It seems that every time I take a step forward, I then reach an impasse while I wrestle with a new set of questions. It was exciting to generate 30 volts yesterday. The next step was to measure the current. To do this, I used my voltmeter as a load in the circuit (which also allowed me to keep track of the voltage as I pedaled) and then used a digital clamp-on ammeter (borrowed from Interstate Battery). According to the ammeter, the current in the circuit was 0.7-0.8 amps. I had been hoping for 1.0 amps.
What does this mean? Well I woke up at 6:20 this morning thinking of Ohms' law and Joule's Law.
Starting with Ohm's law:
V = IR
25V = 0.75 amps (R)
divide both sides by 0.75 amps
R = 33.33 ohms
Joules' law is used to calculate the power (watts).
P = I^2R
P = (0.75 amps)(0.75 amps)(33.33 ohms)
P = 18.7 watts
How will the pedaler know when the battery is fully charged?
If I need 13.5-14.5 volts to charge the 12-volt battery, but I can easily generate 20-30 volts, is it worth charging the battery at all?
I have a 5-volt voltage regulator and a 12-volt voltage regulator. However, I assume I need a regulator between 13 and 14 volts for charging the 12-volt battery. I think there might be such a thing as a 13.8-volt voltage regulator.
On the up side, I do have some good news. My friends at Interstate Battery have been extremely generous in helping me with this project. Yesterday they donated a brand new 12-volt battery, an inverter, and some wire to my cause. Thank you!
What does this mean? Well I woke up at 6:20 this morning thinking of Ohms' law and Joule's Law.
Starting with Ohm's law:
V = IR
25V = 0.75 amps (R)
divide both sides by 0.75 amps
R = 33.33 ohms
Joules' law is used to calculate the power (watts).
P = I^2R
P = (0.75 amps)(0.75 amps)(33.33 ohms)
P = 18.7 watts
How will the pedaler know when the battery is fully charged?
If I need 13.5-14.5 volts to charge the 12-volt battery, but I can easily generate 20-30 volts, is it worth charging the battery at all?
I have a 5-volt voltage regulator and a 12-volt voltage regulator. However, I assume I need a regulator between 13 and 14 volts for charging the 12-volt battery. I think there might be such a thing as a 13.8-volt voltage regulator.
On the up side, I do have some good news. My friends at Interstate Battery have been extremely generous in helping me with this project. Yesterday they donated a brand new 12-volt battery, an inverter, and some wire to my cause. Thank you!