63 results found displaying 46-48
   
avh
 Netherlands
Many wind turbines, one generator Printer Friendly Version
Current wind turbines are EACH equipped with a generator and a gearbox. We know large generators (such as used in electricity power plants) are more efficient, would it make sense to connect an array of wind mills via driveshaft to one large generator on the ground.
Advantages:

1) high(er) efficiency generator

2) use only one big generator, not many small ones

3) big generator on the ground is easy to maintain (no climbing in towers)

4) individual wind mills can be cheaper (basically rotor, nacelle, tower and driveshaft)

5) total cost of such a wind energy cluster may be cheaper.
Obviously some energy is lost in transporting mechanical energy via driveshafts. But since wind itself is free and if the total cost per generated kW is cheaper in this configuration - it might bring down the price per kW in this cluster configuration.
Reward: I believe that any idea that can help our civilization to survive the inevitable fossil fuel energy crisis should be voluntary donated asap. If this proves to be one - please use it!
 

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AaronBurns
 USA
Smokeless Heat Proof Cigarette Case Printer Friendly Version
Like any smokeless cigarette you need only slip your standard cigar or cigarette inside a tube with screens at both ends and one end you light while the other snaps shut for inhaling and could come with an optional filtration system to further make a "So called" safer smoke!
Reward: Too see second hand smoke gone!
 

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srhanna
 USA
Modular power generation. Printer Friendly Version
This idea is based on very old tried and true principles of physics. Hydroelectric power has been around for a long time. The man who invented the modern world, Nicola Tesla, also invented a very novel turbine. Imagine the average home owner putting a large low slung water tank on top of their house. A 2 inch ID pipe descends 8 feet into a Tesla Turbine. The Tesla Turbine outlet goes into another tank. At the top of the upper tank is a sensor that turns the water valve to open. At a point lower is a sensor to turn the valve closed. Elevated water = energy. The Home owner invests enough money to trickle charge the system at first. A small pump powered by some solar cells will pump water back to the top tank. The generator will only run when the upper tank is full and turns off when there is insufficient water pressure. This won't run continuously at first but it will run a meter backwards enough times during the month to save a significant portion of money on electricity. The savings can be applied to more water pumping devices. I have a slew of ideas for those. Stirling engines powered by parabolic mirrors, bales of hay, the difference in temperature between ambient and 6 ft under, etc. Make the devices modular and readily addable. Over time, by adding pump modules to the system, the home owner will have continuous free power. Since this technology does not depend on expensive batteries or fuel cells it is cheap enough for most people to afford readily without loans. Because it is modular it is feasible to be done by most home owners in the developed world.
Reward: Continuous free power. What more can one ask for? Ok, I would like a job in the industry created. That would be great!
 

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