Pedal-operated, modularly expandable energy and thermogenerator with mobile control and monitoring unit

Abstract

Pedal-operated, modularly expandable energy and thermo-climate generator, comprising a pedal unit for generating electrical energy by human muscle power, an energy management unit for controlling the energy flow, at least one heating element, at least one electrically operated fan, at least one energy storage module and a mobile control and monitoring unit, wherein the device is designed such that generated energy is optionally delivered directly to the heating element or the fan or stored in the energy storage module.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pedal-operated, energy-autonomous device for generating heat and air circulation. The system utilizes human muscle power to generate electricity and comprises a modular energy unit, an integrated heating element, a fan for cooling or air movement, an energy storage unit, and a mobile control and monitoring unit. The invention lies in the field of decentralized energy generation, energy-efficient building technology, and health-oriented small appliances. 2. State of the art

[0002] Pedal-powered generators for charging small electronic devices are known. Electric heaters and fans that operate via the mains also exist. However, no system is known that: • uses human muscle power to generate heat or airflow directly or indirectly, • can simultaneously store energy and release heat / airflow while pedaling, • It is modularly expandable to scale heating or ventilation output, • Supports time-shifted operating modes, • and is controlled and monitored via a mobile application.

[0003] A pedal-operated thermo-air conditioning unit with modular expandability and mobile control is not disclosed in the prior art. 3. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an energy-autonomous, pedal-operated thermo-air conditioning unit that: • can be operated without mains power, • Creates heat or air circulation for indoor spaces, • is modularly expandable, • can store energy and release it at a later time, • motivates the user to engage in physical activity, • and is monitored and controlled via a mobile application. 4. Solution to the task

[0005] The task is solved by a device that includes the following components: 4.1 Pedal unit

[0006] A mechanical pedal unit with two foot pedals that generates electrical energy through small, rhythmic movements. Energy is generated via: • a rotary or linear generator, • magnetic inductive systems, • or piezoelectric elements. 4.2 Energy Management Unit

[0007] A control electronics system that: • measures the energy produced, • this is optionally directed directly to the heating element or the fan, • or stores in an energy storage device • and regulates the energy flow between input, storage, and output. 4.3 Heating element

[0008] An integrated PTC heating element generates heat. Optionally, ceramic heat storage plates can be integrated, which absorb heat and radiate it with a time delay. 4.4 Fan

[0009] An electrically powered fan ensures air circulation and cooling. The fan can be operated directly or from stored energy. 4.5 Modular Expansion

[0010] The system is designed to allow for the connection of additional modules: • Additional battery modules to extend operating time, • Additional heating modules to increase heat output, • Ceramic extension plates to increase radiant heat output. 4.6 Mobile control and monitoring unit

[0011] A mobile application (smartphone app) enables: • Display of the generated energy (watts, Wh), • Display of the user's calorie consumption, • Display of remaining heating / ventilation time, • Control of the operating mode (heating, ventilation, storage, time start), • Activation of a training signal that reminds the user of planned pedaling times. 4.7 Operating modes

[0012] The device supports: • Direct operation: Energy is immediately converted into heat or airflow. • Storage mode: Energy is stored in battery modules. • Time-delayed operation: The device starts automatically at a defined time. • Parallel operation: The device can charge and heat / ventilate simultaneously while pedaling. 4.8 External 5V power supply

[0013] The device is designed to allow connection to an external 5V power supply, enabling direct operation of the heating element and / or fan. This allows the device to be used independently of the pedal unit as a compact, energy-efficient heating or ventilation unit. The external power supply allows for immediate operation without physical effort and expands the device's application possibilities, particularly in indoor spaces where continuous heat or airflow is desired. 4.9 USB output for mobile devices

[0014] The device preferably includes at least one USB output, which can be used to supply or charge mobile devices, especially mobile phones. The electrical energy generated by the pedal unit or supplied via an external power supply can thus be used not only for the heating element or the fan, but also to power external devices. This significantly expands the device's functionality and enables its use as a compact emergency power or auxiliary power source. 4.10 Operation of external low-power consumers, in particular a lighting device

[0015] The energy management unit is designed to allow the operation of at least one external low-power appliance as an alternative to the heating element and / or the fan. This includes, in particular, a lighting device such as an LED lamp. This allows the user-generated or stored electrical energy to be used flexibly for lighting purposes, further expanding the device's use indoors, while camping, or in emergency situations. 5. Advantages of the invention

