Mechanical battery charger - pedal power!
I loved the whole process of researching and learning about solar battery charging and installing my own system on our camper. I'm also an absolute bicycle junkie. Rather than buy more panels, I thi...
Forum Discussion
Chum lee wrote:
I agree with Matt Colie and Canadian Rainbirds. I was thinking of the same comparison. As an avid road bicycle rider for 30 years, I know that even the best world class riders/athletes can generate about 1/3 hp continuously using their legs with short bursts slightly higher.
Remember that although 1 horsepower is numerically equal to 746 watts, if you measure the wattage to run a 1 hp (120 volt) single phase motor, even the most efficient motors require about 1550 watts at full load due to mechanical/electrical conversion losses. Three phase motors are slightly more efficient.
Solar panels are looking better and better.
Chum lee
I don't disagree with your conclusions or basic argument at all; however, electric motors are not quite as inefficient as you're suggesting. 80% or 85% efficiency is a not unreasonable estimate for a good quality 1HP single phase motor. The apparent power consumption, and hence current requirements, will be higher due to the relatively poor power factor. NEMA specifies a 78.8% minimum efficiency at full load for standard "design B" 1-4 HP motors.
