True Output

What is the average power output of a human winding a handle?

I need to design a system to allow a person to continue winding a conveyor by hand in the case of an electricity power cut so need to know a power output to calculate the optimum gearing required. It would also be usefull to know what the optimum height for mounting the handle should be.

Public Comments

1. the amount of power output depends on the handle and the weight on the end
2. I wouldn't bother if I were you. The energy required to replace electricity during a power cut would be quite a lot. That is if we are talking about running a house. I don't think a human could possibly achieve it. Let alone maintain it.
3. At some point in my distant past, I remember hearing that a human can initialize 2 horsepower at any one time for a short period (a few minutes), but 0.5 horsepower can be maintained over a period of hours. Optimum height is slightly above waist height, so that the arms are slightly above the relaxed position, but still positioned at a downward angle in order place the person's weight behind the winding. And with minimal bending over (back problems result).
4. couldn't give you a power output I'm afraid - but when designing the device, why not make it pedal powered rather than hand operated? This would give a much higher potential output, maintainable for a longer period and also leave the hands free for operating the tv remote in case you generate enough power to run the tv!!!!!!