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#1 2021-12-25 10:30:24

tahanson43206
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Registered: 2018-04-27
Posts: 16,760

Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

This topic is offered to focus upon a very specific need that exists on Earth today, and will exist on Mars in future.

This topic is intended to compare and evaluate a wide variety of solutions that can deliver:

20 Amps at 125 VAC for one hour of continuous service, if an electric solution is chosen.

A solution NOT using electricity (such as a pneumatic tool) would be measured in work equivalent.

Per Google >> learnmetrics.com >> 20 Amps at 120 VAC is equivalent to 2.40 kWh

The lead-off baseline for comparison is a quiet, generator-inverter at a base price of $850 (USD)

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-watt … +inverters

In other topics in the forum a variety of ways of approaching this problem are in active discussion.

The 3500 watt generator at the link above is a baseline for comparison.

It uses refined hydrocarbon fuel (gasoline) as an energy storage medium.

All solutions offered using alternative energy storage media will be evaluated based upon.

1) Initial price
2) Cost of maintenance
3) Type of fuel
4) Cost of fuel
5) Sound produced (the model is quiet enough to be operated in a trailer park)
6) Exhaust / waste produced
7) Mass/weight
8) Dimensions
9) Portability on a four wheeled cart
>>> Other comparison criteria can be added later

(th)

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#2 2021-12-25 10:35:54

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

Baseline for topic:

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-watt … +inverters

PREDATOR
3500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator

This super quiet, portable, lightweight inverter generator is ideal for RV’s, tailgating and more!

$829 USD on 2021/12/25

PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Using advanced inverter technology this super-quiet generator produces a pure sine wave power curve that is safe to use with sensitive electronics. The efficient design of this inverter generator gives you more power with lower fuel consumption. With 11 hours of run time at 25% load this powerful inverter generator is ideal for powering RVs, camping, supplying household emergency power and tailgating. Super-quiet power output (57 dB) makes this generator ideal for campsites. Parallel capable to double your output . 30 Amp RV adapter included for easy hookup to your RV.

Run time: 11 hours @ 25% load
Super quiet - only 57 dB
Electronic overload protection
212cc air-cooled OHV gas engine
3500 starting watts, 3000 running watts
Digital LCD Screen with low oil, overload and output light indicators
Integrated smooth-rolling casters for portability
(2) 120VAC grounded outlets, (1) 120VAC Twistlock Outlet, (1) DC-12v Two Pin Outlet
Hassle free electric start for quick and easy starting

Owner's manual: https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manua … /56720.pdf

Update 2021/12/26 ... I visited the store and looked at the generator on display ... later I found the specifications below:

SPECIFICATIONS
SKU(s)
56720, 63584
Brand
PREDATOR
Max Starting Watts
3500
Accessories Included
DC cable, screwdriver, spark plug wrench, 30 amp RV adapter, fuel funnel
Battery type
Lead acid
Battery(s) Included (y/n)
Yes
Certification
EPA III & CARB
Max Running Watts
3000
Engine displacement (cc)
212cc
Fuel type
Unleaded gasoline
Horsepower (hp)
6
Low oil shutdown
Yes
Output voltage (volts)
120 VAC, 12 VDC
Product Height
20 in.
Product Length
22.75 in.
Product Weight
100 lb.
Product Width
17.3 in.
Run Time
11 hours @ 25%
Shipping Weight
110.00 lb.
Sound rating (dB)
57 dB
Start type
Electric/Recoil
CA Residents
Warning - Prop 65 Info
Note: Specifications are approximate and subject to change

(th)

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#3 2021-12-25 12:20:45

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

Zeolite may be (appears to be) a natural material that can hold thermal energy.

The mechanism by which energy is stored is said to involve the "chemical structure" of the material, but it is (apparently?) not using chemical processes?

The material is apparently well studied, and it appears to be in use for a variety of applications.

Here is a link (along with a snippet) to a fee-required paper on Zeolite:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10 … ccess=true

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Home  All Journals  Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects  List of Issues  Volume 28, Issue 15  Natural Zeolites in Energy Applications
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Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects
Volume 28, 2006 - Issue 15
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Original Articles
Natural Zeolites in Energy Applications
Serpil Ozaydin,Gunnur Kocer &Arif Hepbasli
Pages 1425-1431 | Published online: 23 Feb 2007
Download citation https://doi.org/10.1080/15567240500400804

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Natural zeolites have been used in a wide variety of applications over the world. Among these, its utilization for carrying energy in energy conversation and heat exchanging systems is noteworthy. The main objective of the present study is to investigate potential and utilization opportunities of natural zeolites in energy-related applications. In this regard, the reserve potential of natural zeolites in Turkey is presented, while their worldwide application areas, current, and other utilization opportunities are given. High water adsorption capability and energy storage properties of natural zeolites are studied. The results of experimental studies conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties as well as the thermal conductivity values of the Gördes zeolite (Clinoptilolite type) with highly qualified, about one billion ton of mine deposit as energy storage material, are also presented.

