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Fusion Jr. Home Energy Reactor

by TheHomebrewGuru on July 14, 2011

Table of Contents
Fusion Jr. Home Energy Reactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: Fusion Jr. Home Energy Reactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: Get a Coffee Can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: Get Some Peltier Cells Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: Get Some Fuel and Do Some Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 4: Attach Peltier Cell(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 5: Battery, Inverter, and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 6: Author's Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

Author:TheHomebrewGuru Trevor Nestor's Lab on Youtube

Hello I'm Mad Scientist Trevor Nestor. If you like my instructables see my youtube channel!
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksEFn8xaLP0z4rsiHa9zcA?feature=mhee Email me at TrevorNestorsLab@gmail.com

Intro: Fusion Jr. Home Energy Reactor

Visit my youtube page for more cool projects: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksEFn8xaLP0z4rsiHa9zcA?feature=mhee
The Fusion Jr. Home Energy Reactor is in essence a mini-generator that derives its power off of combustible waste material (like paper, wood, yard clippings, and
even some plastics) inspired by Mr. Fusion as seen in the movie Back to the Future II. The potential for energy generation is great, and, in fact, this technology was
used to power many cars during World War II and is a suggested energy source for developing countries (to provide gas to power stoves mainly). This is a truly unique
project (never been done before), and, if completed, you can say that you have successfully converted garbage into electricity!
This is a green technology that derives power from an alternative fuel source that can be built by mostly salvaged components (well, not everything).
The Gasifier unit cleanly converts garbage into a burnable gas often called syngas or woodgas, then burns it creating heat which can be used to cook food (I have
personally used this to cook a pot of soup) or Peltier Cells can convert the heat directly into electricity. The current produced by the Peltier Cells is sent to a Charging
Module. The Charging Module charges a rechargeable Storage Battery. The Storage Battery supplies energy to run a Power Inverter. The Power Inverter can be used to
run electrical appliances. Later we will see that after setting up the battery, inverter, and charger, turning this into a solar project is as easy as substituting the Fusion Jr.
with any solar panel.
The minimum energy expected from one unit is dependent on how many peltier cells are used. Each cell contributes about 3 continuous watts. Potential energy from a
Fusion Jr. system is well over 2000 watts, but harnessing all of that energy is difficult, especially since peltier cells are at less than 3% efficient.
Appliances with high watt ratings can be run even with low input because energy is stored in the Storage Battery.

Step 1: Get a Coffee Can

(See Diagrams)
The Gasifier Unit is one of the most crucial components of the Fusion Jr. system. The Gasifier Unit comes in 3 parts, labeled as A (chimney), B (housing), and C
(reactor). Each part comes apart.
Trash is put through the chimney and is ignited using an igniter (a lighter). The trash begins to combust with oxygen supplied through holes at the base of the housing.
The oxygen travels from the outside into the housing, then into the reactor through the lower holes. As temperature rises and more trash is supplied, the oxygen supply is
cut off as the lower holes are blocked off by embers and ash and the trash can no longer combust. The high temperatures cause the creation of syngas which primarily
consists of the combustible gases carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The syngas does not combust, even though there is a high enough temperature, until it reaches the
combustion zone labeled by the diagram. The syngas combusts with oxygen supplied by a series of holes. The result of this combustion is the release of carbon
dioxide, water vapor, and heat. The Gasifier Unit effectively burns garbage without excessive pollution and smoke. Unfortunately, when starting up the gasifier, when the
gasifier runs out of fuel, and during windy conditions, smoke is produced. The Gasifier will provide heat for up to a half hour after the flame dies down.
I used a coffee can, a bean can, a small cookie tin can, and a camping pan to make this setup, but you can experiment with different setups. Puncture holes as dictated
by the diagram. More holes provides more oxygen and thus a better burn, while less holes allows for more partial combustion which is needed for the formation of gas.
The key is to experiment with oxygen intake. Gasification relies on what is sometimes referred to as "partial combustion," which means that, to produce intermediate
flammable gases, you must adjust oxygen available in the combustion zone (the number and size of holes).

