Cycle Portable Generator
Check out this page if you are looking for Cycle Portable Generator
 |
 New Portable 1200 Watt Gas Generator 4 Cycle 28hp  US $359.99
|
 NEW 1200 Watt 2 Cycle Portable Generator camping RV US $126.95
|
What can a 50 watt generator power?
What would this type of generator be able to power directly, and how well could it be used to charge batteries in a battery grid?
specs: name - FSW50 50 watt hand crank portable generator
25 v (2amps) supply and 30v (1 amp) charging.
Any additional info on what common appliances requirments (in relation to self-powered generators such as this that would be harnessed to a stationary bi-cycle) would be, are welcomed. Thank you
This is a Chinese military surplus hand-cranked generator designed to power a field-radio. There is a picture of it here:
http://www.majorsurplus.com/FSW50-50-Watt-Handcrank-Portable-Generator-P14356.aspx
It (probably) produces direct-current voltage at 30 volts and 1 ampere for re-charging a field-radio battery pack when the radio is not in use; and 25 volts at 2 amperes when used to directly power the field-radio without charging the battery, i.e., with the radio on and possibly transmitting. This is not the voltage that typical household appliances require.
Most household appliances are designed to operate only on 115 volts, 60 hertz, alternating current. You could convert the DC output of the hand-cranked generator to AC with a power inverter, but the end result would provide probably less than 40 watts after accounting for inefficiencies and losses. About enough to run a radio or a low-wattage light bulb.
This generator is not a very practical means of producing power for recharging a battery grid from human muscle power. Your arms will get tired very quickly cranking those handles, even with the attached bench to sit on. As another poster said, this would work much better if attached to a stationary bicycle, because the large leg muscles are more efficient in producing mechanical energy. A recumbent-style would be even better. Even so, cranking out enough energy to sustain a 50-watt power level requires a LOT of effort.
The human body, acting as a heat engine converting food into body heat at 98.6 F, produces about 100 watts of power, most of which is radiated from the head as infrared energy. When you increase that load by fifty percent you will definitely get a workout.
As a reserve power generator for use when grid power fails, this generator leaves a lot to be desired. Although it could be used to manually re-charge a pair of series-connected 12-volt lead-acid batteries during an extended power outage, I think you would have more serious problems to consider if that occurs. A gasoline-fueled, internal combustion engine driven, 115 vac alternator set would be more practical for emergency use. Unfortunately, they can be quite expensive if sized to handle a typical household appliance load (refrigerator/freezer, microwave oven, television, lighting, etc.).
Comments