The Working Bikes Cooperative offers workshops on the construction and use of bike-powered machines in the classroom. There is no cost for the workshops. Instruction is available for groups of teachers. Direct inquiries to lee@workingbikes.org or phone 312-371-4286. Please visit workingbikes.org for more information.
Bike-powered machines can be used to teach physics, mechanics, electronics and renewable energy. In addition they can be used for fitness programs, emergency power generation, off the grid power needs, festivals, indoor/outdoor recess exercise activities, earth day events, camping trips or for charging cell phones, laptops, IPODs and TVs.
There is a lot of current interest in bike machines due in part to shows like the Discovery Channel's Invention Nation, YWCC's City Science program, the efforts of Ed Begley Junior as well as the efforts of the Working Bikes Cooperative to popularize bike machines. There is also a lot of interest in renewable energy and the green collar jobs of the future.
The bike-powered generator that we build includes the following components: DC permanent magnet motor (generator), bicycle trainer (stand), generator bracket, multi-meters, v-belt and a sheave (pulley).
Many home appliances have universal motors which operate on direct current as well as alternating current. A bike generator can power these appliances. Some examples of these appliances are blenders, coffee grinders, electric drills, and sewing machines.
Some consumer electronic devices and lamps use switch mode power supplies. These will run on a wide range of voltage inputs. These include portable dvd players, portable tvs, florescent lamps and chargers for cell phones, smart phones and mp3 players.
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