Generating electricity back into the grid whilst doing work out
Been wondering if it or how well it could work if in a regular gym RPM/Spin class all bikes were connected to the grid.
Turns out, they average 120watts, times that by say 30 bikes approximately(my gym has 27 bikes) that gives 3.6kw in one class.
Not too shabby me thinks, connect all the bikes in the open gym and perhaps some of the other machines and it will really impact the carbon footprint and possibly produce more power than a solar array.
Just a thought, might flick it on to the gym coordinator.
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/192276/8/Spinning-bikes-go-green-...
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jilden on -
Dur, generate 20 cents of energy with a $30 meal, using $4000 worth of equipment. That'll pay for itself for sure, given enough millenia.....
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Permalink Reply by Frank on
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Bikes have to be bought anyhow, retro-fit a generator plus a DC-AC converter and no-where near the $4k!
Not so much a pay for itself but a step in right direction perhaps, reduce Carbon foot print(feel good), a new and different way for a gym to differentiate itself in terms of Marketing and so on.
Bit like fitting Gas to a car really, some systems can cost big bucks(as you know being Adelaide's authority on all things Gas) and can take years to pay for itself.
Last I checked a KW costs 27.7c(at least) so already I am almost 40% ahead of your calcs.
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Permalink Reply by Jilden on
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Hehe, I expect grid power to get me up the hill, not the other way around! E-bikes for me! Use your personal energy to ride outside and sniff the breeze.
I agree, to be seen doing something "green" has PR value but saving the planet it ain't. I actually tried a genny on a stationary bike once and with the losses inherent in the drive and generator I was lucky to light up a 20W globe for any length of time. A more efficient generator may have lifted it to 60W maybe, but that's about it. Pipe dreams, Frank.
If you really want to try it, get a chinese "grid tie" inverter off ebay, for about $100 to $200 you get one capable of around 300W input at low voltages. Run a genny that produces 14V or over and you're away. Add a power meter ($15 to $40) for measurement, make sure you do this during the day where you already have solar panels and a feed-in tarrif, and you may gain a few cents worth. Yes, this won't cost $4K but you need to have the correct input/output mains meter already installed in your premises to read your power output otherwise modern electronic mains meters don't even register a back flow.
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Got to love pipe dreams, when I leased my 1st mobile phone, it cost me $7500 outright or $380 p/m to lease, battery lasted 6 hours and calls cost a fortune but it got me work like nothing else cause every one else had pagers, i could answer a call etc.
A pipe dream than was to have what we have now.
Let me dream and see where it takes me, its a step in the right direction and besides, its not something I would do for home, its a commercial situation and I still see the potential.
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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on -
So 3.6 Kw how may watts to run the lights and air-conditioner?
How many liters of petrol do 27 people use driving to the gym?
Riding real bikes doing useful travel seems a lot more environmentally friendly.
Would riding a cheap basic bike give people too much exercise because it is harder to push that a $10,000 bike?
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Agree with all of that, spin or RPM classes are for those that don't want to ride on the road, have no bike or don't want one, can't ride, have no confidence on a road bike or just like the idea of save surroundings, ability to do other classes before or after or jump in the pool and do a couple of k's.
Lights are easy, 8x 36W fluoros and aircon is on anyhow but lights get turned off and only two 13Watt globes are on. Sorry mate, in the building game I look for that.
Its an idea in its infant stage and I am sure as technology gets better, perhaps its more feasable.
Not sure what you are trying to say with your last line? Perhaps a dig?
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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on
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All I can suggest if a facilities manager runs conditioning while the room is empty they aren't doing their job properly.
Assuming part of their job is to minimize outgoings.
25 to 30 hot active bodies must have some heat load
All I am saying is for exercise it is not as though an expensive bike is needed.
My wife had never ridden a bike untill after she was 30 and there are plenty of quiet side roads.
Is my sense of humor warped in that I find it amusing that technology has made life much less physical so now people have to pay to get exercise?
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Large buildings often run off a single air con unit, zoning is not always that easy or cost effective as the cooling towers have to work anyhow. Also, the spin room in the gym I frequent, gets used all day, not just during classes.
I advise u try a spin class before you blab as they are hardcore and a little ride along a path does nothing in comparison! Good on her for getting out though!
Yep, some people have to pay to exercise, that's how they roll and have done for a long time, even Rocky had to pay membership!
I suggested a new spin on a pushbike, u don't like it, fine!
Stay tuned as soon we will be harnessing energy in ways you may not find amusing as technology may leave you behind!
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Permalink Reply by Mike Brisco on -
Not a warped sense of humor Don - accurate observation. Even small bits of exercise we used to get, we no longer get. Like having to get out of a chair and walk across a room, to change channel on TV. Like washing dishes by hand.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Brisco on
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Re gyms - in Olde England, the treadmill was a much-feared form of punishment.
Nowadays, people pay to get on them....
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Permalink Reply by David Southern on -
Is this concept akin to creating natural gas by eating baked beans?
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