Well, I think we could do these projects.
If people are interested, we could drum up the funds.
We might have to do a motified version though.

Like what about converting like a golf cart?
Or a geo metro?
Is there a way we could work/store the car really close to
campus?

Also....for the trebuchet....do we want to do this instead of bridges?  Where would we construct something so large with cooler temps encroaching?

I'm into these ideas but the logistics make my head spin.

So... I am not sure exactly what your referencing... but I assume your talking about converting a gas fueled car to electric?

I am super interested in this and have looked into converting ICE vehicles to electric.
Most golf carts are already electric.. so that wouldn't work for a "conversion" project, but if someone has a golf cart lying around, it could be used for a "proof of concept" type demo.

I think that converting a car is too big of a project for science club, and would be prohibitively expensive. But.. converting a motorcycle would be a far more realistic option. I have two motorcycles that could be used as donors. The biggest expense is the electric motor, about $500-$700, unless someone knows of a connection for surplus motors..

So, science club project? I don't know. But whoever is interested... let me know. We can talk shop.

Oh, along the same lines.. I am building a wind generator, from scratch, with a science club pal. Tayna and I have talked a bit about building one as a science club project. Any thoughts on that? I am more than willing to build another one for/with  the science club. I would just need funding for it.  

--Last edited by Mrolfe on 2008-09-10 14:01:22 --

You've made the correct assumption.  Frank has mentioned numerous times wanting to convert a gas car to electric.  If one were to pursue the conversation further, I think he intends on trying to run it from radio waves ala Tesla.  But if not, I think the conversion in and of itself is compelling.  

The wind generator seems like a fun, versatile project for the science club to get involved in this year.  

The thing I want to know about these two projects:

motorcycle conversion to electric
and
wind generator

How much time?
How much money?
How much expertise?

We need to get our budget ducks in a line very very soon.  My trigger finger is itchin'.

Here are the schematics for the windmill that a friend is building:

http://www.scoraigwind.com/pmgbooklet/itpmg.pdf

I think the windmill will probably cost between $500 and $750 to build.  That's without the cost of purchasing some of the tools that we'd need, or paying people to make something for us if we don't have the appropriate tools.

I think $500 - $750 is about right... maybe a bit on the high side. It could certainly be done cheaper, but that would mean searching out surplus materials and such. The motorcycle conversion would be a bit more costly, a DC Motor alone would be around $600, then batteries around$350, plus the battery charger(s), controller, throttle, wires, random hardware... it would realistically be around 1,250-1,500 when it's all said and done.

I own or have access to most if not all of the tool needed for either project. The one thing I don't have direct access to is work space. My basement workshop is small (and thats being generous) I could tackle a wind generator there, and I am with jesse, but it would not be a good "group" workspace. I would want as many people as are interested to have access, so my house is not really the best option... Is there a workshop type space available on campus?

How much time? I think either project could be done in a semester if there was a once a week type commitment from at least two people.

Expertise? Either project can be done by anyone really. Just need to be a bit handy with tools, and be able to read instructions.  

--Last edited by Mrolfe on 2008-09-12 15:57:08 --

I think logistically in terms of work space the windmill might be more feasible if only because we can more easily bring it inside the building.
Also, cost-wise it might make more sense.  Let's bring up both projects at the next meeting and get going!  

...also...how do people feel about making biodiesel?  It's kind of a one-trick pony but we could make different kinds from different starting materials and compare/contrast them.  It also would tie in our switch grass growing, thematically.

I love the idea of making Bio-Diesel!

It is something I have wanted to do for a few years, just to say I've done it..

Bryan has a bio-diesel plant, I believe...perhaps he could comment on that when he gets a moment...