Human Power Generator Series

12V Battery - Power Storage

Windstream offers the Black and Decker Electromate 400 Power Pack to pair with our Human or Bike Power Generator.  We manufacture a custom 10 ft, diode protected connecting cable.  It connects effortlessly with a twist lock connector on the generator side and an "Anderson" style plug on the power pack side. 

These type of portable power packs are most often used to jump cars or run small appliances like laptops, radios, lights or charge mobile phones etc. 

Normally, the battery would be recharged by plugging into a wall socket over night or using the 12V cigarette lighter connector in your car or truck.  We are charging the battery directly instead, using Bike or Human power and our Anderson cable that connects into the jumper cable input - which is a direct connection to the battery.

If you have already have a power pack, give us a call to make sure that it is compatible with our generators.  While it may look compatible, often the polarity is different between different brands. Be sure to check with us first!   We may be able to build a connecting cable to suit if needed. 

You can also use your own combination of a simple 12V battery (deep cycle is best) and your own inverter if you want to have more control over the rated capacity of the battery or the rated power of the inverter.

Here are some typical run times for AC appliances using a power pack that has in the range of 18AH to 22 AH (indicates battery capacity):

Please note:

Power packs are not voltage regulated and it is important to monitor the level of charge in the battery so as not to overcharge the battery and damage it.  Most power packs have voltage indicators that will tell you the level of charge in % or a three light range.  It’s important to watch this as overcharging a battery can damage both the battery and the power pack. It's important to check the level of charge before you begin pedaling and if you know the battery is nearly full, stop and check periodically. A simple hand held voltmeter from radio shack is a simple solution that will allow you to take accurate readings from the battery to know the true level of charge.

The combined loads cannot exceed 320W AC (2.66 amperes). The less power an appliance uses the longer the Power Pack will operate before recharging is required.

Note:  The battery in this and all power packs will self- discharge 10 % to 20% a month if just left sitting. If the battery drains and sits without recharge, the battery life will be dramatically reduced or it may not be able to hold a new charge.  It's very important to keep the battery topped up - either by Human Power or by plugging it into the wall overnight to recharge.

The Power Pack can operate one 12Vdc appliance that draws 12 amperes or less from the 12Vdc power outlet. The maximum DC load is 144 watts.
Here are some typical run times for DC appliances:

If you are using the Human Power Generator, it is likely that you will be charging the battery at an average of 5 amperes. At this rate, it will take approximately 4 hours to fully charge the battery from flat. We recommend that the battery is not allowed to be completely drained and that the generator is used to keep the battery topped up instead.

If you are using the Bike Power Generator, it is likely that you will be charging at an average of 8-14 amperes.  It will take approximately 2 hours to fully charge the battery from flat. However, it is usually much easier to "top up" the battery in intervals rather than letting it discharge completely.

The power pack can also be plugged into the AC wall socket and left to trickle charge overnight when needed.  This is a good idea every couple of months and this will keep the battery in good health.

Power Pack - 12V Black and Decker Electromate 400: $155.00