Using Wood to Fuel a Generator! (How to Build a Wood Gasifier W/Demonstration)

[Free Vulcan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyTqo4mCUUY

I made this gasifier a couple of years ago now as a second attempt at the technology. My first attempt had a few bugs. The blower wasn't able to move enough air, the unit was over-sized for the amount of gas produced, and the gas wasn't cool enough upon exiting the gasifier, resulting in an unsatisfactory amount of condensate getting to the engine.

So in this video and Instructable, I show you how I built my new and improved homemade gasifier out of parts I could find for little to no cost. I use mine occasionally for generating electricity when the need arises.

With this second machine I have been able to reduce the unit size and use what I learned to make the process more efficient. I also chose to stay away from media type filters with this design to practically eliminate maintenance aside from emptying the accumulated liquids in the collection jar....

...Gasification for use in producing energy has been around for longer than some might realize. Back in the 1800's, coal was gasified for the production of town gas used for lighting, heating, and cooking. More recently, in WW2, gasifiers were not an uncommon sight to see attached to the backs of cars, trucks, and tractors as a result of the fuel shortages. The technology was soon forgotten because of the inherent convenience of liquid fossil fuels once it was more readily available.

The versatility of gasifiers still remain however. Many preparedness minded people are still drawn to them because of the potential for sustainability in a world where fuel might not be as easy to get. Imagine natural disasters. There's debris everywhere and most of it will be ripe for the picking to be utilized in a gasifier to generate power.

https://www.instructables.com/How-a-Wood-Gasifier-Works-and-How-I-Built-Mine-Out/

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We have looked, and looked, and looked and looked for a way to generate and store electricity reliably and affordably. Most everything we looked at set you back a minimum of $5K. Bi- or Tri-fuel generators though can be had for as little as under $1000, and we are now thinking of building one of these.

Given the ability to find the materials pretty cheap, we are thinking around $500-$1000 dollars. Thought I'd post this for anyone else thinking of an off-grid option. If we build it will try to get pics of the progress.

One of a zillion links on how to build one, this just an example of one

[rustynail]

That was fun.  Thank you.

[Free Vulcan]

Also, we are looking at nickel-iron-lye batteries. Very old tech invented by Edison, they are made of common materials and can last well beyond most people's lifetimes. The only downfall it seems is having to fill them with distilled water about once a month.


https://youtu.be/PQ-Ibc1zCYk

What’s So Great About Nickel-Iron Batteries?

Nickel-iron batteries addressed a lot of our concerns about the other batteries.

Nickel-iron batteries don’t have the toxic chemicals that lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium ion batteries do, so their impact on the environment is less. What’s more, there is no acid, thus no concern of spills. The materials aren’t hazardous.

What’s more, these batteries are known to last for decades, with a minimum life expectancy of 30 years, not to mention batteries dating back to WWII but still functioning after all that time. They have thousands upon thousands of cycles in their lifespan, and what’s more, they can be rebooted to essentially start anew. Nickel-iron batteries were used in the original electric cars in the 19-oughts, and some still work today.

Compared to the lithium ion batteries, nickel-iron batteries are very inexpensive. When considering the number of times a lead-acid battery would need replacing next to nickel-iron, the cost is significantly less here as well. In short, they are the most economic choice in addition to being the most ecological one.

They have the capacity for deep discharging. While other types of batteries generally call for no more than 50% discharge, nickel-iron can regularly be taken down 80% without any depletion of its life. Discharging this way isn’t damaging to the batteries.
They also handle a wider temperature range than other batteries, holding strong well below freezing and at highs hotter than anywhere on the planet currently gets.

https://www.permaculturenews.org/2019/12/02/nickel-iron-batteries/

[roamer_1]

HAHAHAHA! That was AWESOME! That tickles me.

Sub'd.

I always knew I liked you. The only thing that surprised me is your youth. I would fit right in at a backwoods shop like yourn... Except for all the Fords  ... 

[Free Vulcan]

HAHAHAHA! That was AWESOME! That tickles me.

Sub'd.

I always knew I liked you. The only thing that surprised me is your youth. I would fit right in at a backwoods shop like yourn... Except for all the Fords  ... 

Man I wish I was that young again sometimes! I found him and a few other young bucks working on this and it inspired me.

Living in a county that borders the Mississippi, wood is something that never runs out. 

[roamer_1]

Man I wish I was that young again sometimes! I found him and a few other young bucks working on this and it inspired me.

Living in a county that borders the Mississippi, wood is something that never runs out. 

Tried something similar... wood to steam to power a jenny... Figuring output in both hot water and electricity... Two things in rare supply up in the sticks... with the intention of eventually coming to a point that the boiler water could heat the house too, maybe...

That was one of my passions I got stuck on for a while. Steam is a forgotten and very powerful tool.

But, it hit the sh*t pile, like most of my bright ideas. I think it would work the way I wanted... just lost interest as it got too complicated. 

[roamer_1]

There's that hillbilly feller down in Appalachia somewhere that got a gassifier running his Toyota pickup... Wish I could remember him and I'd send you a link.

[Smokin Joe]

Neat stuff! Might make a great summer project.

[Free Vulcan]

There's that hillbilly feller down in Appalachia somewhere that got a gassifier running his Toyota pickup... Wish I could remember him and I'd send you a link.

If you do, would love to see that.

[Free Vulcan]

Anyone ever heard or seen a tractor or tiller that will run on alcohol? I know some of the old JD40's from the 40's-60's were multifuel, and there's some around still in working condition, but is there anything new?

I've searched to the ends of the internet and have found zip.

[roamer_1]

If you do, would love to see that.

I can't find the originals... But he is Eustace Conway... Featured on History Channel's Mountain Men series...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbY7JsP8soA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6e8JMC-hmo

There's a serious documentary of him building that thing somewhere.

[roamer_1]

Anyone ever heard or seen a tractor or tiller that will run on alcohol? I know some of the old JD40's from the 40's-60's were multifuel, and there's some around still in working condition, but is there anything new?

I've searched to the ends of the internet and have found zip.

Dunno of none... Anything old likely had knurled guides, and they won't take alcohol for sure without brass guides.