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Oil prices are rocketing, and in desperate times we need to source our energy from renewable, "green" ideas. Solar powered calculators are available, but where's the dignity in that? I present to you: the hydroelectric calculator.
To fuel it, pour water in the bottle at the top. This water now has
a head of several centimetres. In the central mechanism, a miniature Francis turbine (the most efficient turbine in the world!) takes advantage of the water flow, and generates a tiny current - giving the calculator enough life to perform even the most intense calculations. For about 30 seconds. Then you need to pour more water in.
[link]
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Most^H^H^H^H All people already carry around a renewable store of fluid, ready to power such a calculator. |
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I think there is already a urine turbine idea on the 'bakery. This is to similar to that. |
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I don't think a urine turbine is the same as this. This is more of an entertaining piece of office equipment. |
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Also, it could instead have everything sealed. There would be a working fluid in an egg-timer-like bottle, and to get more power you would turn it upside down. |
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Reminds me of the water-powered robot on the one episode of Futurama. |
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mitxela, you could combine your idea with the hourglass. Just turn it upside down again when the water, sand, flour etc. has run its course. But you've got to find a better use for the energy generated than your tongue-in-cheek calculator |
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Bear Grylls has prior art on the urine turban idea. |
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If you're going to have a miniature turbine
anyway, why not make the entire calculator
a microtech babbage engine (analytical,
not diferencing). No need to go electric. |
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That would be awesome, but as it would no longer be hydroelectric, and the fact it would probably need a lot more energy to overcome mechanical friction, it may as well be driven by a handle. Or, although not as friendly to the planet, you could have a tiny desktop steam or Stirling engine powered by a candle. Or even one of the low-heat-difference ones that are powered by body heat - when you want to do quick arithmetic, you need to stick it to the warmest part of your body... |
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This would be great in offices. "All right, who poured coffee into my calculator tank?" "Sorry boss, I had an urgent calculation request and the water cooler's empty." |
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in//to the warmest part// |
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of the hottest person in the office. That should do it. |
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The calculations, I mean. |
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