Keywords: energyutilization of zeoliteszeoliteClinoptiloliteGördesTurkeythermal conductivity

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#4 2021-12-25 12:30:32

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

Molten Silicon has been proposed as a material capable of storing and then releasing thermal energy.

However, molten Silicon by itself cannot deliver electrical power for satisfaction of the requirements of this topic.

As would be true for Zeolite in the previous post, whatever thermal energy might be recovered from molten Silicon must be translated into electrical current by a process of some kind.

A possible mechanism is steam.

If water is introduced to a cavity filled with molten Silicon, then (presumably) the water would be given thermal energy sufficient to achieve the phase change to the gaseous form, and sufficient energy beyond that to perform useful work.

There are piston steam engines on the market capable of delivering 3 horsepower for operation of an electric generator.

Details that remain to be revealed include:

Cost of all equipment:
Silicon itself
Container able to hold molten Silicon
Plumbing to allow introduction of liquid water to Silicon cavity to draw off thermal energy
Regulation equipment to monitor and control flows of material to sustain desired output
Cart to hold equipment
Steam engine and related hardware
Generator and related hardware
Cost of energy to bring Silicon to molten state before job start

Note that molten Silicon is subject to energy loss over time,. due to leakage of thermal energy from storage container.

This deficiency compares to the baseline machine which uses refined hydrocarbon (gasoline) which is stable for long periods without "leakage"

(th)

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#5 2021-12-25 12:33:12

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

An alternative to be included in this study is battery storage of electrical energy.

Candidates include traditional lead acid batteries, Lithium batteries, and other batteries of other chemistry

These solutions include the need for electronic equipment to accept DC input and to deliver the required AC at the required power level.

Energy to charge these solutions is a factor to consider.

(th)

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#6 2021-12-25 12:35:41

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

Hydrogen gas is a potential energy carrier suitable for consideration in this topic.

Hydrogen gas can be produced by electrolysis (as one of many methods) or purchased from a supplier.

A hydrogen gas solution could include the use of fuel cells that are combined with electronics to deliver the required outputs.

Hydrogen can ** also ** feed into a traditional mechanical system, but I would expect efficiency to be lower than fuel cells would be.

(th)

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#7 2021-12-25 12:51:24

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

This post contains the result of further investigation of Zeolite as a thermal energy storage medium ...

Google snippet:

When zeolites absorb heat and desorb crystal water molecules, the temperature of it does not vary, therefore, this process belongs to the one of latent heat storage. So long as zeolites, of which water molecules are desorbed, keep apart water, the heat energy of it can be stored as long as you like.

Utilization of natural zeolites for solar energy storage - Fao.orghttps://www.fao.org › ...

Han Baoqi
Yuan Hongyen
Yang Dequan
Liu Guoxi
Jilin Agricultural University
Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, China

Paper No.9404

Abstract
Utilizing 13X synthetic zeolite to store solar energy has been successful. In this paper, the storing solar energy principle of zeolites is discussed, the contrast study of natural zeolites to the 13X synthetic zeolite was made, and the conclusion showed that natural zeolites can be used as storing solar energy material completely instead of the 13x synthetic zeolite below 100°C.

Introduction
Solar energy intermittence and its varying radiation intensity are the key factors affecting solar energy efficiency. For example, radiation intensity of solar energy in the same place varies with season, day and night, and weather. In general, it is difficult to match the energy demand of some users with variety of solar energy. Therefore, solar energy storage is one of the critical problems of present solar energy application research. Ways of storing solar energy can be roughly classified into three types.

1. Sensible Heat Storage
In middle and low temperature solar energy systems, water and stones are the best and cheapest storing energy medium. The heat energy collected by solar energy collectors increases the temperature of the medium, so the heat energy is stored in the medium. When needed, the heat energy is desorbed for use.

The density of sensible heat storing energy is low, and the period of it is short.

