PROJECTS
Welcome to the workshop.
This is where ideas become experiments. Some projects may begin with a published design. Others may start with an old patent, a forgotten invention, a visitor's suggestion, or simply somebody asking: “I wonder what would happen if...”
The goal isn't to make something work at any cost. The goal is to build it, observe it, measure it and report what happened.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE LAB?
As projects are added, they'll move through the workshop from idea to experiment to results.
ON THE BENCH
Projects currently being built, modified, tested or patiently stared at while we wonder why they aren't doing what they're supposed to do.
ON THE DRAWING BOARD
Ideas worth considering but not yet built. Some will eventually reach the workbench. Others may remain interesting questions.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
Finished experiments with the build, observations, measurements and conclusions preserved so somebody else doesn't have to start from zero.
THE WORKSHOP IS JUST OPENING
We're still clearing space on the workbench, but there are already plenty of subjects worth exploring. Future projects may include:
Electrolysis cells, plate configurations, gas production and actual energy measurements.
Simple experimental cells using iron, electrolyte and oxygen — and what they can really produce.
Low-cost ways to capture sunlight for heating water, air or thermal storage.
Motors, alternators and mechanical systems examined from input to actual usable output.
THE SCRAP PILE
Projects that fail won't quietly disappear from Alternative Energy Lab. When possible, we'll preserve what was tried, what happened and what we learned.
A failed experiment is still an experiment. Sometimes knowing what doesn't work saves more time than another promising idea.
INPUT IN. OUTPUT OUT. MEASURE BOTH.
A spinning wheel, bubbling cell, glowing bulb or running motor may look impressive, but observation is only the beginning. Whenever practical, projects should document what went into the system, what came out and what may have been overlooked.
⚠ A WORD ABOUT SAFETY
Experiments involving electricity, hydrogen, pressure, heat, chemicals, batteries or rotating machinery can be hazardous. Project information on this site is intended to document and discuss experiments — not to replace appropriate safety knowledge, protective equipment or common sense.
GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR WORKBENCH?
Maybe you've built something that worked. Maybe it didn't. Maybe it's still nothing more than a sketch on the back of an envelope. Tell us about it. Your idea may become a future Alternative Energy Lab project.
BRING YOUR PROJECT TO THE LAB →