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

Image Notes
1. CHIMNEY
2. CORE
3. HOUSING
4. VENTILATION HOLE
5. VENTILATION HOLE
6. VENTILATION HOLE

Step 2: Get Some Peltier Cells Online

Peltier cells utilize semiconductor technology much like standard solar cells. Two polarized semiconductors convert heat flow into electrical current. Naturally, the greater
the heat gradient, the more current is produced. A set of 10 peltier cells can be purchased for $70. Surprisingly, this price is cheaper (since I last checked in 2007) per
watt produced than solar cells. Peltier cells are often used in heating and cooling applications because when current is passed through a peltier cell, one side becomes
hot, and the other side becomes cold.
It is highly recommended that a cooling element (heat sink) is placed in the opposite side of the peltier cell (the side not touching the Fusion Jr.). This allows for a greater
cooling gradient. In some cases, fans or even ice can be used as a coolant to allow for a gradient. Don't let the peltier cells get too hot or they will melt though!
Placing the cells just right for them to get a maximum heat gradient is optimal. Use aluminum tape to attach the cells.
If you do not wish to use peltier cells, other technology can be used as well such as small steam engines or stirling engines. Both can produce enough power to charge
batteries or small appliances.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

Step 3: Get Some Fuel and Do Some Tests

Initially, tests must be done to ensure that your unit is gasifying properly. To do this, insert solid fuel, hot coals, and/or a bit of tiki torch fuel into the unit. The unit should
produce a clean, smokeless flame. This indicated the presence of "biogas." An obsolete book or woodchips should burn nicely.
In my photos, I use no tiki torch fuel or coals, only solid fuel! Notice the clean burn.
This is why this technology is suggested as a fuel source for developing countries and was used to run cars during World War II.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

Step 4: Attach Peltier Cell(s)

I have done some work building a larger unit. In this example, I put ice in cooling trays around the unit for a larger heat gradient. Peltier cells are sandwiched between the
trays and the actual gasifier. Glue typically does not work because of its tendency to melt or burn off. Aluminum tape works great!
Cooling trays can be filled with snow for a greater heat gradient for those living in cooler climates.

Step 5: Battery, Inverter, and Charger

Now that you have the power source, you need to implement some way to store the incoming power. You will need a 12v rechargable battery, a float charger, and a
power inverter. All of these things can be purchased online. You may also wish to buy a $5 voltmeter to monitor the battery's charge.
There are a few subtleties with the components. For example, a squarewave power inverter is not as great as a sinewave power inverter, and a squarewave inverter will
not work with many sensative electronics. Some chargers are cheap and actually can damage batteries. Keep in mind that some lead acid batteries work better than
others, and some chargers better than others. Make sure to look at customer reviews before a purchase! Here I just used a standard car battery, but these do not last
very long the way that we are using them. Keep an eye out for "deep cycle" batteries. Batteries are measured in "amp hours." In our case, you can estimate how many
watts can be powered for an hour using the battery with this formula:
(efficiency %)*(12)*(amp hours)
The power inverter, charger, and voltmeter can be simply clipped to the battery (pay attention to polarity!).
With all of these charging components you can even substitute the Fusion Jr. with a solar panel to provide a usable outlet or power a large variety of solar-related
projects!
And That's All!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

Image Notes
1. 12V BATTERY
2. CHARGER
3. MULTIMETER
4. POWER INVERTER

Image Notes
1. 30 WATT SOLAR PANEL (OPTIONAL)

