Design and Construction of a Cycle with Power Generator Resistance as Load for Aerobic Exercise

This work was concerned with the design and construction of an exercise cycle with power generator resistance as load for aerobic exercise. The cycle was designed based on the operational requirements of the cycle. The structure support base was constructed using the electric arc welding technique, while the structure frame parts were assembled together on the base support with the aid of bolt and nut joint technique. The generator was placed in contact with cycle wheel and its output terminals connected to a wet cell battery. An ergo-metric experiment was carried out using the cycle with a user weighing 71.6 kg. The rider pedaled for exercise uninterruptedly for 10 minutes at the lowest speed of 72 rpm. The output voltage and current of the power generator were then read using multi-meter. The values were used to evaluate the electromagnetic resistance developed in the rotating armature of the power generator using relevant equations. The relationship between the resistance developed and other performance parameters were also identified and established. The experiment was repeated at various speeds and the corresponding resistance identified. These results collected were tabulated and their analysis with other measuring pairs established. The analysis shows that: the performance parameters varied directly proportional with the electromagnetic resistance; this validate the variability of the resistance mechanism. The exercise efficiency at various speeds does not vary distinctly from 51%; this indicates that the pedaling speed of 72 rpm is appropriate for exercise using this cycle. The total calories burnt (671.1 K cal) conform to the acceptable standard range (70 K cal – 1500K cal) per day; it therefore validates the function of this exercise device as appropriate for aerobic exercise.