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| New Century Power Generation
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| Friday, June 16, 2006 |
Here is the solution to power generation in the 21st century and a renewable power source, all making use of existing technology:
1. There are two basic devices to be used--one is a standard stationary exercycle and the other is similar although powered by arm cranking.
2. Each model is equipped with a generator operated by pedaling the cycle. The cycle in each case has different geared settings which require different degrees of effort to turn the generator, so that a stronger person can gear the generator to produce more power per stroke than a less physically fit person.
3. The system is set up anywhere, most usually in a home where the power generated is fed back into the grid and measured by running the electric meter backwards, which gives the homeowner, his or her spouse and kids the opportunity to not only exercise but to reduce their power costs by feeding power into the grid.
4. A digital recorder demonstrates visually the amount of power being produced and the value that is credited to the operator. At the same time a built in timer records the time of day the power is being generated, so that at peak power demand times the credit awarded the operator is greater than at odd hours when demand is low. Naturally, if one wished to invest in a slightly more efficient system, one could install a small flywheel, otherwise known as a mechanical battery,before the generator, thus storing the power generated which could be then released to the generator and the grid when power demand is highest thus maximizing the return to the producer.
5. The machine is also rigged to print out a record of power production, time of production, value credited, and, if desired, the operator's special code number, so that he or she can produce power on any machine linked to the grid.
6. In addition to home systems, the power cycles, hand or foot operated, can be installed in a number of other locations, such as bus stops or schools or any place where people are standing about, such as popular begging locations outside of supermarkets, so that unemployed people who congregate there to beg can earn income by producing power for the grid. All one must do is insert his code number and pump away for however long one desires. Apart from reducing one's own power bill the value of the power generated can be credited to a special account the power generator can draw on, like a bank account, thus making the ability to earn money available to anyone who chooses, whether he or she has an electric meter, with the additional benefit that the exercise will improve the health of the person producing the power, and help to reduce the scandalous extent of obesity in the country, which, after all, represents wasted energy. Eventually the machines will be available everywhere so that one need not waste time waiting in a doctor's or lawyer's office, or to see a public employee. The time otherwise wasted could be put to use producing power, earning money and improving one's health.
7. Contests can be devised to promote "personal bests" or team competitions developed between habitues of taverns or places like that, or especially in schools, prisons, churches, laundromats, libraries (with special book holders so one can read while powering up) and other like institutions. Even the feeble minded or insane can be permitted to pump away and help pay for the their care. Just as the public attitude toward smoking has been significantly altered over the past few years, so the public's attitude toward this kind of power production will lead to its public acceptance, and it will be commonplace to observe power cyclists pumping away wherever one looks.
8. Naturally charities that now prey on the public for contributions to support their inflated bureaucratic salary budgets for their "administrators" will be quick to seize on the scheme to encourage the public to contribute their power production to the account of the charity in return for an unchallengable income tax deduction of the value of the power contributed supported by a print out record.
9. One can even conceive of animals, such as dogs in pounds, or certain zoo animals, being trained to produce power in this fashion, thus contributing to their own upkeep. Especially if their food supply was to be tied to their performance on the power cycle could this become a potent source of power. This kind of incentive could also be used to reduce the numbers drawing unemployment compensation or general welfare, as the entitlement to such compensation could be tied to the power production record of the claimant. Since many of these claimants are lazy and shiftless they will abandon their claims rather than put out the minimal effort required to contribute to their own support.
10. The capital investment required to set up the system will be minimal because the grid already exists, and it will be a simple matter to devise a standard universal machine which will accomplish all the foregoing. Utilities will no doubt be encouraged to set up large exercycle facilities to take advantage of the system, and certainly health clubs will be anxious to provide their members with the ability to reduce the membership fees while exercising.
11. Eventually the system will be expanded so that whatever turns a wheel can be adapted to the system. Thus, for instance, the excess heat lost up chimneys can be harnessed to a wheel to turn a generator, or a simple methane burner can be harnessed to an engine burning garbage produced methane, thus reducing garbage collection expense. Ultimately a device can be produced which will turn wasted energy in an automobile to an internal flywheel which, if it is not used to recharge the car's battery can be switched to the cycle and used to turn the generator when one returns home. One can even imagine a device installed in house sanitary or storm drains that will turn a wheel as the liquid flows down the pipes.
12. To encourage the adoption of this system at the outset it may be necessary for the government to offer incentives to encourage the most suitable method whereby the goal of turning wasted energy into electric power can be achieved, but this should be avoided if at all possible, as it directly conflicts with the result sought to be achieved, which is the efficient recapture and transformation of energy otherwise wasted into the potent work force that electricity represents. This in essence is nothing more than a simple application of the First Law of Thermodynamics, and it is surprising that such a solution has not been implemented before now.
copyright April 1, 2005
Byron D. Coney
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Byron Coney |
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