2. Latent Heat Storage
For this type of storage, the storing energy medium is required to have the features of big energy absortivity, small variety of volume, little corrosion, and good repeatability. Presently, sulphate, nitrate, and hydrate carbonates are usually used as the medium.

The latent heat storage from phase transformation is characterized by high energy storing density and long storage period. Nevertheless, the medium is easily cooled. Once this happens, crystallization of the medium is made difficult.

3. Chemical Reaction Energy Storage.
In this type, the endothermic reaction of chemical material is used to store heat energy. When the inverse process takes place, the heat can be released. Some inorganic oxides are usually used as the medium.

The merits of this type are high capacity for storing heat and long storage period. Nevertheless, the high temperature required by endothermic reactions, results in high equipment costs.

Storing solar energy principle of zeolites
Zeolite is a aluminosilicate mineral of alkali or alkaline earth metal which contains crystal water. Its general chemical formula is

AmXpO2p · nH2O

The article at the link above continues for some distance.

While the author(s) assert that use of Zeolite for energy storage is feasible, I came away from the article with no understanding of how energy is recovered from the material.

It is clear that water is forced out of the material in a physical process when heat is applied.

It is reported that heat is released when water is returned to the material.

How that heat might manifest itself is not clear.

If the water is returned to a crystalline form inside the cavities of the Zeolite, then water itself would (presumably) NOT be a mechanism for delivery of thermal energy to the outside world.

(th)

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#8 2021-12-25 15:04:36

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

This post is dedicated to fuel cell technology that might be considered for the topic challenge

The web site here seems to offer products that are related to the inquiry....

https://www.fuelcellearth.com/

I note that a 100 watt package is showing as available for in excess of $2000 USD.

24 of those would set the experimenter back $48,000.  Interesting!

(th)

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#9 2021-12-25 18:14:18

SpaceNut
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From: New Hampshire
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Posts: 28,750

Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

Just looked at the gasoline generator which is more than adequate to the task. Has advance capability to throttle back fuel use under light loads but that is not usually how we intend to use the power its capable of delivering. It needs fuel stabilizer since the new fuels cause many a product to gum up while not being used. The fuel tank is 2.6 gallons so the run time will be far shorter when near full load is being used. While its got a battery its only for electric starting so you do not need a pull rope to start it and that saves your shoulder and arm for when its being difficult to start.
There are several nice features first is the display of VA – Volt Amps / Watts so you know what is happening with the power drain on the system with the next being Hour – current run time and accumulative run time. Once you have used it a few time you will know how long you have when not using the units power as its running for how much fuel is still in the tank.

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#10 2021-12-25 18:22:47

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

For SpaceNut re #9

Thanks for looking at the lead-off example for this topic.

I estimate the total cost for a portable/mobile unit would be just about $1000, including a manually operated cart to hold the generator.

An electric powered transport cart runs about $900, from a scan of available equipment.

A concern I would have for a gasoline powered device (or any hydrocarbon fuel powered device) is that the exhaust would be close to the operator of the cart or wagon.  A battery or Hydrogen powered device, or one of the heat powered devices, would not have this drawback.

This concern might be alleviated by sending the exhaust up a vertical pipe.  That would reduce the performance of the machine slightly, but at least it would put the hot exhaust gases above the crew at the job site.

Thanks for pointing out the real time load monitoring instruments! 

(th)

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#11 2021-12-25 19:40:25

SpaceNut
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From: New Hampshire
Registered: 2004-07-22
Posts: 28,750

Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

The unit is a two man lift from a pickup or even like my escape so that is going to tiring to need to do to make use of it and with fuel in it that becomes a hazard. So if you are using ramps to load the unit why not make a cart out of an old riding lawn mower to move it around so that you are not lifting it. Or place it even onto an old push mower deck if possible as another means to not do the lifting of it. You might even try making a couple of bikes into a generator moving cart. or a reverse three wheel.
51CR+5dQByS._AC_SL1000_.jpg

or something like this child carrier less the canopy
714C2kAL0bL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Of course modifying the exhaust would make it less loud as well as giving you that up a few meters into the air dispersal but is that really something that you are needing.

Most uses for this device would use a 50 to 100 ft extension cord to the plug in device and even if its going to be used to power a bank of battery charges for cordless uses you still would not be working on top of it while its running.

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#12 2021-12-26 07:25:11

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

For SpaceNut re #11

Thank you for those interesting images of possible carriers for the running generator!  I like the baby carrier in particular, as a model; for a practical transporter for the power generator.

