Electromagnetic Generators (EGs)

In order to push electrons down a copper wire, generating current we can use with other devices such as additional fans or lights, we need magnets attached to spinning rods. You can get good magnets from old hard drives or speakers. Don’t let the name confuse you, you’re looking for permanent magnets not electromagnets (which are only magnetic when “plugged in”.) We’re making electricity using magnets NOT making magnets with electricity, though ironically the process is very similar.

Make sure you have separation between the steam redirect and the copper. Respect the copper. Keep it dry. Spinning rods are useful for all kinds of kinetic applications like directly torquing fans and belts in addition to generating electricity.

For each rod on which we place magnets we slide copper coils around such that magnets cross at 90 degree angles with the copper wire during rotation. For efficiency sake we use coils. The diameter of the circles depend mostly on magnet size. Big magnet means big loop for best results. The amount of loops depends on you staying within the range of the magnetic field so the more powerful the magnets the “thicker” you can wrap the coils and therefore generate larger amounts of current per rotation.

For AC just orient the magnets in alternating North/South position around the rod. Play with it. Wrapping your own coil is a fun way to pass time warming your toes near the wood stove and burning out a few LED’s while you experiment with your own EGs is a small price to pay for a lifetime of self-generated, environmentally friendly, essentially free power. Think like Nicola Tesla.

Light Array

Sun + Mirrors + Control Paths + Diffusors = Light in dark places such as a year round greenhouse. Sunlight is the best light. Place several inexpensive mirrors around the perimeter of your building in whichever convenient place you might install a solar panel. Now turn the mirrors toward your “collectors” which redirect the light into your attic where you’ve installed “reflective” control paths directing light into whichever rooms you need through most of the day. By combining light through diffusors you get a much more consistent illumination while maximizing the available sunlight which changes based on seasons and time of day. Also no more flicker or changing light bulbs… like ever.

Augment your lighting needs, including night time, using the EGs or portable lights with small rechargeable batteries you can charge from your EGs. DO NOT invest in expensive battery banks which will just cost you thousands of dollars and have to be replaced in a few short years. Power your secondary lights with “in light sources” ie. a small rechargeable battery of trivial expense, which lasts months per charge under routine usage. Otherwise wire in EG powered light for special persistent needs. Let the fire do ALL the heavy lifting.

Greenhouse

By heating your insulated greenhouse with your stove’s “waste” heat you can maintain botanical production all year round at temperatures sufficient for plants (if cold for people). Leveraging your light array with augmentation from the EGs and steam waste for misting/watering or even more heat directly from the stove’s main system if necessary. You’ll find your balance based on your conditions. There are opportunities with an operation like this for expanding into eggs via a small family of chickens happy to work for feed, warmth, and protection from predators.