A portable power source (10) includes a housing (12), a stator
component
(20), a rotor component (18), a crank assembly (14), and a
control system (24). The stator component (20) is secured to the
housing (12), the rotor component (18) rotates relative to the stator
component (20) and the crank assembly (14) is coupled to the rotor
component (18). The crank assembly (14) is rotated by the user relative
to the housing (12). As provided herein, rotation of the crank assembly
(14) by the user results in rotation of the rotor component (18)
relative to the stator component (20). In one embodiment, the control system
(24) controls the amount of torque required to rotate the crank assembly
(14). For example, the amount of torque required to rotate the crank assembly
(14) is varied according to the rotational position of the crank assembly (14).