[0016] The invention offers the following advantages: • Complete energy self-sufficiency through pedal-powered electricity generation, • Reduction of grid electricity consumption through the use of human muscle power, • Physical activity as an energy source with demonstrable health benefits, • Flexible adjustment of performance through modular expansion of heating, ventilation and energy units, • Combined heating and ventilation function with ceramic heat storage, • External 5V or 12V power supply for immediate operation without physical exertion, • Operation of external low-power consumers, especially LED lighting, • USB output for charging mobile devices, especially mobile phones, • Mobile monitoring and control via an app, including energy, performance and activity data, • Ideal for homes, offices, camping, emergencies and energy-saving environments, • Increased security of supply through emergency power function and lighting operation during power outages, • Psychological motivation factor, as physical activity is directly converted into usable energy. 6. Implementation Examples Example 1: Basic Module

[0017] A single unit with pedal unit, PTC heating element, fan and small energy storage, suitable for rooms up to 20 m² 2 . Example 2: Extended heating capacity

[0018] Two additional battery modules and ceramic heat storage plates enable a temperature increase of up to 10 °C in rooms up to 40 m². 2 . Example 3: Ventilation operation

[0019] The fan is powered by stored energy and ensures air circulation in the summer. Example 4: Time-delayed heating

[0020] The user generates energy at night (e.g. 01:00-01:35), the device starts automatically at 03:00 and heats until 05:00. Example 5: Lighting operation and charging of mobile devices

[0021] The device is used exclusively for generating electrical energy to operate an external LED lighting device via the energy management unit or to charge mobile devices via an integrated USB output.

[0022] This allows the device to be used indoors, while camping, or in urban hotspot zones where users can charge their mobile phones or power lighting through physical activity (e.g., pedaling in the park). The device thus serves as a compact, pedal-powered micro-energy source for public or private environments. Example 6: Emergency operation

[0023] In the event of a power outage, the device serves as a self-sufficient emergency power source. By operating the pedal, the user can generate electrical energy to power an LED lamp, charge mobile phones via the USB output, or provide minimal heating. The ceramic heat storage plates allow for a delayed heat release, thus ensuring a basic supply of light, communication, and heat even in emergency situations. Example 7: Camping operation

[0024] When camping or used outdoors, the device operates without mains power. The user generates energy by pedaling to power lighting, ventilation, or charging mobile devices. Its compact design, integrated energy storage, and ability to power external low-power devices make it a versatile, portable micro-power source for tents, RVs, or remote areas without electricity. Reference numeral list (List of reference numerals)

[0025] Fig. 1 step unit / foot pedal 2 cases 3 USB-C ports 4 USB-A ports 5 220V mains connection / AC input 6 LED lamps / lighting fixtures 7 Generator / Power generation unit 8 Heating and ventilation unit (PTC heating element with fan)

Claims

[1] Pedal-operated, modularly expandable energy and thermo-climate generator comprising a pedal unit for generating electrical energy by human muscle power, an energy management unit for controlling the energy flow, at least one heating element, at least one electrically operated fan, at least one energy storage module and a mobile control and monitoring unit, wherein the device is designed such that generated energy is optionally delivered directly to the heating element or the fan or stored in the energy storage module. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the pedal unit includes two independently movable foot pedals that allow small, rhythmic movements to generate energy. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the heating element is a self-regulating PTC heating element. [4] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat ceramic heat storage plates are provided which absorb heat and radiate it with a time delay. [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that additional energy storage modules can be connected to extend the operating time. [6] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that additional heating modules can be connected to increase the heating output. [7] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fan can be operated both directly and from stored energy. [8] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the energy management unit automatically regulates the energy flow between pedal unit, energy storage, heating element and fan. [9] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a time-delayed operating mode is provided, in which the device starts automatically at a predetermined time. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that parallel operation is possible, in which energy is stored and heat or airflow is generated simultaneously while pedaling. [11] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mobile control and monitoring unit displays the energy generated, the user's calorie consumption, the remaining heating or ventilation time, and the charge level of the energy storage devices. [12] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mobile control and monitoring unit emits a training signal that reminds the user of planned pedaling times. [13] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an external 5V power supply can be connected, which can be used to directly operate the heating element and / or the fan. [14] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one external low-power consumer device, in particular a lighting device, can be operated via the energy management unit as an alternative to the heating element and / or the fan. [15] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the power management unit includes at least one USB output through which mobile devices, especially mobile phones, can be supplied with electrical power or charged. [16] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating and ventilation unit is equipped as an integrated component with an electric fan and a PTC heating element.

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