Alternative Fuel and Power Forum

angus · #1 09/05/05, 12:20 AM

Hi Everyone,

I would like to propose an idea? Would anyone be interested in creating some forums aimed directly at alternative forms of fuel and/or power?

I have been doing some research over the past few months and have been reading about bio-diesel, and ethanol ( E85 and E95 ) powered vehicles as well as learning about passive/active solar, and wind generated power systems. I would love to learn more about this and think it would be great to interact with other like-minded folks ...

I realize that perhaps this is not *strictly* a homesteading subject ... It sure is directly tied to being totally, self-reliant though, and it seems to me that that is a big part of what homesteading is all about ...

Just a thought ...

As always, Many, Thanks !!

rzrubek · #2 09/05/05, 12:23 AM

Go check this forum out http://www.fieldlines.com/ it may be just what your looking for.

wizzard · #3 09/05/05, 02:57 PM

third

i have been working on a solar recumbent tandem trike (bicycle) design for a year now. i have most of the kinks in the frame figured out. the solar im pretty sure i understand. the main issue is the money for the panels/motors/batteries. hopefuly come income tax season i will be able to get most of the parts.... hopefuly

Countrybumpkin · #4 09/05/05, 03:15 PM

I'm all for it!! I like the shop talk forum, but I go there to see if anyone is brainstorming any alt. energy methods...lets get one going!

Ken Scharabok · #5 09/06/05, 11:35 AM

Use the Shop Talk Forum. It would largely be the same group responding to those type threads.

#6 09/06/05, 11:50 AM

To be honest with you, whether I have a technical question or a homesteading question. I would rather ask it here on this forum cause I seem to get a much bigger response from people then when I ask it on the smaller forums.

thedonkeyman · #7 09/06/05, 06:13 PM

There is a man who constructed an Electric Car out of an old Honda Car with an old electric motor and Seven batteries, gets 35 mph and a charge at 200 miles. My QUESTION is, why if a retired man in his gargae can do this WHY can't any one else on a LARGER scale. If you had this why couldn't you take it home an recharge it with a WIND MILL ? Think Aluminum frame and motor cycle wheels. NOW, what type of Electric Motor ???

Triffin · #8 09/06/05, 06:27 PM

WHY can't any one else on a LARGER scale.

They can .. But .. they won't ..
The problem with EVs is that they are too
reliable .. other than batteries and brakes
there's nothing to break or wear out .. Detroit
makes too many $$ after the sale on repairs ..
They won't offer an EV to the masses unless forced

Triff ..

Jim-mi · #9 09/06/05, 08:21 PM

"Take it home and recharge it with a windmill"
Shure that sounds good......but......the wind ain't blowin and you've got a very important meeting early in the morning.....................................
Gotta have a plan "B" to go with the wind genny.

moonwolf · #10 09/06/05, 08:42 PM

A seperate forum might be okay, though I have gotten great feedback and discussion on subjects relating to off grid power and renewable energy though the shop talk forum and this question forum.
Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea if there is enough interest to have a forum dedicated to maybe a wider range such as ecological housing, renewable energies, off grid living, alternative fuels, and such.

thedonkeyman · #11 09/06/05, 09:56 PM

JIM-MI, I would have to say, TREAD MILL if the Wind stops. Here's one to think about, a tall water tank and a perpetual water machine. Where a stream of water turns a water wheel and in turn, turns an alternator (for 12 volts) along with a pump like in a wind mill to push the water back up to the top of the water tank. If all this could happen with out loosing any water ? Why not?

Jim-mi · #12 09/06/05, 10:11 PM

Aw yes....perpetual motion.....

wouldn't it be nice.

Takes a lot of energy to move water up hill.

wy0mn · #13 09/15/05, 12:00 PM

Wizzard,
did you ever complete it?
I have a 26" Mongoose D-XR-AL , dual suspension y-frame mated to the rear end of an old Western Flyer adult trike (24").
Home-made recumbent seat, Cruzbike clone.
PV's & deep cycle batteries I have.
Today the 1.5hp/2500rpm/12vdc motor arrived via UPS!
I hope to have my model complete within the week.
LED beams, brake, & turn sigs. Maybe even my 2m radio or a CB.
Please keep me posted via this thread.
Thanks,
Lex