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Views: 988
Comments: 5
Rating: 5
Times Rated: 4
Total Rating: 20
Wind-up lights...and electrics...all over your house!
Posted 07/02/2008 by Marty in Going Green | Submit idea in this category
I have a wind-up torch that also functions as a radio and mobile phone charger. A couple of seconds winding will last for a long time. It makes an annoying noise, but has proven very valuable to me on camping trips where it wouldn't be easy to purchase new batteries. I can also listen to the radio wherever I want, and if I ever broke down or got stranded somewhere I could call for help without worrying about crdit.

My idea is to extend this to all lights and things that require elctricity in the home, using wind-up stations or bicycles that stay in place. This could be used in co-ordination with other renewable electricity sources such as solar panels. It would wean the dependance on fossil fuels but also electric lights and using computers. It would also be a surefire way to make everyone have more exercise. Whenever you want to watch T.V., you have to cycle or wind up the wall. The whole family could pitch in, winding even when they don't want to use electricity. The electricity could then be stored in the house for everyone to use, so people don't have to continue winding while they are doing somthing

I think this will help people to truly value electricity and the amazing technology we have.
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(5) Comments and Suggestions
Posted by eric
07/02/2008
I think this is a real slick idea. I have one of those flashlights that you wind to power and it's amazing how far a few winds goes. If you were to power one of those energy saving lightbulbs, the swirly ones, I'm sure a minute or two of winding would last a few hours.



zBoston3 mentioned in his idea Bed Energy that "some places have installed pressure sensitive pads under rugs and mats where a lot of people walk.  The idea being that all that pounding is converted into electrical energy that can be used for other things."



I think you two are on the right track of converting every day mechanical energy into green, recycled power
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Posted by zboston3
07/07/2008
It might not work in old folks home, but consider it in college dorms, small apartment houses, public gyms - it could be your public duty to pedal a few watts every day, and good exercise as well.
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Posted by tohito
08/29/2008
I guess first you'd have to run a feasibility study, to estimate the amount of energy you could produce.  But think of a gym in which every exercise bike was producing electricity!  The revenue generated from energy production could "subsidize" the cost of membership.
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Posted by brooke
06/04/2009
Your daily workout could help power your household or charge your electric car, what an incentive to work out!
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Posted by sarossell
12/16/2009
These are great ideas! I particularly like the padded walkway idea.
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