Step 6: Author's Notes

On Efficiency:
Quite a few have pointed out low efficiency of peltier cells. Perhaps peltier cells are not ideal, yet for a small diy project the simplicity of solid state components makes it
attractive and cool. Industrially steam power is more efficient, but on a small scale it would be difficult to make a few mini steam engines/etc by hand and it is no doubt
daunting to the amateur DIYer! There has been some talk in the auto industry about replacing a car's alternators with peltier cells at the its exhaust pipe, thus reusing
waste heat instead of leeching off of the car's momentum. Peltier cells are not hopelessly inefficient.
On Environmental Effects:
To sequester carbon is to take it out of the carbon cycle. Since all carbon in the carbon cycle enters the gas phase at one point in the cycle, if at any point carbon is
added to the carbon cycle at that point it is damaging, and that is the only time it is. Gasification is a technology that is already in use globally, typically gasified using
plasma arcs and is an alternative fuel source that is worthy of more attention that it has been given. Every alternative fuel source has drawbacks. In this case a drawback
would be the impulse of carbon from one stage of the cycle to another (gas phase) yet the effects are not long term. Introducing sequestered carbon stored underground
that is not a part of the carbon cycle (fossil fuels) amplifies the amount of carbon at any stage in the cycle, while introducing carbon already in the cycle amplifies the
amount in one stage but takes from another so the net is roughly the same. Not that dinosaurs are not to blame, but burning their gooey remains is! Recycling carbon
(gasification) instead of introducing it (fossil fuels) is a more sustainable way to produce energy.
More on Biomass Gasification:
I have gotten a little mail with other instructables users requesting that I explain the basic process of gasification and how I arrived at my design(s). The flammable gases
produced from the gasification process are Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Gas, and Methane Gas. Carbon char reacts with water vapor in the presence of heat
(surpassing activation energies and enabling reactions to occur) in an environment with a small controlled amount of oxygen. Normally, hydrocarbons or other fuels burn
completely, producing Carbon Dioxide and kicking up alot of particles into the air, burning violently (smoke). When oxygen is controlled, a "partial combustion" occurs and
instead of the production of Carbon Dioxide, intermediate products of combustion appear (the flammable gases). This produces a clean, efficient, long burn leaving ashes
behind in what would have normally been kicked up as smoke particles as well as a stream of flammable gases that can be used. The designs that I came up with were a
result of researching "gasifier camp stoves" and designs for car gasifiers. I could not at the time obtain specialized tools to produce required metal bits, so instead I repurposed some cans and things lying around.
Troubleshooting:
If your Fusion Jr. is not working properly, there are a number of things you can do. Try using thermal grease on the side of the peltier cells facing the "cold" part.
Experiment with allowing more/less oxygen into the unit by creating/closing holes. Insulate the core, it might not be getting hot enough. Some woodgas camping stoves
use fans to help circulate/suck out oxygen. Try researching designs for woodgas camping stoves of use google images.
Safety:
Be careful not to burn anything around trees or other flammable material or in an enclosed environment. Use an extended barbecue lighter for igniting the Fusion Jr.! I
learned the hard way. I was interviewed by a student at Santa Susana High School to be displayed on the morning announcements but I accidentally cremated his zippo
and he posted this video!
Video:
Check back soon for a possible video presentation! Also don't forget to check out my other cool projects (projects such as building a real raygun at home) and youtube
channel, and if you like this project, don't forget to vote for it!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

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Comments
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view all 145 comments

Foxtrot70 says:

Nov 22, 2014. 6:23 PM REPLY

Another method of transferring heat from the Fusion Jr. would be to integrate copper tubing coils to heat water. The heated water can be sent to another
heat exchanger in an insulated storage tank or re-purposed water heater. The heated water of the storage tank can then be piped into a house that has
circulating hot water as the heat source. The original natural gas/propane or coal fired boiler would then be used as a back-up to the Fusion Jr arrangement.

quader4 says:

Aug 16, 2014. 1:17 PM REPLY

Could you use a stirling engine instead of peltier tiles? I hear those are more efficient.

TheNotoriousHoppington says:

Mar 9, 2014. 1:25 PM REPLY

So, a rather simple question: is there any way to filter the smoke this produces? I'm starting to build a more complex version of the fusion Jr, with solar and
wind power input, but I'd like to filter the smoke this puts out too. Any ideas?

