The idea is for a tumber composter, turned by a Stirling engine driven by the difference in ambient temperature and the heat given off by the compost itself.
I think it would have the advantage of being self-regulating, if it were designed right, though some seasonal adjustments might be necessary.-- phoenix, Mar 28 2008 Mother Earth News reviews Compost Tumblers http://www.motherea...mpost-Tumblers.aspxMore background on compost tumblers in general. [jutta, Mar 28 2008] (for the record: that first bun isn't mine - I never vote on my own ideas)-- phoenix, Mar 28 2008 Great idea. Endless configurations. +-- nomocrow, Mar 28 2008 I like the idea of a self-rotating, ambiently powered composter very much. The turning time will be so slow you have lots of flexibility in power sources.
My choice would be a tiny toy propeller, geared WAY WAY down to spin the barrel every month or so using wind power.-- GutPunchLullabies, Mar 28 2008 Or some sort of waterwheel-esque rain catcher that rotated half a turn each time the top bucket fills? Might need a crude flap valve lid for each bucket to let water in but prevent evaporation.-- david_scothern, Mar 28 2008 Tremendous. Now build it, ride the "lazy-but-green-at-heart" wave and make yourself rich.-- sprogga, Mar 29 2008 My limited understanding of compost is that it needs to be warm but not too warm; hence a Stirling which turns it when it gets too warm, thus cooling it slightly, would provide the necessary feedback mechanism. Excellent.-- angel, Mar 29 2008 What's with all these sensible ideas lately? great +-- xandram, Mar 29 2008 Buns to [phoenix] and [sprogga].-- wagster, Mar 30 2008 random, halfbakery