Energy

The Water Motor

We all know how an industrial electric motor operates. You have a power switch. It turns electric current on and off to an electric motor, which then does work. That work can be pushing a cart, a fridge, a submersible water pump, or any number of rotary devices. What do you do off the grid, in the mountains of South America, where there is no power supply? What do you use to give power supply for your electric motor? Enter Ron & Diane in Bolivia, and their “Water Motor“. A unique Micro-Hydro device that uses the power of a falling stream to power stationary devices like saws, mills and generators like home generators and so on. …

UK providers of cheap gas and electricity are in a price war. But comparing their prices with potential renewable installations , especially over a few years’ shows the cheapest energy may be in renewables after all. …

Biodiesel while you sleep

This unit will take lye and methanol, react it with vegetable oil, and produce a direct substitute for diesel fuel, to be used in any diesel engine, with no changes or modifications to the engine or fuel system. From tractors to trucks, cars to generators, even your boat, if you have a diesel engine, you can make your own fuel, no fumes, no fuss.
We start with a standard electric water heater from our local Sears store, and a conversion kit from Biodiesel Warehouse. After removing the cold water inlet tube, we remove the bottom drain, and attach the valve “T” assembly. The pump then bolts on to the “T”, attaching the fuel transfer manifold to the top of the pump. …

A new bill introduced into Congress might provide a federal tax credit of $1,500 per � kilowatt of capacity to purchasers of small wind systems nationwide. This five-year credit would apply to all wind systems with capacities of under 100 kW used to power individual homes, farms, or small businesses. This amounts to a subsidy to go off-grid.…

In the US and Canada, the race to find a way of producing biofuel cost-effectively is hotting up. It�s no wonder companies like Virgin are jumping on the bandwagon, hoping to invest in the next big thing. But, with so many new technologies emerging, it could be tough to decide which is worthy of your household investment. We may have to make that choice soon. This article covers six legitimate and successful products that are close to launch.…