The PedalPC is a human-powered computer desk that allows you to exercise and generate electricity while you work.
It is intended for engineers, software developers, and other technical people (like me!) who want to be more energy-independent and physically active when working from home.
The design is based on what I have learned powering my home office using only human power for more than 10 years.
Here's a brief video describing it (click the image to load the Youtube embed video):
What You Can Do with a PedalPC?
The desk can generate up to 70 W of electricity, depending on how hard and how fast you pedal.
That's enough to power the following equipment:
- a laptop or small desktop computer
- monitor
- inkjet printer
- modem/router
- desktop cooling fan
- small web server
...while simultaneously recharging:
- phones and tablets
- AA/AAA batteries
- battery-powered LED lights
- other small battery-powered devices
It CANNOT do the following:
- power your refrigerator
- cook food
- run power tools
These tasks consume more power than a person could comfortably supply.
How It Works
- You pedal the generator, which generates electricity.
- The battery smooths its output, storing the excess you produce for use later when you're not pedaling.
- The control box monitors your power production and consumption.
- Four 12 V and 8 USB power sockets supply power to your equipment.
- A small computer generates a dashboard you view with your web browser (see screenshot below--click to see the full-size version).
Features & Benefits
The PedalPC offers the following features:
Dependable
The generator outputs the same amount of electricity, no matter the time of day or weather conditions outside.
Accessible
The desktop pivots forward to make it easier to get on and off.