2.+Initial+Proposal

This project is centered around developing an efficient and flexible solution for energy and transportation needs. Based on the configuration of needs present, this solution may be adapted to a variety of environments. At its core, the solution rests on an electricity producing bicycle. Our team proposes a low cost device, a dynamo that converts kinetic energy (such as the rotation of the bike wheel during motion) into electricity. Fitting the dynamo on both the front and the back wheels of a bicycle (perhaps one from 'design for the other 90%') allows traveling with the bike to produce and store electricity to a storage device.

At this point, the bicycle could be outright sold, providing both a mode of transportation and a way to recharge the batteries on cell phones or water filters, etc. We, however, propose an alternative solution. A public bicycle loan system. The idea here is that the system can in part pay for itself, through the electricity produced as it is used. The fitted bike can be loaned to specific individuals, at no cost. As the bicycle is ridden, energy is stored in a battery and when the battery is charged, it can then be used by the rider, or any other customer who need a battery. This charge may even be returned to the national grid. Ideally, charging lithium batteries that are used by particular common devices, such as cellphones as is presented in previous CCT333 labs, or transfered to school computers and low-cost laptops is an appropriate scenario. This open ended use provides a service to under-served communities by offering electricity, and a bike loan system where profit is made by selling that battery (electricity). Most importantly, this adds value to old lithium batteries that may still be re-charged and re used even if the lifetime is shorter.

Thus, individuals who use a bike from the bike loan attain it free of charge, and the loaner makes a profit from selling the batteries, or for charging for battery recharging.