MTNick says:

Jul 18, 2011. 7:32 AM REPLY

The CO2 emmisions from this device are nominal and not a threat at all to the atmosphere!
CO2 is food for plants, trees, etc and in turn they produce oxygen.
The problem with CO2 is Humans! We don't like to replant trees after we clear our rain forests for lumber, money money money ....
Green House affect is a naturally occurring phenomina. Did you know that since the Green Intiative started, the Earth's tempature has dropped almost 1.5
degrees globally. Hmm, why is that?
Keep up the creative work and any time you can be free from the tyranical utility conglomerates, you should take it!
Spelling Disclaimer: I am really sorry if I mis-spelled any words or misused gramar rules in this statement, it was not intended to be graded nor a submission
as home work assignment, so back off, LoL!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

lloydrmc says:

May 28, 2012. 7:24 PM REPLY

"The problem with CO2 is Humans". Exactly. People try to make a problem out of something that isn't actually a problem, and make all kinds of decisions
and take all kinds of politically and monetarily expensive measures, all based on a fundamentally flawed and false premise.
As a matter of fact, there are far more trees in the United States now than there were at the time of this country's founding, as we no longer use wood as
fuel.
As for why the temperature changed, make sure that you don't fall for "post hoc, ergo propter hoc:, or in other words, correlation doesn't prove causation. Or
in still other words, could it be that - even inaccuracies or inconsistencies in temperature measurement methodologies and inconsistencies - that global
temperatures can and do change all by themselves, as they clearly did long before homo sapiens sapiens was even on the scene, let alone industrialized.
Objective data prove that the waring trend ended in 1998.

lbt812558 says:

Sep 19, 2012. 9:04 AM REPLY

Just because someone argues a point with a logical fallacy, does not automatically make their point any less right: argumentum ad logicam.
While there are more trees in the country than there were 100 years ago, I would love some citations to back up your claim of more since the
founding, that still does not mean that we don't contribute to the changing climate.
There is "post hoc, ergo propter hoc", and then there's ignoring an evidentiary argument because it draws upon cause-and-effect. It could also be
said, in those same regards, that my typing on a computer keyboard doesn't type because, sometimes, the screen changes on it's own, and i
shouldn't be assuming my typing has anything to do with it.
Please display your "objective" data. As NASA, while possibly being "Biased", has put out it's own graph that shows the temperature was still rising at
the same rate in 2001: http://pubs.giss.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi?id=ha07110b (see fig. 1a)

dudes says:

Feb 28, 2014. 3:34 PM REPLY

No but it makes their argument invalid and therefore their point unsupported.

karnold70 says:

Jul 20, 2011. 7:14 PM REPLY

I would love to see someone do a " Solar Steam Trubine" using a Fresnel lens. I think it could be really amazing, and I think you might be the guy to do it.

TheHomebrewGuru says:

Jul 20, 2011. 8:43 PM REPLY

I was looking into using fresnel lenses, but I don't have much money, and one of the downsides of fresnel lenses is that their performance deteriorates
(since it is made of plastic, and plastic + sun = bad). But I will do some experimentation in the future

FuzzeeDee says:

Sep 22, 2011. 7:38 PM REPLY

Originally light houses used GLASS Fresnel lenses and these type were far more efficient than modern cheap plastic ones. I don't remember what
temperatures they could withstand but it should be about the same as leaded glass so there should be no issue with your proposed use. Hope this
info is useful.

waterlubber says:

Jun 3, 2012. 4:57 PM REPLY

Glass can take VERY high amounts of heat. I think it melts at 20,000 F.

dudes says:

Feb 28, 2014. 3:32 PM REPLY

Umm, no. You can melt it in a campfire. Camofires don't get that hot. Glass, high temp glass, melts at between 2000 and 3000 degrees f.

astral_mage says:

Jan 23, 2014. 3:02 AM REPLY

old large reflected tv wil have type of screens that your looking for

ANDY! says:

Jan 17, 2012. 4:27 PM REPLY

Those big rear projection tvs have Fresnel lenses if you weren't aware...

