Hi,
I am a Newbie on this board. I have watched many of the vids on Youtube. I hope to go off grid someday.
Anyways, I have been making friends with the Swartzentruber Amish ?in Michigan. (I am a healthcare worker). They are supper strict on technology. But there are always exceptions. They Don’t use propane at all, but DO use flashlights.
80 people are in this group and they go through buckets of disposable AA & AAA batteries.
They have allowed me to make some videos. I uploaded 1 of the vids to YouTube only for the purpose of THIS THREAD. I am not a youtuber at all.
So here is the reason for the post. They are using disposable batteries for their flashlights, but have agreed to let me install a system that will harvest power from the belt and pulley system to charge AA & AAA batteries. I know that a gas generator would do the same thing, but they are not allowed. (nor is solar)
They have a full machine shop and can easily fabricate any mounts/pulleys . And this system will be going in the machine shop at first. If it works, they plan to put it in a woodworking shop.
I am thinking of using a car alternator (so they can replace it easily). The Amishman says he can take care of the step up to 3,000 rpm (existing shaft is spinning at 750 Rpm). I am in charge of everything that comes after the alternator and into the AA batteries.
They will pay for the equipment (but hardware donations are welcome (if it is ok to say that)I am doing the labor/ordering for free. I want to help them stay independent, and also reduce the number of disposable batteries they use (5 gallon buckets full)
Machine shop- It only runs for short times. Like no more than 30 minutes, so I am guessing that intermediate battery storage is necessary.
Woodworking Shop- This one runs for hours at a time, so direct charging could work.
I am guessing the ability to charge 12+ batteries at a time is the goal. They need something easy to understand, and easy to replace.
Any advice/videos are welcome. Or if anyone is in the northern Michigan area, and wants to help me install, I can guarantee a day (and meals) you will not soon forget. These are salt of the earth people.
Thank You!!