Build an Emergency Power Generator

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All three-quarters inch plywood components were cut from a single 4-by-4 foot sheet.
All three-quarters inch plywood components were cut from a single 4-by-4 foot sheet.
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A completed power station, ready to power a home computer.
A completed power station, ready to power a home computer.
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The inverter, battery, and charger.
The inverter, battery, and charger.
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The enclosure and top of the power station before sanding and painting.
The enclosure and top of the power station before sanding and painting.
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Remove battery clips and battery-charger leads and install ring terminals to fit battery terminals. Be sure to mark the positive lead with red tape before cutting.
Remove battery clips and battery-charger leads and install ring terminals to fit battery terminals. Be sure to mark the positive lead with red tape before cutting.
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The power station can be taken on extended camping trips, and a self-contained solar panel can be added to recharge the battery during the day.
The power station can be taken on extended camping trips, and a self-contained solar panel can be added to recharge the battery during the day.
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Power Station dimension modifications.
Power Station dimension modifications.
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Position the battery charger so its controls and meter can be accessed.
Position the battery charger so its controls and meter can be accessed.
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Left, diagram of the battery powered station, on right an image of the wiring diagram with sidewall shelf support grove.
Left, diagram of the battery powered station, on right an image of the wiring diagram with sidewall shelf support grove.
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Materials list for the emergency power system box.
Materials list for the emergency power system box.

Less than 30 years ago, a power outage would be little more than a minor inconvenience to most people. Today, with the proliferation of home-business computers as well as answering and fax machines, a prolonged power interruption can bring your livelihood to a halt. Large cities are served by more than one electrical transmission line and most power outages usually last only as long as it takes to bypass a downed line, but country dwellers might well be stranded for days.

The most commercially available solution is a backup power supply system, but these stand-alone units (those in the $200 to $500 price range) will only keep a personal computer operating long enough to allow you to quickly save information and shut down. Not a terribly versatile solution.

This project will allow you to be prepared for the next short term power outage and maintain an almost normal life style while waiting for the line power return. The station cannot power everything in your home, but it will run a computer and fax machine, or television and DVD player for up to six hours, and lighting for several rooms at the same time … and can be built for a total cost of less than $400.

The system is designed to be stored out of the way until needed, then serve as your first line of defense in an emergency. You can also extend the power stations usefulness; load it in the car and take it on your next camping trip, or use it to power small tools or lights at the job site when a generator is not practical.

  • Published on Feb 1, 1998
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