Matrix-technician says:

Dec 7, 2011. 7:36 PM REPLY

Hello there! There is actually an instructable on how to make your own glass fresnel lense from an old tv. I can't recall it's adress atm but try looking it
up. :p

theobsessivehomesteader says:

Feb 2, 2014. 8:57 PM REPLY

just a thought on the inverter comment about the wave forms. most sensitive electronics run off DC, even though plugged into AC outlet. through the
conversion from AC to DC the power runs through a rectifier (series of diodes to block portions of wave form) which in turn nullifies wave form importance
correct? look on you r electronics power supply (plug or label) and chances are you will see 120 vac 60hz in, and #vdc out. a lot of smaller electronics
convert right at the 120 AC outlet. Now one thing that can be sensitive is an AC motor. am I correct on this?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

spylock says:

Jan 27, 2013. 5:54 PM REPLY

I can never find the Peltier Cells.

astral_mage says:

Jan 23, 2014. 2:56 AM REPLY

there u go copy an search.

http://www.customthermoelectric.com/powergen.html?gclid=COi_25bb-rsCFcQDOgod9zcAzQ

astral_mage says:

Jan 23, 2014. 2:57 AM REPLY

http://www.customthermoelectric.com/powergen.html?...
theres a better link.

Blackice504 says:

Mar 9, 2013. 10:21 AM REPLY

Hello Spylock Try google searching Peltier and drop the cells. there are many on ebay in USA and Australia , Canada and UK as for other places not
sure.
But if you are handy enough to make this project then you are handy enough to know what devices you can get peltiers from.
Car Fridges " not the big ones" normaly 43L ect, USB Fridge << yeah i know crazy right?
How ever this maybe a low voltage 5 volt version or less, Wine Fridges also have them i hope this helps your search, oh rare but some old cpu coolers
used to have them, but very RARE.

spylock says:

Mar 9, 2013. 11:50 AM REPLY

I a plumber,among other things,and the places Ive checked have been the radio shack type stores.I also do some heating,and was wondering if I
might find one at the supply house,to tell you the truth,I had never even heard of em until I found this site a few years back,but they look like alot of
fun,and soon as Im able to find them,the fun will begin.Thanks for the reply.

astral_mage says:

Jan 23, 2014. 2:57 AM REPLY

http://www.customthermoelectric.com/powergen.html?...
there u go.

waterlubber says:

Dec 2, 2013. 1:51 PM REPLY

Is that a DeLorean? Yes, it is...:) Use the Fusion Junior to power this:
http://learn.adafruit.com/delorean-time-circuit
If you did you would get a follow from me...wink

MillenniumMan says:

Jul 20, 2013. 11:56 AM REPLY

ONE POINT TWENTY ONE JIGAWATTS?!?! ONE POINT TWENTY ONE!!! GREAT SCOTT!!!

haugenjames says:

Jul 19, 2013. 9:30 AM REPLY

Have you ever thought of using your stove as the heat source of stirling engine?

Blackice504 says:

Mar 9, 2013. 10:24 AM REPLY

i do not know where i read this as i am all over the net but it was an article about Back to the Future let downs, as things that have not happened in there
version of the future.
i seen they posted that there is no MR Fusion, and a remembered a very complex version of your project running a car on this site, and now your simple
version, Great work, as this is a simple project to get the basics, i look forward to tinkering.
PPL stop reading my mind about using peltiers to generate electricty LOL.

mekimindi says:

Nov 30, 2012. 11:26 AM REPLY

What tools did you need for the job? How did you make the holes, and what did you use to keep the parts together?

durrdust says:

Nov 23, 2012. 2:33 PM REPLY

Wonderful instructable! I was wondering what operating temperatures your peltier cells are rated for. After browsing some sources online I have found some
with maximum temps of ~200 deg C and some that are rated to ~120 deg C. Just wondering if I need to go the extra mile for the hi-temp variants.
Thanks!

srmousse says:

Sep 9, 2012. 11:00 PM REPLY

Great idea! I'm not so interested in the gasifier tech, as who wants to feed a fire all day just to watch 30min of TV... But what has got me intrigued is the use of
peltier cells. Why aren't we using these on our water heater chimnies and furnace components... waisted energy reclaimed.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

Johan8335 says:

