Swing power to run generator
By Norm, Section Diaries Posted on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 01:23:44 AM MST
At last far enough along almost a reality.......

All summer long I've been working on a swing glider finally decided to get plans and restarted   It's been my thoughts to run numerous things with the power of a pendulum and sufficient weight ( 200 lbs of me on a glider swing....keeps gradually getting less.....but that's another story)   Here's a picture of it converting linear motion to rotary motion.....   Okay...now the orange board is connected to the back of the swing seat by a hinge, the other end of the board is connected to the green board also by a hinge, bottom of green board to base also a hinge.   Right about in the middle of the board a 3/8 hole is drilled, the end of the chain is passed thru the hole and a farmers pin (nail) is dropped between a couple of links...the chain goes over a choice of 5 sprockets (5 speeds) around and under and later on a bungee cord that passes thru a hole and attached somewhere....    As the swing goes to the right it moves the green board to the right pulling the chain and turning the bike wheel clockwise, when the swing goes to the left .....return stroke, the bungee cord takes up the slack and the sprockets turn counter-clockwise and ratchets, and so that's the whole swinging action....I'll update this and go into more detail as I hook it up to the Ametek 30volt.     Just a whole bunch of fun !               ( :>) Norm.

Swing power to run generator | 33 comments (33 topical, 0 editorial)

Swing power (3.00 / 0) (#1) by WindHarvester on Sun Oct 28th, 2007 at 07:49:38 PM MST (User Info)

Very cool project and well thought out! Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your results. Lonnie

Re: Swing power (3.00 / 0) (#5) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Sun Oct 28th, 2007 at 08:44:15 PM MST (User Info)

Yeah....I'm looking forward to about maybe 30 watts without even realizing how much I'm generating....hope I'm not expecting too much !        ( :>) Norm ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#2) by TomW on Sun Oct 28th, 2007 at 08:09:26 PM MST (User Info)

Norm; Pretty interesting setup. I particularly like the use of the common ratcheting bike drive. Not too bad for an Old Guy! "Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned."--Mark Twain

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#6) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Sun Oct 28th, 2007 at 09:03:11 PM MST (User Info)

Yeah .... its a common racheting bike drive on a Huffy bike frame.   Yeah I keep hobbling back and forth but stuff like this keeps me goin' and goin' like the energizer bunny!      ( :>) Norm. ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#3) by ghurd on Sun Oct 28th, 2007 at 08:21:35 PM MST (User Info)

Very cool Norm! Freeze warning tonight.   That thing fit in the living room? ;-) G-

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#4) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Sun Oct 28th, 2007 at 08:36:46 PM MST (User Info)

It would if I could get it thru the door ! Need a roof for it to keep the snow off....   It's got 8inches ground clearance before it'll bog down in the snow tho' LOL        ( :>) Norm. ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#7) by chadking (chad at honestnetworks.com) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 12:17:06 AM MST (User Info) http://www.kingspd.com

Excellent use of spare parts!  Let us know how the actual power results work out.  I might know some people that would want to tap into the power of their kid's playtime in a similar method.  Haha!  ;-) KingsPD - RealWorldStorage.com

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#8) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 05:24:25 AM MST (User Info)

I estimate at least 1hp. with 4 kids...with ease...would easily power a 32 inch TV while they watched those mind-warping cartoons.      ( :>) Norm. ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#9) by disaray1 on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 06:21:49 AM MST (User Info)

Norm- it's not just the cartoons, its the damn video games also.  The swing looks like a good place to sip coffee. Maybe you could warm water with the electricity while you swing?  Too much fun!  David [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#10) by dinges on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 06:31:57 AM MST (User Info)

More fun than a barrel of monkeys eh ? That's one cool project. I doubt it'll get you off-grid though... ;) One detail: you may want to replace the bungee cord by something more stiffer; otherwise, as you mount a generator on it and load the genny, you may find the generator sits still and the bungee cord just contracts and expands as you swing (absorbing all the energy) and also preventing you from getting a good swing. In effect, by adding a (loaded) generator, you're putting a damper on your swing/rocking chair. So, it'll take some effort to swing and generate electricity (no pain no gain; no such thing as a free lunch; etc.), whereas without the genny (normal rocking chair) there is very little dampening. It may work though, as long as you don't try to get too much power out of it (just a few W); if you try to get more power, swinging will start to become like work, not a pleasure. Sometimes the creativity of the people on this board scares me :) Peter.

