 12V-Water boiler with temperatur display

The generator bike - an experience that stays in the memory!

Not only for children and young people!
Anyone who has sat on the generator bike and run the various consumers with their own muscular force will remember this experience for a long time, whenever they are buying or running electrical devices. Most people make lasting changes to their consumption habits and use electricity consumers in a much more conscientious and targeted way.

Basic idea

The generator bike is the ideal way to start, and is suited for use both in general education schools and vocational training institutes alike. The generator bike allows students to acquire fundamental, practical knowledge, working largely by themselves. The students can use the experiment manual to both quantify fundamental issues relating to energy as well as to derive and develop concepts on how energy can be saved.

The experiments teach the students through practical experience. A coherent understanding of the relationships in energy is given in this way from just a few training sessions. The generator bike can become the main attraction at open days and project weeks at schools to test performance and show how electricity can be produced from muscular force, for example for the "Human-powered disco station", etc!

Generator Bike – Learning Objectives

• Arranging electrical devices in the order of the energy they consume
• Integrating energy measurement values into one’s own concepts and experiences
• Distinguishing energy-saving measures on the basis of their efficiency
• Powering various consumers from the measuring and switching panel for the generator bike
• Developing an ability to judge energy-related issues by estimating, investigating and analysis
• Drawing conclusions regarding energy usage from the results
• Calculating the power and the energy from the values measured for current, voltage and time
• Critically appraising the manual power output of a human being
• Calculating the time required to generate one “kWh” using human muscular force
• Measuring how hot a defined quantity of water becomes over a specified period of time
• Performing energy-related calculations with the measured values
• Assessing power conversions in energy systems
• Explaining and calculating the energy consumed by an energy-saving lightbulb and by a conventional filament bulb for the same intensity of light
• Correctly assessing the potential for saving energy by using energy-saving bulbs compared to using other types of bulbs
• Measuring and calculating the difference in the power input at 12 V DC and 230 V AC
• Making suggestions on how energy can be saved when operating consumer electronics
• Physically experiencing and describing some of the basic principles of electrical engineering

The theory and practice of the following topics is investigated:

• Experiment:
  Which energy applications require the most energy?
• Energy efficiency:
  Energy-saving strategies and optimisation.
• Energy converters:
  The energy chain from solar power and food as energy storage media to electricity, through muscular power and mechanical energy.
• Basic experiment:
  How much chocolate is consumed by a student to achieve energy balance?
• Data gathering:
  Energy volumes for everyday processes, electricity consumption, central heating, air travel, annual energy consumption, etc.
• Energy system comparisons:
  Bicycle – car; rail – air.

The generator bike – ideal for

• All general education schools (primary, middle and secondary schools of all kinds) from infants to sixth formers
• Vocational colleges
  for all areas in which a basic understanding of energy is required
• Company and industry training centres
  (training and further education) for all areas in which a basic understanding of energy is required
• Unions and associations
  in the areas of environmental protection, energy, energy technology

Operating panel	Voltage display to 15 volts
	Current display to 25 amperes
	4 switches
	2 lamp sockets E27
	2 x 12 volt power outlets
Generator	12 V DC; Pmax = 750 Watt
Braking system	Magnetic
Drive system	Ribbed belt
Transmission ratio	1:8
Flywheel mass	approx. 6 kg
Load regulation	Dependent on speed
Set dimensions (L/W/H in cm)	115/53/140
Weight	approx. 40 kg
Max. Weight loading	130 kg
Quick adjustment of saddle height	Yes
Low access	Yes
Handlebars	Tilt adjustable
Self-righting pedals	Yes
Transport rollers	Yes
Colour	black/light grey

• 12V radio / CD player
• 12V energy-saving lamp and 12V filament bulb
• 12V kettle