James Whitelaw wrote:Generators powered by steam are readily available and are almost entirely tasked with converting otherwise wasted excess industrial heat/steam energy to electricity. You can find many articles regarding this process such as this one. There are thousands of steam turbines available, from table top to house sized, along with controllers, etc. As you mention EMP, so assuming this is some sort of EOTWAWKI planning in which case Julie’s advice is likely most useful.
I had been researching electrical power generation in relation a new technology I’ve been posting about where scientists have developed an isomer that can gain energy from the sun (UV & blue spectrum) that changes the isomer to a stable molecule that can be stored for long periods of time and will release the energy as heat when exposed to a catalyst releases, or expresses the energy in the carrying liquid as heat, currently 63 centigrade (about 143 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the ambient liquid temp. So 70 degree f liquid passing over the catalyst would heat to 213 degrees Fahrenheit and those numbers are expected to improve. The technology is said to use readily available methods and materials and promises a sustainable method of converting and storing energy from the sun and releasing it on demand. With improvements in the new technology, using it to generate electricity is definitely in range using off the shelf systems currently utilized to create electricity from waste heat in industry.
Julie Reed wrote:Thanks James, for posting the link regarding MOST technology. I’ve always wondered about something like that being possible. Interesting how technology gets us in trouble (global warming) or rescues us, depending on our use and goals.
I realize there is a lot of steam generation equipment available. I also know that without some serious training in the use of pressurized steam, a person can easily be injured or killed. It’s not exactly DIY YouTube stuff for the backyard, as it involves theory and a fair bit of math, which is why I suggested wood gas, which IS fairly simple dIY, as well as not being very hazardous.
I became interested in steam when I was younger, given how simple it seemed to use wood or concentrated solar as a heat source. I changed my mind after talking with some old timers who were demonstrating steam power sawmills and other equipment at a county fair. They convinced me that it takes a fair bit of knowledge to operate steam systems, and that slight mistakes or miscalculations can lead to serious problems (explosions). Later on I spoke with a stationary engineer who ran the power plant for a prison complex. He also suggested I stay away from steam unless I spent some time learning the complexities of it. So, to me, if someone is simply looking to make electricity with wood, it may not be the best option given the intricacies and risks, especially when a safer and simpler technology is easily available.
Definitely didn’t mean to imply that steam would not be a viable option, just that it’s a dangerous one.
Ian Sa wrote:I would like some help in finding a wood burning electric generator. The generator could be powered by hot air or steam. No computer chips in it. (re EM Pulse). Many thanks in advance.
David Baillie wrote:
Ian Sa wrote:I would like some help in finding a wood burning electric generator. The generator could be powered by hot air or steam. No computer chips in it. (re EM Pulse). Many thanks in advance.
Ian, based on my reading I would say unless the generator happens to be running when the flare or emp occurs it should be fine. Taken one step further if the pulse was strong enough to short out a magneto in an internal combustion engine. The power generation side of the generator would also be affected whether it was turned by steam or air... While steam might seem like a good solution the boiler part of the equation is always overlooked. boilers are easy to build but hard to build safely. A boiler failure can be a catastrophic deadly event. Sterlings are interesting but while they are THERMALLY very efficient the amount of energy they can transfer from heat to shaft power is quite small... After much experimentation I settled on charcoal gasification to run small internal combustion engines as the most efficient solution for the DIY builder.
Cheers, David
Ian Sa wrote:
David Baillie wrote:
Ian Sa wrote:I would like some help in finding a wood burning electric generator. The generator could be powered by hot air or steam. No computer chips in it. (re EM Pulse). Many thanks in advance.
Ian, based on my reading I would say unless the generator happens to be running when the flare or emp occurs it should be fine. Taken one step further if the pulse was strong enough to short out a magneto in an internal combustion engine. The power generation side of the generator would also be affected whether it was turned by steam or air... While steam might seem like a good solution the boiler part of the equation is always overlooked. boilers are easy to build but hard to build safely. A boiler failure can be a catastrophic deadly event. Sterlings are interesting but while they are THERMALLY very efficient the amount of energy they can transfer from heat to shaft power is quite small... After much experimentation I settled on charcoal gasification to run small internal combustion engines as the most efficient solution for the DIY builder.
Cheers, David
Thanks David,
Reading further in the wikipedia link, it appears that a Swedes have powdered submarines with them (Sterling). I'm not saying sterling or other hot-air, but the picture I showed was of 1951 electric generator built by Philips and powering an portable generator (small power I would guess and they only made 30).
But getting back onto what I am looking for:
1. I want something with no chips in it.
2. This is for when the grid is down - for the count
3. I was hoping there is a commercially sold one.
My understanding is that all generators - connected or not are burnt-out. That is the ones powering the local water system, the gas lines, and on and on. All the cars of the last 25 years are out of commission - all their chips are gone. (connected or not).
I have delved into the rabbit hole on pulses - and it watched many Youtubes. In one they said that even if you line a room completely as long as there is a hole in the lining (e.g.) your wiring - or as you say you plug in - your computers are gone. My conclusion was that all of this is speculation and people talking through their hats. However, the only way to know is to build a EM pulse "gun" (from some microwave ovens or buy one) and zap your car/generator/whatever and see if it is toast.
So that is a rabbit hole and I'll just avoid anything with a chip in it.
Probably an old gas lawnmower with a pull-start (you know the handle with the rope) - or old outboard engine for a boat - with a pull-cord would be chip-less. Anything build prior to when they had chips in things (say 1960's ?). Anything with a push-button electronic start is probably a "no-go"
As to the power source it could be many things I don't really care - except that I am a strong environmentalist and so I'm going to go green.
My reading on hot-air engines are that they are not "power-dense" that is for lots of power in small size (like a car) they went to internal combustion and interest was lost in hot-air engines.
I short of time. I don't want to build one unless I have to.
On efficiency, internal combustion engines waste a lot of energy in heat production (like 75-90%). Wood gasification is only going to get part of the energy of the wood -(correct?).
Iterations are fine, we don't have to be perfect
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