I realized that I should fill in a little background information. During the last week of March, I searched online for existing bicycle-powered generators. I wanted to learn about the different components that would be required. Below are three of the projects I found. The first design uses a bicycle to charge a battery which then powers a laptop computer. The second generator differs because it uses an automotive alternator which contains a rectifier, capacitor, and voltage regulator. The developers of the project mention that an alternator is beneficial because it is durable and can withstand temperature extremes with minimal maintenance. This design is for educational purposes and powers a number of light bulbs depending on the amount of energy generated, or how fast the cyclist pedals. The third design uses a re-purposed bicycle headlight generator. The components of the circuit include a rectifier, a capacitor, and a voltage regulator, but no battery. I like the idea of using a battery so that energy can be stored and perhaps one person can generate enough energy to charge two or three cell phones.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/
http://makezine.com/projects/generator-bicycle/
http://makezine.com/projects/pedal-power-phone-charger/
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/
http://makezine.com/projects/generator-bicycle/
http://makezine.com/projects/pedal-power-phone-charger/