- Joined
- Jan 19, 2016
- Messages
- 3
Hi All
Had an idea today to build a steam powered engine which drives a small generator, all powered by a boiler that is heated by the wood fire in my house. Right now here in New Zealand it is Summer so I have a few months to build it before Winter kicks in and the fire will be put in use each night. I have a good lathe and mill in my shop, among a lot of other things. I am no absolutely stranger to metalwork and machining but have zero background/experience with steam/steam engines and generators. I suspect this will be a steep learning curve.
A few questions having never made an engine before, let alone anything steam-related;
Will I be able to generate enough pressure with just a wood-fire?
How much electricity would I be able to produce? I would love to power just a lightbulb but the idea of (relatively) free power is an exciting one.
And the always popular - where to get plans from? If anyone knows of any relatively simple plans for a boiler and motor it would be much appreciated. For the generator - I was planning on modifying an existing solution such as car alternator or small dynamo. Again, if there are any pointers out there they would be greatly appreciated.
Had an idea today to build a steam powered engine which drives a small generator, all powered by a boiler that is heated by the wood fire in my house. Right now here in New Zealand it is Summer so I have a few months to build it before Winter kicks in and the fire will be put in use each night. I have a good lathe and mill in my shop, among a lot of other things. I am no absolutely stranger to metalwork and machining but have zero background/experience with steam/steam engines and generators. I suspect this will be a steep learning curve.
A few questions having never made an engine before, let alone anything steam-related;
Will I be able to generate enough pressure with just a wood-fire?
How much electricity would I be able to produce? I would love to power just a lightbulb but the idea of (relatively) free power is an exciting one.
And the always popular - where to get plans from? If anyone knows of any relatively simple plans for a boiler and motor it would be much appreciated. For the generator - I was planning on modifying an existing solution such as car alternator or small dynamo. Again, if there are any pointers out there they would be greatly appreciated.