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#11) by ghurd on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 06:50:04 AM MST (User Info)

It generates only when swinging one way (unless the inertia keeps it going). The bike wheel is always rotating the in same direction. The bungee connects to a fixed location, and only needs to be strong enough to pull the chain and freewheeling sprocket back for the next charge cycle. The swing is like a ratchet handle, The wheel is like a socket. G- [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#13) by dinges on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 09:32:19 AM MST (User Info)

Good you mention that, Ghurd; Yes, it only generates during half of the oscillatory cycle. Or more accurately: it  generates all the time, but the generator gets its mechanical power only during one half of each cycle. During the time when the genny does not receive mechanical energy from the swing the genny will rapidly slow down; how rapidly it slows depends on the load and amount of inertia in the generator. It might help to include some form of flywheel on the generator so it keeps spinning during the parts of the cycle when the generator doesn't receive mechanical power from the swinging chair. [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#14) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 11:40:08 AM MST (User Info)

It might help to include some form of flywheel on the generator   Yes absolutely...that's exactly what I had in mind, but thanks for saying it, just in case I hadn't thought about it....makes me all the more anxious to complete it.         ( :>) Norm. ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#17) by TomW on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 11:58:42 AM MST (User Info)

norm; Here is an off the wall thought: Fill the tire with water or other liquid to create an integral flywheel. Might need freeze protection for water depending on your climate. Just tossing it out there. Cheers. TomW "Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned."--Mark Twain [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#18) by feral air on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 12:16:02 PM MST (User Info)

The only other thing to look out for besides freezing is sloshing...good idea. One of those "solid" rubber innertubes might weigh enough too, I dunno. Cool project. [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#19) by etownlax on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 01:03:40 PM MST (User Info)

That'd allow for an easier "start-up". Rather than going from no movement to full out resistance, you can ease it on as the liquid speeds up the more the rotary flywheel effect. -Randy [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#27) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Tue Oct 30th, 2007 at 07:20:06 AM MST (User Info)

Almost ....that would be ideal if it was a a larger tire but, this is a skinny tire about 1 1/2 inch wide ....I'm thinking of circular sections of wood from scrap pieces of wood decking just fitting under the rim a pair bolted across from each other between the spokes.... mmmm yes balanced of course.   Your idea helped lead me to this thought.    Thanks Tom !    ( :>) Norm. ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Wheel weights instead of liquid in tire (3.00 / 0) (#30) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Thu Nov 1st, 2007 at 02:17:23 PM MST (User Info)

Tom you probably heard of tractor wheel weights, but I bet never for bikes? finally found a use for particle board (glue& sawdust) now as long as it doesn't get wet,will have to paint it and seal it real good and keep it from getting wet...... (clamp is just temporary for taking pic) 2 of them make a pair ....one on each side of spokes 8pieces total.  Bolted together about 150 rpm ...rim will keep them from flying off.....       ( :>) Norm. ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Wheel weights instead of liquid in tire (3.00 / 0) (#31) by DamonHD (d@hd.org) on Thu Nov 1st, 2007 at 02:21:23 PM MST (User Info) http://www.earth.org.uk/

Hi Norm, You don't fool me!  You've got some clever secret way to make it work with the G-clamp still on haven't you?  B^> Rgds Damon [ Parent ]

Re: Wheel weights instead of liquid in tire (3.00 / 0) (#32) by TomW on Thu Nov 1st, 2007 at 02:32:49 PM MST (User Info)

Norm; You cannot fool me, you have entirely too much time on your hands! Cheers. TomW "Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned."--Mark Twain [ Parent ]

Re: Wheel weights instead of liquid in tire (3.00 / 0) (#33) by ghurd on Thu Nov 1st, 2007 at 03:24:01 PM MST (User Info)

