Make Electricity While You Exercise

(Page 5 of 5)

October/November 2008
By John Gulland 
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On the other hand, people such as Linda Archibald and David Butcher have found ways to match the modest output of a pedal generator to their needs and expectations. In the process, they’ve proved that, under the right conditions, pedal power can be effective, fun and satisfying.

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One hour of pedaling produces about 100 watt-hours. That’s about enough energy to power:

  • A clock radio for 10 hours
  • A 15-watt compact fluorescent light bulb for 6 hours, 40 minutes
  • A laptop computer for 2 hours
  • A 19-inch LCD TV for 1 hour, 40 minutes
  • A toaster for 7 1/2 minutes
  • An iron for 3 1/2 to 6 minutes

Resources

Windstream Power 

David Butcher’s PPPM

More on Linda’s power bike 

In addition to tinkering with pedal power and proselytizing neighbors to renewable energy, John Gulland runs his home on solar- and wind-generated power. He’s also a wood heat expert.
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Comments

  • SBLACK 10/5/2008 9:33:36 AM

    Are there any fitness centers out there that have used or thought of using this technology to help with their energy costs?

  • Eddiecycle 9/19/2008 10:25:16 AM

    I think it's worth noting that this article ignores the potential power generation of trained athletes, who can output 200-300 watts continuously for multiple hours. A strong cyclist can generate a kilowatt hour in one workout. With the popularity of spinning classes and indoor trainers for winter workouts, there's quite a bit of human-power currently being converted to heat. I always cringe when I see a room full of spin bikes generating heat that must then be removed by the HVAC, wasting even more energy.

  • Eddiecycle 9/19/2008 10:22:27 AM

    I think it's worth noting that this article ignores the potential power generation of trained athletes, who can output 200-300 watts continuously for multiple hours. A strong cyclist can generate a kilowatt hour in one workout. With the popularity of spinning classes and indoor trainers for winter workouts, there's quite a bit of human-power currently being converted to heat. I always cringe when I see a room full of spin bikes generating heat that must then be removed by the HVAC, wasting even more energy.

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