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- Jun 14, 2013
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I know virtually nothing about how energy works, but hopefully I know enough to bluff through this. Please let me know if I'm on the right track or not!
I'm trying to think how people can create electricity in a post-apocalyptic world. Not a huge amount of electricity mind you, just enough for basics like minimal lighting and maybe some fans to help circulate air.
Presume that there is no access to coal, gas, or oil. The means of creating and storing power has to be something that can be created by some clever handymen using found materials- anything that requires large amounts of electricity to create is off-limits. They're creating energy from fire, water, wind and/or human power.
I start thinking about those little hand-crank devices people use in their bug-out bags. The little hand-crank radios and spotlights. Person consumes energy by eating, then use that energy to crank the handle, which transfers the energy to the device (through magnets, yes?).
What happens if I make a GIANT crank device, perhaps people using some sort of see-saw motion (thinking of those hand-crank train carts here), that simultaneously spins a large collection of magnets, which then feeds energy into... what? I'm not sure if I want to use a battery, as those have a lifespan, which is likely virtually over by the time this device is created. Perhaps the energy is fed through regulators and distributed directly to the equipment that requires the energy (e.g. light bulbs)?
My story is set in a somewhat Miyazaki-style world (only decidedly darker), so the world isn't strictly based on science. But I do want to show enough where people can believe it might be possible.
Any suggestions or extra info would be hugely appreciated!
I'm trying to think how people can create electricity in a post-apocalyptic world. Not a huge amount of electricity mind you, just enough for basics like minimal lighting and maybe some fans to help circulate air.
Presume that there is no access to coal, gas, or oil. The means of creating and storing power has to be something that can be created by some clever handymen using found materials- anything that requires large amounts of electricity to create is off-limits. They're creating energy from fire, water, wind and/or human power.
I start thinking about those little hand-crank devices people use in their bug-out bags. The little hand-crank radios and spotlights. Person consumes energy by eating, then use that energy to crank the handle, which transfers the energy to the device (through magnets, yes?).
What happens if I make a GIANT crank device, perhaps people using some sort of see-saw motion (thinking of those hand-crank train carts here), that simultaneously spins a large collection of magnets, which then feeds energy into... what? I'm not sure if I want to use a battery, as those have a lifespan, which is likely virtually over by the time this device is created. Perhaps the energy is fed through regulators and distributed directly to the equipment that requires the energy (e.g. light bulbs)?
My story is set in a somewhat Miyazaki-style world (only decidedly darker), so the world isn't strictly based on science. But I do want to show enough where people can believe it might be possible.
Any suggestions or extra info would be hugely appreciated!
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