ECOFest 2023 - STEM Hydro Battery Example
Demonstration of using Pumped Hydro as a Water Battery
ECOKids: Grab 2 pieces of bark and place one in the top and one in the bottom. Now if I turn both these taps on simultaneously, which piece of bark will get to the end first? Adults and 8+ kids learn from this and usually make the mistake that the pipe with the downward flow will beat the flat pipe. Younger kids have fun racing the boats.
Equipment:
- Sump Pump and container.
- Stretch Goal Use - Fold-out Solar panels
- 2 x 2" Open/close Easy to use Tap - Done
- https://plumbingsales.com.au/50mm-pvc-ball-valve-double-union-bsp-threaded.html
- $58.67
- One above the other? Learn about pressure? = Voltage, bottom is High Voltage transmission.
- 2 x 200L Drums - Done
- 2 x Tank Outlets - Done
- 4 x Gutter for water run
- https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-3m-pvc-gutter_p4775009
- $34.58 - Australian Made! (in Burnie)
- https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-2-4m-pvc-cloudburst-gutter_p4770129
- $25.65 (in Devonport)
- https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-5m-pvc-guttering_p4775017
- $73.40 (in Burnie)
- 4 x Star pickets and wire to connect the Gutter for the 6m run.
- Need capture Tank. or cutting 200L drum to size.. might be the cheapest.
Improvements:
Need to use a Plastic blue drum next time. Its surprising how quickly the oil drums rust with water standing in them. Automatic pump start somehow, We Need a separate float that is lower to the ground.
PROMO
TV News
WIN News
Time Taken:
12+ Hours
- 2023-04-01 8 hours demo + shutdown help
- 2023-03-30 2 Hours setup at ECOFest and help with ECOKids.
- 2023-03-28 2 hours Create in the backyard as a test. Cutting holds etc.
- 2023-03-27 Looking for a Drum. (THANK YOU, Island Wholesale Services in Ulverstone!)
- 2023-02-27 1 hour planning equipment and costs.