Africa Power and Light

Delany said 2 years ago

The reason I used a large double-sided treadle board in my "Genny" project is that a vehicle alternator, the only inexpensive source of electrical power easily available in many places, needs at least a one-horsepower input to be a reasonably effective battery charger. Since few people are strong enough to provide this much power, I wanted there to be room for more than one pedaler at a time. To make a treadle mechanism that is durable enough for a number of treadlers, I used an old engine block - it can be broken or worn out - a crankshaft, and a connecting rod and piston in an unusual way: the piston hangs down below the engine block. (See above picture.)

Delany said 2 years ago

Flash!
Made a bunch of changes to the a new model that is under construction. Genny now uses vehicle junk, a few bolts and wood. Absolutely nothing "storebought"!

jimelsworth said 2 years ago

Human power is a bit limited. A normal human can generate about 100W for an hour or two. Animals (oxen or donkeys) can deliver a lot more and dont get bored so easily. Our own project on human power gave way to animals. See www.twende-tanzania.org. Jim Elsworth

Newhart said 2 years ago

Good Idea! I have made several 12-Volt alternator/bicycle contraptions. They all worked well. Most teenagers are good for a minute or two at 100 watts. They do OK at 25 or 50 watts. Africa has lots of treadle sewing machines. Maybe using a 12-Volt fan motor from a small automobile as a generator connected to a sewing machine treadle to charge a battery??? A diode could be used to prevent the battery from back feeding to the motor/generator. An ampere meter will indicate how well you are charging. Of cource the alternator could be connected to a small engine. This would work in many areas.