Harnessing energy of a rotating mass

AI Thread Summary
It is possible to harness kinetic energy from a rotating mass to generate electricity, particularly through mechanisms like bicycle dynamos. By placing magnets on the bicycle wheel, a current can be generated in a stationary coil, effectively powering a light. The concept of using centrifugal force to generate energy directly is not feasible, as the necessary relative motion is lacking. Instead, mechanical energy conversion methods, such as turning a small propeller connected to a generator, can be explored. Overall, established solutions like bicycle generators provide a practical approach to achieving this energy conversion.
freerangequark
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Is it possible to harness some of the kinetic energy of a rotating mass to convert it to electricity? More to the point... If I wanted to put a light on a bicycle wheel, is there any way to power the light using the uniform accelerated circular motion of the wheel? Or are the gains of centrifugal "force" countered by the centripetal?

It seems that generating energy mechanically like this would require relative motion of some sort... unless I could use the motion to turn a small propeller to turn a generator, etc...

Thanks!
FRQ
 
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I don't think there's anyway to harness that power in the way you're thinking. You could put magnets on the wheel that would generate a current in a coil stationary to the wheel - you could do this near the axle or the top of the wheel.
Can't think of anything other way.
 
They have existed for quite some time, they're called bicycle dynamos or bicycle generators.

http://www.aztlanbicycle.com/images/products/lowrider-lights-mirror/LIGHT_GENERATOR_LIGHT_VISOR_34339.jpg

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6703716-0-large.jpg

pm5b_amsterdam_bicycle_genr.jpg
 
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