Author Topic: portable wind gen for charging batt while trekking, skiing  (Read 1883 times)

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industrialdesigner

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portable wind gen for charging batt while trekking, skiing
« on: August 14, 2004, 07:29:02 AM »
Being an industrial designer I've observed the trend for todays outdoor enthusiast to bring an increasing amount of battery powered gadgetry such as gps, cell-phones, radios, walkmans etc. while trekking/skiing in the mountains or other remote areas without access to electricity, recharging batteries can be a bit of a problem.


I was wondering if anyone out there had a comment regarding the feasability of building a portable lightweight wind generator that could charge batteries for the gadgets at a camp-site overnight. Such a generator would of course have to be small and lightweight enough to fit into or onto a backpack and be carried around. the gadgets would typically work off 3-6V. nickel metal hydrite or lithium ion batteries.


Any comments or ideas regarding any of the aspects of such a project would be appreciated

« Last Edit: August 14, 2004, 07:29:02 AM by (unknown) »

drdongle

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Re: portable wind gen
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2004, 08:20:11 AM »
While I think you idea has merit I believe that a solar panel would be simpler for most non R.E. people trying to install/use such a portable or remote system.


Carpe Vigor

 Dr.D

« Last Edit: August 14, 2004, 08:20:11 AM by drdongle »

Norm

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Re: portable wind gen
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2004, 09:20:15 AM »
  A more practical solution ....wind-up gadgets look in Google..such as

http://www.hammacher.com/publish/65939.asp?source=google&keyword=wind_up_radio&cm_ven=HS&
;cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Power_Failure&cm_ite=wind_up_radio

                  ( :>) Norm
« Last Edit: August 14, 2004, 09:20:15 AM by Norm »

arc

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Re: portable wind gen
« Reply #3 on: August 14, 2004, 10:41:55 AM »
Stepper motors from 'old' floppy and/or tape drives along with a cap might work in either mode (crank or possibly small wind power). I made one into a crank-type flashlight using led's. IMHO these have potential for other uses such as low voltage (1-3V) battery charging as well.


http://www.techlib.com/electronics/stepper.html


arc

« Last Edit: August 14, 2004, 10:41:55 AM by arc »

hvirtane

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Re: portable wind gen for charging batt while trek
« Reply #4 on: August 14, 2004, 02:24:01 PM »
There is at least one design,

which might fit on your design idea.


Please see:

http://www.shield.fi/turbine.html


You might as well consider

designing a wind turbine to

fit with an electric outboard engine...


- Hannu

« Last Edit: August 14, 2004, 02:24:01 PM by hvirtane »

tecker

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Re: portable wind gen for charging batt while trek
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2004, 02:20:07 AM »


   Not to poop on the pastel parade but I think you put on exercycle duty and make them pay for lunch erecting power stations  for the camp would be a good activity .

« Last Edit: August 15, 2004, 02:20:07 AM by tecker »

RobD

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Re: portable wind gen for charging batt while trek
« Reply #6 on: August 15, 2004, 07:49:20 AM »
I was thinking of building a small generator where a magnet would swing back and forth over a coil as you walked along to generate power and charge small batts.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2004, 07:49:20 AM by RobD »

TomW

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Re: portable wind gen for charging batt while trek
« Reply #7 on: August 15, 2004, 09:03:31 AM »
RobD;


Yeah, had the same thought myself. Some kind of pendulum genny to harness the motion from hiking. Could be relatively small and if lucky you get charged batteries at days end. Several spread across a group likely do well on "wasted" power. Not much use for a base camp perhaps tho when just chilling out relaxing.


Cheers.


TomW

« Last Edit: August 15, 2004, 09:03:31 AM by TomW »

hvirtane

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Re: portable wind gen for charging batt while trek
« Reply #8 on: August 15, 2004, 09:23:43 AM »
where a magnet would swing back and forth...


What about a childrens' swing at home with

a generator... ?


And a rocking-chair generator

for the grand father?


- Hannu

« Last Edit: August 15, 2004, 09:23:43 AM by hvirtane »

RobD

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Re: portable wind gen for charging batt while trek
« Reply #9 on: August 15, 2004, 07:08:53 PM »
Tom,

Maybe you could hang it from a tree at night with a collapsible sail to generate power when the wind blew!
« Last Edit: August 15, 2004, 07:08:53 PM by RobD »

DERFMOOSE

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Re: portable wind gen for charging batt while trek
« Reply #10 on: August 16, 2004, 05:07:50 PM »
  you might like to look into one of those flashlights that charge by shaking them could be adopted to charge other things
« Last Edit: August 16, 2004, 05:07:50 PM by DERFMOOSE »