Diving into the weeds a bit, the power cord recommended for the tool is 12 gauge and a maximum of 100 feet.  However, if the power unit is moved behind the tool, then a 50 foot cord would be sufficient.  A 50 foot 12 gauge cord is close to $100 (USD) at a local store. The longest cord I found in 12 gauge was 80 feet.   50 feet seems to me sufficient for the tool operator to cover plenty of ground while the power unit operator moves behind.

Regarding exhaust fumes .... It's a case of responsibility to the worker hired to move the power unit.  I consider it common decency to avoid poisoning a worker I hire (or enlist in case of a neighborhood volunteer) and the exhaust from a hydrocarbon burning machine should not be taken in by anyone.

Or, if I trade jobs and move the power unit, then it is ** my ** air intake that I'm worried about. 

A generator should not be installed inside a home, or garage or any enclosed space.  This is (fairly) common knowledge, but there are still people who do not possess even ** that ** common knowledge, so there are reports of deaths whenever large numbers of people are running hydrocarbon burning generators.

To be on the safe side, I recommend NOT ingesting exhaust from a hydrocarbon burning machine at all, if possible, and as little as possible if it is unavoidable.  Operating the machine upwind is a solution, but in this case the transporter operator would be behind the machine, and the wind can be coming from in front as easily as from the side.

The ideal solution to this dilemma is to employ one of the non-hydrocarbon burning power delivery methods, but (so far) those are turning out to be far more costly than the hydrocarbon burning method.

(th)

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#13 2021-12-26 09:45:08

SpaceNut
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Posts: 28,750

Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

If filtering is required for the unit carry a disposable water supply to send the exhaust through a tank like bubbler something like one might create in a small fish tank size. To aid in that one can combine air with exhaust to give pressure to the systems bubbler unit.
TubingItsAllAboutTheBubble.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1

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#14 2021-12-26 09:59:43

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

For SpaceNut re #13

Interesting idea !!!  The gases to be avoided are carbon monoxide and oxides of Nitrogen. 

I'm not familiar with how the system you've shown us works, and (in fact) had not heard of it, so appreciate the opportunity to learn about it.

Hopefully you  suggested it because it ?can? collect poisonous gases while allowing Nitrogen and CO2 to pass through.

The effluent from the filter would thus be thick with poisons at the end of a run, so those would have to be disposed of safely.

The filter system would (presumably) consume some of the power generated by the little lawnmower sized motor in the generator, but I have no idea how much.

The common practice (in most hydrocarbon burning machines) is to pour the exhaust into the air, and just hope it disperses enough so it does not cause permanent harm to living creatures.

That is why I proposed lifting the exhaust some distance above the machine, in hopes it would rise in the atmosphere and disperse well away from the workers.

Many 18-wheeler truck tractors have elevated exhaust stacks.

(th)

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#15 2021-12-26 14:25:47

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

For SpaceNut (primarily) .... all others are welcome to participate of course ...

I stopped in at Harbor Freight ... traffic in the store was light .... the staff was way down and they did not know much about the generator...

They ** did ** show me how to access the oil dipstick.

The generator is (about) 23 inches long by 21 inches tall.  Width is less than length.

Weight is still unknown.  I studied the machine carefully and saw no air ports ... they must be underneath.

There is an opening in the back where exhaust might flow, but the machinery visible through that opening did not include a fan.

***
There are a variety of carts/wagons available ... the range from $55 to $99 (USD)

***
A 10 gauge 100 foot power cord is available for $85.00 (USD) That is definitely competitive in both feature and price.

Update at 16:00 local time .... For SpaceNut ... I updated Post #2 of this topic with more details.

(th)

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#16 2021-12-26 19:59:18

SpaceNut
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From: New Hampshire
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

Available parts list
https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manua … P56720.pdf
item number 37 on the reference drawing is the air filter. shown on pg 8 behind side panel
https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manua … /56720.pdf

CO use a solution of salt to aid in the capturing, you are making a mini smoke stack filter for the exhaust.

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#17 2021-12-26 20:08:32

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

For SpaceNut re #16

Thanks for continuing to review the baseline generator, and for the suggestion of capturing CO from the exhaust.

I would like to see if we can add a bit of detail to the alternative proposals.

I'm particularly interested in knowing how to recover energy from Zeolite, but I'm also curious to know how to recover energy from molten Silicon. 