Only for TomW, Nobody else is allowed to read this part. Norm is actually RETIRED! RETIRED! Can you believe it??? He sits around building swings, solar panels, and LED lights almost all day! Other times, he entertains other people just as strange as he is! Sometimes his wife lets him bring some of that crap the house! She even let me in!  I certainly wouldn't let me in. The scariest part?  She made me coffee!  (Most people shoot at me) (Hi Barb!) G- [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#15) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 11:46:29 AM MST (User Info)

I may not be able to use the bungee cord...  can't find it ! LOL !    ....back at it !    Later,           ( :>) Norm ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#12) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 06:56:58 AM MST (User Info)

That was my intention to load it just short of making it work.    Might make a counteracting lever to replace the bungee cord....or actually a front sprocket that just rocks, I'm glad you thought of that, I didn't   Always glad to get constructive critisism (sp?) better than nit picking !     ( :>) Norm ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#16) by juddley (judd at juddley dot com) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 11:51:42 AM MST (User Info) http://www.juddley.com/

Hi Norm... Looks like a great application for a linear Gen. The footrest is always parallel to the ground, attach a 2' wide strip of neo's to the bottom in a row, then place over a 3 phase 1' long stator as a strip. You would get a mag over a coil in both directions with a brief delay at the end of each swing of the pendulum. Eliminates the power losses from converting horizontal motion into rotary motion. Maybe enough power to run an LED reading light so you could read while your swinging   :-)   ....and maybe enough left over to run your radio so you can swing in tune to the music.... Juddley

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#20) by etownlax on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 01:07:01 PM MST (User Info)

It would stay parallel but it doesn't stay the same height above the ground; does it? But it does stay in the same plane on the side. You could try the very same thing but just mount it all on the side. -Randy [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#21) by 2dumb2kwit on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 01:38:36 PM MST (User Info)

If you can't find a bungee cord, how about this; At the end of the orange board, attach a hacksaw. Replace the hacksaw blade with a piece of chain, and let it sit on the sprocket. If it wants to jump up off the sprocket, you could hang some weight on the end. Just thinking out loud. [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#22) by 2dumb2kwit on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 02:11:53 PM MST (User Info)

Oh, I forgot to say how much I like your project, great idea! BTW, be careful the first time you load the gen. If you just "throw the switch" on a big load, it could bring that glider to a sudden stop, and throw you out! (sorry, I couldn't resist that one) [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#29) by wdyasq on Tue Oct 30th, 2007 at 08:44:58 AM MST (User Info)

"Looks like a great application for a linear Gen." This is a great opportunity for the linear generator fans to build one and learn. I'd prefer to lat Norm build whatever he cares to. Ron Adventure is just bad planning." -- Roald Amundsen [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#23) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 02:42:52 PM MST (User Info)

Looks like you guys are having as much fun with this as I am....thanks for the comments !     ( :>) Norm ( :>) Norm

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#25) by vawtman (vawtman(at)charter(dot)net) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 04:37:17 PM MST (User Info)

Hi Norm  Add a counter balance on top and spin in circles.  Strap in though:^) [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#24) by wooferhound (tim((NoSpamAt))wooferhound.com) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 02:58:24 PM MST (User Info) http://wooferhound.com

If you cycled the power to the motor then you would have a Power Swing. You could generate some power from a romantic interlude too. W o o f -={(

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#26) by RP (russp located-at fidnet (dot) com) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 06:40:34 PM MST (User Info)

"You could generate some power from a romantic interlude too." Indeed!  :-) [ Parent ]

Re: Swing power to run generator (3.00 / 0) (#28) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Tue Oct 30th, 2007 at 07:40:17 AM MST (User Info)

Since I've finally figured out how to do everything....it's getting cold so I've moved the unit inside....if it pans outas well as expected maybe someday a winter time enclosure for the whole thing?       ( :>) Norm. ( :>) Norm

Login

Make a new account Username: Password:

Total Views

151 Scoop users have viewed this posting.

Related Links

· Norm's Diary