Anyone seen a micro generator for sale?

[VClouds]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask for weird gadgets or not but here goes anyways.

I'm looking for what I call a micro generator. Basically a mini generator that runs off of a fuel like butane (good long term storage and cheep) but is supper small and only needs to output 12v max or 5v for usb (covers cell phones, ecig batteries and such).

This is not something I am in need of right now but I'v been looking for something along these lines for years to add to the family emergency supplies and thought I'd ask around again.

Originally thought of using a couple of generators for bicycle lights but could never find a tiny engine to run them other than the ones in model planes that need special fuel.

Any help or leads will be appreciated.

 

[glassgal]

Let me first tell you that I don't know the first thing about microgenerators. That said, I found these for you anyway:
HYDRO micro generator (water):
SeeedStudio Micro Hydroelectric Generator - RobotShop

Small machine microgenerator:
Subaru Micro 4-cycle Engine 1.1 HP #EH025A0299

Company that makes some weird looking one that I can't figure out a fuel supply for (what is a piezoelectric energy harvesting? They have a patent for it, whatever it is, and it's supposed to be green):
http://www.microgensystems.co/products.asp

Get one of these and tell us what it does. hehe

 

[zanedog]

Hamster power!

the ultimate renewable energy: hamster power - YouTube

 

[VClouds]

Let me first tell you that I don't know the first thing about microgenerators. That said, I found these for you anyway:
HYDRO micro generator (water):
SeeedStudio Micro Hydroelectric Generator - RobotShop

Small machine microgenerator:
Subaru Micro 4-cycle Engine 1.1 HP #EH025A0299

Company that makes some weird looking one that I can't figure out a fuel supply for (what is a piezoelectric energy harvesting? They have a patent for it, whatever it is, and it's supposed to be green):
http://www.microgensystems.co/products.asp

Get one of these and tell us what it does. hehe

Nice links, thanks

The first requires a constant water flow and only produces 3.6v, nice thought but would very difficult to implement at my location.

The second is just a small engine like on a string trimmer or other gardening tool. I had considered this type of option with an alternator from a car but it still requires gas which is hard to store long term but easy to find (any car on the street) so could work.

The third generates power from vibration (or alternating movement), piezoelectric is electricity generated from quartz crystals when put under pressure. Piezoelectric ignition systems are commonly used in lighters and back yard BBQ's to light the gas and make a flame.


Interesting links and I will gladly add them to my library but not quite what I was looking for.

Keep looking if nothing else it's fun to see what others find that I haven't yet.

 

[VClouds]

Hamster power!

the ultimate renewable energy: hamster power - YouTube

Hmmm.......

Wonder if I could use a larger wheel and a couple of neighborhood kids.......

Sounds like and interesting idea. LOL

 

[Rickajho]

Got twigs? BioLite Wood Burning CampStove

 

[glassgal]

Ok, here's a portable butane fuel cell charger:
Portable fuel cell uses butane to charge gadgets

More about butane generators (along with other microgenerator news):
http://topmicroelectronics.blogspot.com/2013/12/new-butane-powered-micro.html

And because you clearly have too much time on your hands, here's a MIT paper on how to build/invent your own version:
http://web.mit.edu/wrchan/Public/thesis.pdf

Have fun!!! hehehe