We already know that a hydrogen fuel cell powered system would run about $50,000 and that is just for the fuel cell modules.

however, the output would be pure water, which could be recycled.

I would estimate a Lithium battery solution at $10,000, but I note that there are vendors who claim their machines can operate for an hour using lithium batteries and total cost is under $2,000.

(th)

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#18 2021-12-26 20:33:36

SpaceNut
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

The issue for me is how do you make them molten or extremely hot and yet still achieve making that mobile as you are not going to transfer the materials from to making it mobile without some drawbacks in handling.

The inverter for the gas unit is making use of an unregulated source dc voltage after rectification out of the motor section of the coils. That is so as to not need to do constant RPM to get the 60 cycle directly. Of course what we do not know is that DC voltage from the motor generator unit.

Since we do not know it we would take the wattage / voltage DC and we would get the amperes needed from the battery.
Then we would make use of the inverter efficiency or power factor that is 90% to derive the Ampere hour we need from the battery.

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#19 2021-12-26 21:37:43

Calliban
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From: Northern England, UK
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

How about a thermal battery containing two phase change materials - one hot, one cold, with a heat engine between them.  The hot source, could be something like paraffin wax, with a melting point of 60°C.  The cold source, a mixture of water and ethanol, with a melting point of say, -50°C.  As the heat engine runs, the ethanol-water mix would melt and the paraffin wax would solidify.  You could put a large thermal battery, consisting of two tanks with a heat engine in-between, on a trailer.  You could even use a small portable wind or solar generator to recharge the battery at any stationary site.  That way you don't necessarily have to haul the battery away to recharge it.

On Mars, thermal batteries could be charged using a caesium or strontium radiothermal heat source, which would sit within a tank of phase change material.  The phase change material in this case may serve as shielding.

Last edited by Calliban (2021-12-26 21:43:43)


"Plan and prepare for every possibility, and you will never act. It is nobler to have courage as we stumble into half the things we fear than to analyse every possible obstacle and begin nothing. Great things are achieved by embracing great dangers."

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#20 2021-12-27 15:27:07

SpaceNut
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

One of the issues for any power source AC or DC is that as wattage goes up so does its price tag and that is just for the inverter or convertor which is being used to make the stored energy available for use.

The 3,500 wattage generator is comparable to a battery unit of 4,000 w but its over kill for what you are planning to do with it.
aims-power-4000-watt-pure-sine-inverter-charger-12vdc-120vac-input-120-240vac-split-phase-output this one is high in price $1,575 on sale less the battery bank.

The higher the input voltage is the lower the input current will be required from that battery voltage.

edit
Thinking about the battery and the need for AC power we have the perfect units in the power walls and power cell units

https://www.generac.com/generaccorporat … f?ext=.pdf

https://www.generac.com/generaccorporat … f?ext=.pdf

Charge the unit at home and put it in standby mode and then activate it at the work site.

$1,799 cost 2000Wh/2000W Higher OutputBLUETTIAC200P_1_960x.jpg?v=1638859602

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#21 2021-12-27 18:53:04

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

For SpaceNut re #20

For exact comparison ... the battery pack / inverter needs to be able to provide power at 2400 watts for an hour.

By any chance, can you find a set of batteries that could meet that requirement.  I think it is probably better to oversize the inverter, so that it is operating at well under maximum for most of it's service life.

The package needs to include the mobility function ... the size of the mobile support depends upon the volume and mass of the batteries.

The baseline generator (apparently) weighs about 100 pounds dry, so a bit more with fuel and oil.  A wagon able to hold 500 pounds would handle that load with ease.

Thanks again for continuing to add details to the alternatives to be considered in this topic.

I have seen ** nothing ** so far, by any contributor, about how to pull thermal energy from a hot mass in order to deliver 20 Amps at 120 VAC for one hour.

Everything I have seen so far is about how to store thermal energy in a medium, whether it is Zeolite, molten Silican or rocks, for that matter.

The energy in a thermal mass is completely useless if it cannot be retrieved in a moderately efficient manner.

50% is probably the best that might be hoped for from ** any ** of the thermal mass solutions.

I was encouraged for a time, by the suggestion of Calliban to design a thermal storage device with a cold compartment and a hot compartment, but there was no mention of how to pull electric current from the system.

without that, a hot mass is useful only to cook a hot dog or two before it cools off.

(th)

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#22 2021-12-27 19:30:29

SpaceNut
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

A pelliter device is one way to do so for a hot to cold for temperatures below boiling of water to say ice but its not something that is off the shelf but can be designed.