Jul 18, 2011. 1:21 PM REPLY

This is one of the most interesting, well thought out/researched and actually help full Instructable I have seen in a long time. One can see that you know a lot
about the subject, and this is something I would like to try on a somewhat bigger scale.
I am in the process in creating a eco practical off the grid game ranch in South Africa, and this is part of a solution to two of my biggest problems.
#1 getting rid of the guests and my garbage.
#2 generating electricity.
Any other Ideas from the good citizens of Instructables are welcome.
Thanks.

dh1 says:

Jul 19, 2011. 1:40 PM REPLY

I have as a concept a solar powered idea that I'm going to be utilizing with these Peltier - as a proof of concept - One the one side - copper sheet with the
hot side attached, on the cooling side a copper sheet with cooling fins, a mister system and fans ... In Arizona (very similar climate to Australia 40+
centigrade temperatures) - It could easily push 200+ degrees on the copper plate hot side and cool with misting and fans down to make it the 68 degree
temperature differentiation that would provide the max amount of wattage from the devices... an array of 30 of these (90-138.6watt versions) can be found
cheap and would push anywhere from 2 to 4 Kwh of electricity on a good day.... modify to attach to a gasifier for times of cooler weather or cloudy days and
you could easily generate enough electricity to power a house (in az running the a/c at 75 degrees).... That's my thoughts as to how to make these more
efficient without using ice...
To the author: Can you specify what your temperature differences are and the output of your peltier devices at the temperature differences so we can get
better estimates on what we can expect to see in a real life application?

Johan8335 says:

Jul 20, 2011. 11:19 AM REPLY

I was thinking in the same line, for on my farm it can reach up to 40 Deg Celsius (104 Fahrenheit or 313 Kelvin) in the day time.
As we all know refrigeration, cooking and water heating for showers are the main consumers. So this is what I am concentrating on.
Shower water is easy with solar heating system (maybe need gas for supplement)
Cooking is possible with solar devises but not all practical and not usable indoors so gas will have to do (For now).
Refrigeration, now this is what I want to concentrate on here. Solar panels with a battery system will work but batteries are hi maintenance and the
right batteries are hi cost.
So this is my Idea and would like to know any comment from you guys where one may make it more efficient. This is still in Idea form so dont judge
me to loudly LOL
Two copper plates separated with spacers for water to flow between and painted black on the outside mounted on the roof. Water pipes running (as
short as possible and insulated) down to my fridge (standard with all working parts removed). Mount Peltier cells inside the fridge with warm side
protruding to the outside.
The hot side of the Peltiers will be heated by the hot water from the roof, creating a current to run #1 a fan inside the fridge and #2 a small
circulation pump to circulate the water.
The problem is to get the fridge cold in the first place to start the action. The fridge being an insulated and mainly closed unit could be started with ice
or frozen anything. This should get the cycle going. Maybe even have an additional Cold water system running inside the fridge.
Now that I actually sit and type this from my thoughts it is sounding a bit like perpetual motion, even the fact that the sun is providing energy.
Maybe have Peltier cells on the copper plate powering Pelrier cells in the fridge, to replace the water piping system and using a water system to cool
the Peltier cells on the roof and in the fridge.
Maybe even have an additional Cold water system running inside the fridge.
Let me know what you guys are thinking, remember its only an Idea and from here We can work.

waterlubber says:

Jun 3, 2012. 5:05 PM REPLY

Well...fridges draw MEGA power...pelziers don' t put enough to light an LED out.

carmatic says:

Jul 23, 2011. 9:12 AM REPLY

The problem with using peltiers with the fridge is that you are still dumping heat from the sun into the fridge, after they have passed through the
peltier
In fact you are mostly dumping sun heat into the fridge outright after a small amount of heat has been converted into electricity by the peltiers
You need a definite place for the heat coming out of the peltiers to go, somehow getting it into the ground would be a good place to start

FuzzeeDee says:

