MAKE YOUR OWN EMERGENCY POWER PLANT

(Page 4 of 4)

January/February 1985
 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

STAFF PHOTOS

RELATED CONTENT

SOME HELPFUL TIPS

We're not suggesting that everyone should have an emergency generating station under the hood. But if you feel comfortable working with automobiles, you might want to give this setup a try. Remember that we were experimenting with a 40-amp alternator... and that a higher-output unit (from an air-conditioned car or a commercial pickup) can provide high voltage at a lower RPM, in which case you might not need to find (or machine) an extra-small pulley for it. Keep in mind, too, that the combination of high voltage and amperage produced by this modification is every bit as lethal as the AC socket in your house wall... so treat it with the same respect! (You can avoid any low-voltage equipment damage, as well, by disconnecting the positive terminal of your battery cable while making the wiring modifications.)

Should you plan to run your vehicle over an extended period of time as an emergency power source for the household (which is an admittedly fuel-consumptive practice, considering that the alternator only requires about 6 horsepower of the 100 or more provided by the engine), be aware that the car's radiator may require a greater rate of airflow... which can be provided by replacing the four-bladed fan with a multibladed type.

If you use the setup as it was intended to be used—and that's as an occasional source of temporary power when none other is available—you'll be sure to appreciate what a little bit of tinkering, can offer!

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.