Technology: How It
Works
The EcoPower
system is designed with a bike pedal, a DC generator and a battery storage
system for local power generation, storage and distribution.
The system
consists of two interlocked, stable tripods. On one there is the operator’s
recumbent seat. On the other is a bicycle crank (with toe clips) attached to a
DC generator. The seat adjusts to accommodate different leg lengths. The
tripods disconnect easily, the legs fold and it all fits into an easily
portered (carried) box weighing about 32 KG. Output varies with pedal rotation
speed, ranging from 50 to 70 watts for the average person.
The
generator delivers its output to the PowerCenter, a smart box which contains
and protects the 12 volt deep cycle storage battery. An LED indicates when
the battery is close to full. 12 volt output ports include one cigar socket
(for high power devices) and up to ten sockets for the ChargingBoxes.
The
ChargingBox takes 12 volt power from the PowerCenter and efficiently converts
it to a lower voltage appropriate for a 6 volt battery. One ChargingBox can
charge two to three Sunca 6 volt batteries in a 24 hour period. The novelty in
this system is the use of the Sunca as the energy 'bottle' for power distribution,
to deliver electrical power to homes for study, business or entertainment. To kick
start the rural lighting trials VTS gave each participating household two Wire
Lamps that run on the Sunca battery.
People often
live in areas within walking distance of electricity where it is impractical or
unaffordable to extend the local grid. In these cases the PedalGenerator may
not be necessary. Even if the source of power is intermittent, the PowerCentre
can be charged from the grid with a battery charger, and then the energy can be
packaged in Suncas and distributed to the remote homes.
Key Design Elements
70 watt
performance for 0.1-100 watt requirements. Minimum
maintenance and easy portability. Comfortable,
efficient, easy and intuitive to operate. Designed
for reliability and productivity. The
elegant design means the proper use is obvious and easy
In
the tradition of preliminary designs
on a cocktail napkin,
below is the basic PedalGenerator design.
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