Hi Guys,
Thanks for all your feedback.
I recently found a paper describing a system much like the one I am proposing (and is infact where I got the idea). Blueroom you are correct in thinking that this is in relation to my previous post, however, the friction you are talking about is beneficial in that it makes the bike slow down (which is what you want when you don't need to pedal downhill
It also helps that the dynamo propells the bike
)
One way systems can be designed by using diodes; I already have this set up.
I am not trying to build a perpetual motion device; all I want to do is extend the life of the battery. In NO way will the capacitor supercede the battery as the main power source for the load.
In particular circumstances high pulsed current will be sent to the battery. As you are probably aware, batteries are terrible at absorbing short bursts of energy, typically acquiring only 30% of the energy given (which is why you trickle charge for long periods of time). However capacitors are excellent, typically acquiring 90-100% of the burst (provided the wires are thick enough, and there are no heat losses blah blah blah).
So yes, whilst the pool (battery) will be only filled up momentarily by the rain (capacitor which has recaptured spent energy from another source); over time, this will extend the time needed before a full refil (recharge) is needed, and reduce the algae build up (sulfation).
Thanks to you guys who posted calculations, that should help me figure out my own sums!
I also apologise for being quite vague with my descriptions; I am trying to do the figuring out on my own, but I need the ideas and examples to help me understand it!
Crutschow - Do you have any links to anywhere where I can find an example trickle charging circuit? Then I can figure out how much energy I will be getting from my other source and see how long it will take to fill the cap up!
Nice one guys, thanks!