Making a Wind Turbine Out of Spare 3D Printer Parts
Turning a old whirlygig fence spinner into a power-generating wind turbine.
Alternative Energy
Alternative Energy Kits: New in the Maker Shed
I’ve been fascinated by Stirling and other heat based engines as long as I can remember, which is why I’m excited to announce that these educational alternative energy kits from Exergia are now available in the Maker Shed.
Urine Luck: Turning pee Into Power
Scientists working at England’s Bristol Robotics Laboratory have developed a technique for converting urine into electrons, enough to power a cell phone.
Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online Today at 2pm PST/5pm EST
Today is Toolsday here at MAKE, so you know what that means – a live Google+ hangout where we will be discussing our favorite tools and workspace essentials. The main topic of the hangout will be power, in various forms. We’ll discuss a few of the many possible ways to power your projects, whether it’s with a homemade bench-top supply, a solar panel hanging out of your window, or a kit like the Mintyboost.
How-To: Spray Paint a Vintage Bike
I must admit I’ve always been a little intimidated by the thought of repainting a bike, but this DIY bike makeover makes it look easy!
Efficient Biohybrid Solar Cells with Spinach
A group from Vanderbilt University, lead by Professor David Cliffel, claims that a protein found in spinach, called PS1, when combined with silicon found in solar panels to form a biohybrid cell, end up being 2.5 times more efficient then cells lacking the protein.
Tropical Fruit-Powered Laser
Over at the Maui Makers hackerspace, member Ryan K showed up with a mess of Lilikoi fruit (also known as passion fruit). Using anodized bolts (source of zinc), some thin copper pipe, wire, switches, LEDs, and a capacitor, he built himself a battery from the fruit.
