The only thing missing is the Gedunk hound

Cariboocoot

After my experiences in the past day I needed a good laugh:

http://www.offgridquest.com/energy/167-gravity-battery-energy-storage-concept

BTW, if anyone is wondering why this isn't practical just remember that every time you convert energy from one form to another there is a loss. And that's not the least of it.

solarix

Re: The only thing missing is the Gedunk hound

Ya, good idea until you start to run the numbers.
Correct me if i'm wrong but a typical 48V off-grid battery might be 440Ah or 20kwh. Multiply by 2,660 ftlb/wh gives 53 Mftlb. Assuming 4 "gravity batteries" of 100lb, the well depth has to be 132,000 feet deep! - (not including friction losses)
Good illustration of how much energy it takes to run the modern lifestyle...

northerner

Re: The only thing missing is the Gedunk hound

Here's a way to generate some extra power and good for a laugh!

http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?issue_number=06.06.01&article=pedalpower

With multiple bikes you would just need to invite friends over for power generation parties at your place, for those cloudy days!:D

stephendv

Re: The only thing missing is the Gedunk hound

I was considering a variation on this by building a pumped hydro setup... Only because I need to build a water catchment dam anyway, so was thinking of building 2 dams instead of 1 at different altitudes, but even so the costs are prohibitive. Just the extra trenching + pipes + additional labour + GTI would be more than just buying the equivalent sized lead acid batt.

Calculations here: http://www.casanogaldelasbrujas.com/blog/2013/01/17/rough-calculations-for-mad-pumped-hydro-idea/

AuricTech

Re: The only thing missing is the Gedunk hound

But it works for cuckoo clocks... :roll: