Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2017

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Ethan Bergman

Abstract

Electricity is one of the most versatile forms of energy as it is easily generated by conversion from other forms, and equally easily converted to these other forms. Individuals, while working out, mostly remain stationary, but release large amounts of energy which must be countered by opposing energy sources or allowed to be wasted. This energy may not find very many uses in its raw form, but conversion to other forms may allow it to do work at no cost. This paper documents the concept, objective, methods, and results of a stationary bike generator system being used to convert the energy from physical exercise to electricity, which can then be used to power household items while storing the extra and thus realizing savings in energy costs. The project utilizes components which are available to purchase from stores or fabricate using readily-available materials. The assembled project consists of three subsystems: the drivetrain which is based on a bicycle, support structure which was mostly fabricated in the workshop, and an electric subsystem which powers connected devices or stores the energy. One objective of this project is to hold the motor on the mount so the shaft doesn’t move away during use. The main goal of the project is to charge electronic devices. The project demonstrates the application of mechanical engineering skills to create cost-effective and sustainable solutions to current problems. It can be improved upon for greater efficiency, lower cost, or ease of manufacturing to make it accessible to a larger number of people.

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