Bucket-based hydroelectric generator powers up small gadgets

Never mind those ginormous dam-based hydroelectric generators -- we've got a much smaller version that you can actually use in your backyard. The Pico Hydroelectric Generator was installed within a 5-gallon bucket by Sam Redfield in order to convert the energy from "existing gravity fed irrigation, fresh water, or waste water systems" into usable electricity that can juice up your cellphone, DAP, portable fan / water-bottle combo, etc. Regrettably, there's not a whole heap of details beyond that, but you can check out another angle in the read link below.

[thedesolate1 @ Jun 28th 2008 4:18PM]

Campers, Nature Nuts and Woodsmen rejoice!

[bohsocks @ Jun 28th 2008 9:04PM]

DAMMIT... I'm going to have to keep some extra lights on to make up for the energy this will save :(

Curse you, Captain Planet!

[paul34 @ Jun 28th 2008 4:19PM]

Actually, thinking about this, this might actually prove somewhat useful here in Florida, where the afternoon thunderstorms often result in some nice, torrential downpours that maybe don't last long, but create some crazy pressure and volume out of the roof rain gutter outlet drain things. Could easily spin a generator of some sort.

Wouldn't produce much electricity, and not for more than a couple of horus, if that, but hey, "free" electricity is free electricity!

[andres @ Jun 28th 2008 4:49PM]

concept already thought of, not very viable.
http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2008/6/8/155413/0532
(link is extremely relevant)

[ECG @ Jun 28th 2008 4:20PM]

Hello Moto.

[lawyer bird @ Jun 28th 2008 4:26PM]

I don't want my phone getting wet though.

looks dangerous

[Steve Jones @ Jun 28th 2008 4:45PM]

You better get bubblewrap then, coz this here be a dangerous world. Ooooooo, risky!

[andres @ Jun 28th 2008 4:50PM]

then dont use it

[Jon Doe. @ Jun 28th 2008 4:29PM]

But Apple sucks ass....I don't see how this proves otherwise.

[maveric101 @ Jun 28th 2008 4:41PM]

what? are you in the wrong post?

[JimReaper @ Jun 28th 2008 6:46PM]

It proves fanboys will post BS anywhere.

[thedesolate1 @ Jun 28th 2008 7:58PM]

Thank You for giving us your opinion but your in the wrong thread douche.

[maveric101 @ Jun 28th 2008 4:40PM]

geez, are those phones from 1996?

[martin @ Jun 28th 2008 4:49PM]

not worth risking new phones for an experiment.. or maybe the guys just poor lol

[cibrlx01 @ Jun 28th 2008 5:32PM]

If the phones were from 1996, they would crush the lid of this container.
These phones look more like entry phones from 2000-2002.

But you are right, the phones do look pretty old.

[Paul @ Jun 28th 2008 6:15PM]

This is fricken awesome.

We have a cabin out in country that has no power, but has a steadily flowing stream closeby. This would be pretty nice for small gadgets and maybe a low power light.

[DAvid Relan @ Jun 28th 2008 6:35PM]

you could just hook this in your main water line and then sell it back to the grid.

[JimReaper @ Jun 28th 2008 6:47PM]

Im getting the slight feeling that the amount of water you use might cost ever so slightly more than what youd get for your electricity :D

[Steve Jones @ Jun 28th 2008 7:09PM]

I'm fairly certain you wouldn't be allowed to do that!

[Nytrojen @ Jun 28th 2008 8:09PM]

Actually... that's not such a stupid idea. You could have the generator built in line with your mains source. You'd only be generating power when you actually turn any taps on, and the power generated would probably be miniscule, but combined with various other concepts, it may be justifiable.

... or you could use the power generated from having a shower to illuminate an LED readout that tells you to stop wasting water... or call you a communist

[kamu @ Jun 29th 2008 12:38AM]

There'd need to be a vertical distance between the watermain and your piping system if you were to generate power on water you used. But you could never pump it back into the mains because it would take more energy to power a pump to pump it back up the vertical distance it fell down then into the water main. There is no such thing as free energy ;)

[swissheep @ Jun 28th 2008 10:01PM]

I HAS A BUKKIT!

[andres @ Jun 28th 2008 10:14PM]

u has the stupid

[Ron @ Jun 29th 2008 2:16AM]

Wait, so let me get this straight.

you're wasting perfectly good water which some kid in africa could be using right now, just to power your cellphone?

gots to love capitalism for that

[WiredEarp @ Jul 4th 2008 9:38PM]

Im sure everyone will get on with diverting their rivers to Africa now they know better!

Did you come up with that yourself, or consult a book of stupid, tired cliches?

[gad get @ Jun 29th 2008 7:06AM]

You're joking. Please tell me you're joking.

[Jake @ Jun 29th 2008 4:22PM]

Well since the water isnt' really messed up u could store it and use it again use it again. it would also be good in a power outage.

[ShadowKain @ Jun 29th 2008 12:06PM]

Macgyver would be proud...

[Can0Spam @ Jun 30th 2008 11:23AM]

More information

http://www.aidg.org/component/option,com_jd-wp/Itemid,34/p,1136/

[Cat Laine @ Jul 1st 2008 10:10AM]

Cat Laine from AIDG here. Sam wrote up a bit more info on the system and what we're trying to do with it here: http://www.aidg.org/component/option,com_jd-wp/Itemid,34/p,1136/

He's putting together a parts list and a basic manual over the next few days. I'll post a heads up when it's done.

Cheers,

Cat