Well Pump
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011Is it possible to power a well pump with a stationary bicycle?
Does anyone know if it's possible to modify or rig up a stationary or recumbent bicycle in order for it to power a well pump to the point the pressure tank would kick off?
The first reference suggests that pedal power can produce 150-200W. I've heard that a human can produce at most about a half horsepower continuously (746W/2 = 373W), so the 150-200W may be realistic.
It is theoretically possible to size a pump small enough (as in have a low enough flow rate) to lift water and pressurize a tank. You will probably find that most well pumps are 1/2 HP or larger, so pedal power from one person would not be sufficient.
Another consideration is that existing well pumps probably are powered from AC. Most pedal-power type products produce DC, not AC.
There are pumps designed to be powered by DC output from solar PV panels, pumps such as the Solar Jack. That type of pump might be useable with power produced by pedaling.
I am not endorsing any of the products in the two references; I am providing the references for educational value only.