alternative energy. how's about gym/weight lifting equipment be setup so that instead of just wasted energy, the machines produced electricity?
I fully realize it aint much, but I expect a full gym could at least power itself. heck, how many kilowatt hours can ya get from 1 HP?
it would be kinda easy to make all the machines something like water pumps - the varying weight would be varying volumes of water, and they pump the water up to a raised holding tank, and then a hydroelectric generator to make electricty from the falling water, and round again it goes.
give the guys working out some output level guage, and maybe it'll even pump 'em up more seeing a actual power level

and for supplement, a windmill pump - old classic farm style even.

heck, maybe a homeless shelter, where a few hours on the machine will get ya a meal & a cot for the night.

1 HP = 0.745 kW

lol like a human hamster wheel

Reminds me of the ESPN ad with Lance Armstrong on the pedal-powered genset.

[This message has been edited by D B Cooper (edited 06-27-2007).]

this is a great idea
i have 3 bikes
all i have to find is a generator+regulator+cable+batteries
:]

Wait a min, didn't they do this on 'Giligan's Island' back in the 60's.
Damb, that Professor was ahead of his time?

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Ol' Paint, 88 Base coupe auto.
Turning white on top, like owner.
Leaks a little, like owner.
Doesn't smoke, unlike owner

quote Originally posted by DtheC: Wait a min, didn't they do this on 'Giligan's Island' back in the 60's. Damb, that Professor was ahead of his time?

The cost of coconuts in Iowa will probably offset any savings you would get.

yes, I actually have a DC gen, a AC Invertor, and a Bicycle, and was indeed gonna make my computer "pedal powered" - so the only way to use the computer, was to pedal up some juice for it.

I was just thinking this same idea, at a larger scale - a gym - and ways to make the various exercise machines adaptable to a simple single generator system - the hydro gen. and, having the weight machines just be variable water pumps is a very easy way to go.

I wouldnt do a computer, brown outs are very bad for them. If you try it make sure you have a UPS for when you get tired.

quote Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: I wouldnt do a computer, brown outs are very bad for them. If you try it make sure you have a UPS for when you get tired.

actually - yes - the 12v generator - AKA 88 Fiero alternator - car battery - UPS - bicycle - computer. that was the plan. with a car batteruy - should be able to store up at least 1 hour computer time. really dont wanna be pedalling at the same time as keybaording & mousing.....

If you get a large enough UPS it would keep you up for an hour. I have been reading that a car alternator is not the best generator to use. There are more efficient generators out there.

quote Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: If you get a large enough UPS it would keep you up for an hour. I have been reading that a car alternator is not the best generator to use. There are more efficient generators out there.

no, its not - but its the one I have in hand.
and, a car battery does make for a decent sized UPS. most UPS's are in fact lead acid 12v batteries.