We held a DIY workhshop for version 2.2 of the Personal PowerPlant at Eyebeam Art and Technology Center with our friend and collaborator Farrukh Zia. The Personal PowerPlant is a portable device that harnesses electricity through a hand crank generator and solar cell into a rechargeable battery for use in powering portable electronic devices through a USB terminal. The workshop began with an introduction to circuit basics and a group discussion on sustainable energy harvesting.

Image of the PPP v2.2 assembled and in action

Parts contained in the PPP v2.2 kit

Continuing construction of prototype for the Vertical Farm system…

Unit with screens (not in place)

Detail of screen panel for exterior, lexan panel behind

Detail of metal shelving support system for planters

Fluxxlab was invited to give a talk at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia to help encourage students during an intensive 3-4 day charrette titled “Apocolypse Now”, which looked at how to aptly respond to such a crisis before, during and after.  Here are some images from the talk.

Panel of presenters: Mark Yim, U Penn Robotics; Harris Romanoff, Make:Philly and Neat Receipts; Red Cross

The last night of preperation for the workshop… putting all of the kits together.

Here are some more images of research and experimentation for the workshop we are doing at Eyebeam on 06.23.07.

Using a wooden hand crank to pump the motor, attached to rectifiers and battery for testing.

Motor board with battery and switch. We are powering the arduino off of the battery.

Testing the batttery to see how much energy has been stored.

Circuitry for the system with motor, rectifiers, battery, and voltage meter.