My current project, I am creating a bicycle driven air compressor. I have an AC compressor from an old car, which I am connecting to the rear tire of my bicycle via a V belt. the compressor will move air into a tank, which I can then use for small applications like filling tires, or small air hand tools, like ratchets, or grinders. I'm pretty excited about it; but so far, has been pretty easy. I'll let you know if it works when I am done.
For my next attempt; I will try to build a steam engine from scratch. the idea is to burn wood; and get electrical energy.
First step is burning wood, to receive reciprocating movement. to do so, I plan on getting a water filled copper pipe coil, and placing it in a fire. the coil will be split, feeding two steam inlets. 4 valves will control steam flow, allowing a piston to move right and left.
According to "HowStuffWorks.com" this is how old fashioned steam engines work.
I didn't like the slide bar, which is why I designed the valve system. Check out my diagram by clicking the thumbnail.Howstuffworks.com wrote:
Once I have reciprocating motion, it will be easy to convert it to rotary motion, which can turn a electric generator, which can charge a battery.
I plan to make the main piston out of 4" Steel pipe, and the inlets/outlet out of 1/2" copper water pipe. What do you guys think?