Upcycle: Self-Powered Cycling Studio
Based on countless calculations, and research on the electricity demand for the different aspects of maintaining a cycling studio, Upcycle would be able to be 100% energy self-sufficient, without compromising on anything available at other cycling studios. Upcycle, would have the ability not only to be carbon neutral but generate enough income, from the energy produced, to help remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Over one million people participated in a cycling class in the United Kingdom in 2018. Spin classes, for the third year straight, were the most popular collective workout. Now, what if all that working out and biking did something more than just make you feel better or look good? Every time someone hops on one of those stationary bikes and pedals for an hour, they produce 110 Watts of usable power. Now, imagine if all the power of all those bikers could be harnessed and used. In the U.K. alone, over 130,000 kWh could be produced daily, and that’s enough to power 150 homes for an entire month. By utilizing this power source, carbon emissions could be reduced by nearly 100 tonnes. Upcycle is a new company hoping to do just that; harness the energy from working out to create an entirely sustainable cycling studio, where everything within it is powered solely by its members working out.
After determining all the necessary elements for a typical cycling studio and then calculating the energy needs per day for each element, I was able to conclude the average power needed for the studio was 18.276 kWh. Then using data collected on cycling power output and accompanying that with the number of bikes and classes per day, I was able to calculate that the studio would be able to produce 18.48 kWh on peak days. About 0.204 more kWh than required. Additionally, by using data on the average carbon emissions per kWh, I was also able to determine that this studio would reduce carbon emissions by 4 tonnes annually.
Displays all the data that went into calculating the total number of kWh that could be produced within a day, by just the bikes within the studio.
This graph displays all the aspects of the cycling studio that will need electricity and their required electricity. A more in depth table can be seen within the proposal at the bottom.
Why pick Upcycle?
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Sustainable
Supplies its own electricity, no need to use anything powered by fossil fuels, and will result in a 4 metric ton reduction in Carbon Dioxide annually.
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Price
Studies have shown people are willing to pay more for sustainable products, however, these classes will be cheaper than the average spin class. Making the product even more intriguing.
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Real Impact
Each ride saves 0.11 lbs of Carbon emissions and daily habits can remain the exact same. After 117 rides, one will have removed as much carbon from the atmosphere as a small tree.
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Workout
Regardless of the sustainable aspects, users will still get and good and effective workout.
3-D Floor Plan of the proposed Upcycle studio, with the cycling area using the most space and having a total of fourteen stationary bikes, all equipped with the ability to generate electricity as customers pedal. The other sections are typical for a cycling studio: restrooms with showers and a lobby to check-in.
