Pedal power that actually does work! This project turns a regular bicycle (or a trainer stand) into a human-powered generator that can charge batteries, run lights/fans, or feed a USB power hub. It demonstrates mechanics (gear ratios, torque), generators/rectifiers, DC–DC regulation/MPPT, and safe energy storage.

Parts Used:

Mechanical

1. Bicycle + trainer stand (or welded frame)
2. Drive to generator: friction roller on rear tire, or secondary chain/pulley to shaft
3. Generator: Permanent-magnet alternator (PMA), BLDC/e-bike hub motor used as generator, or a high-KV outrunner (avoid car alternators unless you’ll power the field coil)
4. One-way clutch/freewheel (lets you coast), flywheel (smooths cadence), belt/chain guards
5. Tensioner & adjustable mount to set gear ratio/roller pressur

Electrical

1. 3-phase bridge rectifier (for BLDC/PMA) + bulk capacitor (e.g., 2200–4700 µF, ≥ 63 V)
2. DC–DC converter:
3. Buck (to 12/24 V battery bus) or buck-boost for regulated 5/12/19 V outputs
4. Optional MPPT bicycle controller (keeps pedaling effort constant)
5. Battery/storage: 12 V SLA or LiFePO₄ (with BMS), or supercapacitor bank
6. Charge controller: SLA CC/CV or LiFePO₄ CC/CV (14.2 V or 28.4 V SLA; follow chemistry specs)
7. Loads: 5 V USB hub, 12 V LED lights/fan, or small inverter (150–300 W)
8. Meters & Safety: Volt/Ammeter or DC wattmeter, shunt, fuses (input/output), main switch, TVS diode