Bike Powered Washer Machine
Introduction
This was a project started by students in the Whole Earth Engineering class at HSU. The main goal of the project was to fill a need using an appropiate technology. An Arcata house, already using several appropiate technologies was looking for a way to wash their clothes. Housemates had several bikes, bike parts, tools, and the know how and the idea for a bicycle powered washing machine was born.
Project
We had two months to design and implement our appropiate technology. Most of the time put into the project was discussing and researching how we would build the actual washing machine part of the design. During this time, we scoured websites, newspapers, and books for ideas and materials. Once we came up with a concrete idea, the actual construction of the project took only two days to complete.
After researching several designs (including building a washing machine consisting of a tumbler inside of a 55 gallon drum, we decided using an already broken front loading washing machine would be easiest.We were able to (legally) aquire a broken washing machine from a local laundry mat. By reusing the washing machine that was broken we did not have to purchase or use new materials and saved a rather large article from being dumped into the waste stream. The idea was to open the back of the machine up, remove the motor and replace the "power" for the machine with a chain connected to a stationary bicycle.
Operating on a low budget we set out to complete the task. Lucky for us the money needed for the project turned out to be close to nil. The washer was free, and all tools, bike parts and hardware was provided by the soon-to-be-owner of this kick-ass washer machine. The only purchases were the pvc pipe used for exiting water, and a funnel for putting water in the washer machine.
Due to the creativity and work of the team, the project was a success in filling the need and being quite appropiate. Almost all materials were reused or recycled. The house already operating with a grey water system will be able to conserve water by controlling how much water is used and where it drains to. This washer machine won't demand any electricity. The energy source is the person washing the clothes, allowing them to get some pedal time into their day, stay healthy in the body and mind, and also wear clean sweet smelling clothes!
Steps
It's a work in progress- but it's looking awfully good! In addition to the modifications made on the washer machine, we also modified the bike a bit... comfier seat, easy rider handle bars. Talk about approriate technology.
Day One
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Basic setup
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Going to attach the gear wheel to the back of the wash tub
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Gotta cut the pedal off that gear wheel, rrrrr.
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Found that there was an electrical switch for some of the water hoses. We're going to bypass that by removing it and attaching pvc pipe with a valve.
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Front of the washer, the electrical switch has been pulled out. Beware of stinky water!
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Attaching gear wheel.
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Little bit of a problem, the gear wheel wont stay flat.
Day Two
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Fixing the exiting water problem. We pulled out the electircal switch last time, now we're hooking pvc pipe up, clamping it on, and letting the hose run out the back
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Note the red handle on the pipe, so water doesn't run out while washing clothes. That'd be inapproriate technology!
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Basically, we just screwed the gear wheel onto the wash tub. When you pedal, it turns. Fast.
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See the ease Graham pedals with! Ah! Clean clothes coming up soon!
What'll Happen Next
The only other thing we must do is get a funnel so that the water and detergent can be put in the washer tub. (It's a front loader, so the water comes in from a hole on the top of the washer) Water and detergent will be funneled into the washer, washer person will hop on the bike and pedal. When the wash cycle is done, the red handle will be turned, water will drain out. Clean water for rinse cycle will be funneled in, pedal once again. Release water, pedal just a bit more for a spin cycle, and hang to dry!