4 ms·

Out of interest, how would you do this, and how much power do you expect to generate?

• mikestew 7y ago
  If it came down to it, I could make one of the world's most inefficient electrical generators with some wire and some magnets. More specifically, we have potential electrical generators all around us. Anything with an electrical motor can potential be reversed to generate. So I don't have anything specific in mind, nor any numbers to work with, but I'm confident I'd figure something out. I'm a likely to have more success with that than I am making diesel in my garage.
  • ppf 7y ago
    You'd need a few machine shop tools to make your own generator, as well as access to magnets and other specific materials (iron laminations, etc), as well as a good understanding of magnetics. I think you underestimate what 'world's least effecient generator' means - if energy suddenly became scarce, I wouldn't spend my time to make something that would probably make a few watts at best. Your best bet, if you really want electrical power in this scenario, is to reuse a motor or car alternator. Now the biggest issue is a source of power - unless you have access to a flowing river, you're pretty much stuck with wind. And here, you'll be limited by your ability to make efficient blades. In fact, your best power source might be you, using a bike-mounted generator. I've though about makig one for fun, but it's a lot of effort to go through, to make a device that would probably make 150W. Realistically, IMHO in this scenario I would abandon electronic devices and stick to hand tools.