If the heat level is lower then you can use the Peltier Module devices which is the seebeck effect of hot on one side of a diode junction and cold on the anode.

peltier-diagram.jpg

This makes DC power some what at low efficiency of 5%

https://tetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2 … T97RJB.pdf
Thermoelectric Power Generator Design and Selection from TE Cooling Module Specifications

https://www.britannica.com/technology/t … -generator

A large metal plate can act as the cold while the sun reflected onto the hot side would create power out of the devices.
At that point the dc voltage that comes out is applied to supper capacitors to give ripple voltage control to the supply side of the inverter where the voltage is attached.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_generator

https://espressomilkcooler.com/blog-des … or-system/

https://thermoelectric-generator.com/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/a … 4719306997
A comprehensive review of Thermoelectric Generators: Technologies and common applications

What we are working on is how to get the energy that is stored back out
F1.png

https://www.instructables.com/Thermoele … eneration/

Its about adding up devices to create the power level that is required.
The molten silicon uses an extremely hot material and special tubes that glow when its flowing through them with special thermal panels to create the electricity which can be design but is not off the shelf.

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#23 2021-12-27 19:58:53

tahanson43206
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Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

For SpaceNut re #22

Thank you for adding the Seebeck effect to the discussion.  The challenge of using the Seebeck effect is the very low efficiency, combined with the need for a low temperature to achieve any efficiency at all.

it is possible that Calliban's suggestion of a cold sink in the same cart as the hot mass might offer a way toward pulling electricity out of a hot mass.

The extremely low efficiency of the Seebeck effect would presumably mean the hot mass would need to be larger and the cold mass correspondingly large.

The insulation needed around hot and cold masses must be accounted for, and that insulation needs to be of very high quality.

Please continue developing this line of inquiry as you get time!

(th)

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#24 2021-12-29 11:46:55

SpaceNut
Administrator
From: New Hampshire
Registered: 2004-07-22
Posts: 28,750

Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

I gave a run down of a solar kit here of which the battery and the inverter would be large enough for your application. Using the 200 Ahr battery with the 3kw sine wave inverter.

12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery

    Nominal Voltage: 12.8v
    Terminal Type: F12/ M8
    Dimensions (L x W x H): 13 x 6.8 x 8.4 (H + Terminal: 9.3) Inch
    Weight: 22.6lbs
    Max. Continue Discharge Current: 100A
    Max. Permanent Discharge Current: 200A 2Sec.
    Max. Continue Charge Current: 50A

$300 to 600 depending on vendor

3KW Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger

    Rated Wattage: 3000W
    Rated Surge Wattage: 9000W
    Dimensions: 18.5 x 7.5 x 9 In
    Weight: 55 Lbs
    Battery Charger current: 50A
    Rated Input Voltage: Seal lead-acid, Flooded, Gel, AGM, Lithium LiFePo4

$500 to 1500 depending on the vendor

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#25 2021-12-29 19:19:47

tahanson43206
Moderator
Registered: 2018-04-27
Posts: 16,760

Re: Portable Power Best Solution Compare Discuss Evaluate

For SpaceNut re #24 and support of topic ...

Thanks for these interesting links, and for your support of this topic!

Here is a report that just showed up on my Internet feed ... the AI must know I'm looking for snow removal equipment ... (not that there is much chance of snow here).

Remote control electric vehicle has snow removal attachment ...

This is definitely a step in the direction I'd like to see!  It saves money by requiring assembly at home.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/meet-cy … 00309.html

The coolest part, though, has to be the CyBlower. This nifty attachment, which is still in development, can be mounted to the CyberKat’s trailer hitch to help blow away snow in a snap. Think of it as a snowblower on wheels that you can control from the comfort of your living room. You can also use the hitch to pull a wagon or wheeled cooler, for instance. To top it off, the CyberKat is fitted with light bars like the original Cybertruck that give it a futuristic feel.

The CyberKat starts at $1,299, but you’ll need to fork out an additional $120 for the electronics kit to power it and another $80 for the optional radio. The first models are currently estimated to start shipping in January or February 2022, which means the CyberKat will likely beat the Cybertruck to market. (Tesla’s truck is due to arrive sometime next year.)

And while it won’t set you back as much as the recently announced Snowbot, the kicker is that you will have to build this beast yourself. Hey, there’s nothing like a good DIY project to kick off the new year.

(th)

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