I think this is the beginnings of an economy based on perpetual growth and fossil fuel energy running headlong into geological energy constraints. Basically I see an undulatory downward path for the rest of my life. From here out, I think any rallies in our economic condition are going to be met with spiking commodity prices that knock us right back down.
Joined: Nov 16, 2007 Posts: 306 Location: Rural Western Idaho
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:25 pm Post subject: Animal + ? = electricity
Okay, since I am pretty new here, I apologize in advance if this is an old topic.
But here is what I want to discuss.
PART I.
We have done a lot of reading of Cesar Millan's books and watched a lot of his DVD's regarding dogs -- training, thinking like one, etc. One of his main points is that dogs love to work. That is instinctive to them, and if you want a truly content dog, you have to give him a job to do.
He talks about dogs needing three things -- in this order: EXERCISE, discipline, affection.
He stresses the need for dogs to be walked/run every day. But in recognition of the fact that many people just can't or don't do that daily, he endorses the use of a treadmill as an alternative. I have seen this in action, and the dogs love it. It's not tough to train them to use one.
I am wondering if one couldn't harness dog power to charge a battery to, for example, run the wash cycle on a hand crank washing machine.
PART II.
While I'm at it, where do I find info about harnessing horsepower to charge batteries? (As in real horses, excercising by walking/running around in a circle while hooked up to a circular contraption, the name of which I don't know.)
Thanks
Lumpy _________________ "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have." Thomas Jefferson
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Animal + ? = electricity
I think I've seen this idea posted here before, its certainly has been thought about before...
You could try googling:
"human hamster wheel"
"dog hamster wheel"
Dog powered scooter: http://tinyurl.com/2ukflb
This would scare the hell out of someone more then a cop on a segway. Imagine this thing with a quick release latch...
By the way, Cesar Millan is great! I'm sure a dog would be very happy powering a well pump or a generator for led lamps. I'm not sure how practical the idea is, but it could give dogs something to do when they weren't being used for security or hunting...
Joined: Jan 03, 2005 Posts: 1206 Location: western Wisconsin
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:23 pm Post subject: Re: Animal + ? = electricity
There used to be treadmills made for goats, dogs, and other small animals so they could power a spit in the fireplace to roast meat, or power a cream seperator, perhaps. I notice that nowadays a treadmill for a dog is for giving the dog a walk without going anywhere.
Joined: May 06, 2006 Posts: 873 Location: Tustin, CA
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:24 pm Post subject: Re: Animal + ? = electricity
When I was 10 years old I had a guinea pig named Nasser who spent hours at night running on his wheel. I use to watch him before I fell to sleep wondering how I could capture all that wasted energy for the good of mankind! _________________ Skeptical scrutiny in both Science and Religion is the means by which deep thoughts are winnowed from deep nonsense-Carl Sagan
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