G+_George Kozi Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 Passing thought... How about a small, portable wind generator that can be just stuck into the ground, next to pour blanket, or your tent, when in nature? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 I've been wanting to play... But I can't build EVERYTHING... and we do have a budget. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_George Kozi Posted January 20, 2014 Author Share Posted January 20, 2014 Lol El Padre... I'm just planting seeds in people's minds... one of them will sprout someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Bruce Lakin Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 Have you seen the stove that will generate electrical power while it burns wood gathered around campsite? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_George Kozi Posted January 20, 2014 Author Share Posted January 20, 2014 El Padre talked about that in a past episode, hasn't he? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 Not only have I talked about and reviewed the Biolite Campstove, but I showed you how TO MAKE YOUR OWN in the "Fun with Thermocouples" episode of "Know How" :) Episode 70 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Kevin Brown Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 The do have portable solar pannels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Daniel Armstrong Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 The problem with wind is the conditions have to be right, hence why wind farms are only located in wide open areas. You need smooth non-turbulent airflow. This means no objects including trees, hills, etc. upwind of the turbine. See: http://www.windandwet.com/windturbine/power_calc/index.php A 1m diameter turbine is only going to give ~10 watts at 10mph, but power is to the cube of the speed so go down to 5mph and only have 2 watts, go up to 20mph and have 80 watts. Double blade diameter gives you 4x watts. It's tricky. IOW a box fan with a PMA on top of your tent will do little to nothing. Maybe power some LEDs or charge your phone if you are lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Cole Brodine Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 They do make wind turbines that work in more turbulent conditions. Typically they are the ones that look like an egg beater. Also, if you want to make your own wind turbine out of an old PC fan, you can try this instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Old-PC-Fan-Wind-Turbine-in-10-Minutes/ All of that said, I think the thermocouple camp stove or a solar panel is a much better option for portable power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Daniel Armstrong Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 A 120mm muffin fan with better than average turbine blades, certainly not the stock blades, would hit 5 watts, enough to charge my phone, in 30+ miles per hour winds. Not practical. And yes there are VAWTs like the Darrieus rotor (not to be confused with Darius Rucker). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Cole Brodine Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Daniel Armstrong - I agree with you that a portable wind turbine is not practical. I think it would maybe be neat as a learning tool or to power something very small like some LEDs. If you want to power electronics with some portable means, solar is probably the best power per unit weight proposal while still staying portable. I like the thermocouple stove because it could serve a dual purpose. (Charge my phone and make Ramen!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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