Sep 22, 2011. 8:10 PM REPLY

There is another solution for converting heat directly to electricity you may have not considered. It uses a principle called the "ceibek" (I may be
misspelling it) effect. How this works is you can take almost any dissimilar metals in direct contact with each other and subject one half to a higher
temperature than the other and a current will be produced. One good example is to take a steel or iron bolt and tightly wrap copper wire around about
2/3 of the bolt then place the 1/3 bare portion of bolt or rod on a hot surface. Even a few degrees differential will produce current. I can't remember
the math involved to calculate expected output based on temperature differential and mated surface area between the two metals. Some experiments
would tell you what two metals give the best results. This method is still popular in countries where cabins too far from the grid combined with
weather patterns not suitable for either wind or solar power such as the mountains of Switzerland. If I can find the paperwork I have on it, I will scan
the pages and post them somewhere, when I first heard about it in 1996 I sent a query out on a news group and got a reply asking for a mailing
address. Without thinking I replied with my address and forgot about it. About 6 weeks later I got a very thick manila legal sized envelope from a
university in Belgium. When I opened it I found about 100 pages of formulas, research results, metallurgical test results, current real world uses, etc.
A little simple bit of testing showed me it worked and if I remember correctly the research paper said up to 17 or 18 percent efficiency had been
realized in a lab setting with real world applications around 11 or 12 percent efficient being typical. Hope this helps folks. regards, Dave

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

dhill16 says:

Oct 20, 2011. 4:02 PM REPLY

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_effect
This page explains the process as well as the formulas.
It is known as the "seebeck" effects.

Johan8335 says:

Oct 20, 2011. 6:47 PM REPLY

Thanks dhill16 and FuzzeeDee, this is all Very interesting and helpful

Ole bally says:

Jul 22, 2011. 1:35 AM REPLY

HI Johann, please have a look at Henry Moray 'a sea of energy' on the net as well as Tesla...man if it can work on a big enough scale...power for free!!
Actually I invite anyone to have a look and see if this can be done for real...just where I am in Zim it's a real bind to get the stuff in!

DELETED_Chrishugh says:

Jul 20, 2011. 12:01 PM

(removed by author or community request)

Johan8335 says:

Jul 20, 2011. 7:10 PM REPLY

There are plenty of tourists in SA for replacements

LOL

Ki1o says:

Aug 22, 2011. 9:39 PM REPLY

In actuality, however, this is not a Fusion reactor. This is a wood gas generator. But I commend you for your efforts. I actually recently found out about the
wood gas generator when I was watching a new show on the Science Channel called Stuck with Hackett. I've been searching for a way to build one and I
stumbled onto your Instructable. Thanks Man, it helped a lot.

waterlubber says:

Jun 3, 2012. 4:58 PM REPLY

Same with me... that was the name. With the gasifier and the motorcycle... Cool.

TAKuhn says:

Jan 21, 2012. 9:22 PM REPLY

Hello this may have been answered but Im too inpatient to read all 100 + replies you have here ;}
Would it be safe to run a turbine off the top of the chimney to generate power if the turbine is heat resistant?
thanks

waterlubber says:

Jun 3, 2012. 4:56 PM REPLY

Well, I assume. But it WILL get hot.

Homepwner says:

Feb 17, 2012. 7:24 PM REPLY

O.K. I thought at first that this was a joke. Now after reading a bit, I think it's one of the coolest things I've seen on IS. I also remember now that I had heard
of this tech. on a show that tlc or disc. had a few years ago where they threw a bunch of people out at some ware houses and they had to use whatever was
laying around to build a survival community. >VERY COOL, bookmarked, future project!

waterlubber says:

Jun 3, 2012. 4:56 PM REPLY

Yeah there was that show with the trains...he made a gasifier and used it to run a motorcycle to move a cart.

tinker234 says:

Mar 13, 2012. 9:46 AM REPLY

the colony called a gasfier

tinker234 says:

Jul 15, 2011. 9:00 AM REPLY

wow could it power a home on a larger scale

TheHomebrewGuru says:

Jul 15, 2011. 8:24 PM REPLY

At a larger scale steam power would be much more cost-effective than buying semiconductors

tinker234 says:
really how could i do that burn it make it steam spin a turbine

view all 144 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusion-Jr-Home-Energy-Reactor/

Jul 15, 2011. 9:35 PM REPLY