PS_RalphW wrote:An averagely unfit human can generate about 100w sustained on a cycle based generator. Get fit and that may increase to 200w. Allowing for losses that will drive a few LED lights, a lap-top, modern TV, or the water pump on a CH heating system. If you have a large household and no backup to the the CH in the middle of winter, it may be worth rewiring the pump and controls to a separate circuit to drive off a battery and inverter in the case of a prolonged power cut.
Not sure what the electricity consumption of a CH boiler itself is.
Depends on the fuel type. If gas, I would imagine it will be negligible; enough to power the electronics and a couple of relays and motorised valves? If oil, then more, because of the oil pump.
FWIW, our circulation pump draws about 50W if on full speed.
Back to the 'power pack' idea, here's an American version.
The big advantage is the simple approach, with little technical expertise required.
I experience pleasure and pains, and pursue goals in service of them, so I cannot reasonably deny the right of other sentient agents to do the same - Steven Pinker
Enough time has passed, that I may reveal that I was indirectly consulted by someone involved in the production of this programme.
I was asked to keep this private for 5 years, and over 5 years have now passed.
I was NOT involved directly in the filming or production, but did see an advance copy of the script/plot, this I studied and then suggested the removal of several factual errors.
I refer here not to differences of opinion, but to factual errors especially in regard to electricity supply and energy.
"Installers and owners of emergency diesels must assume that they will have to run for a week or more"
Some people consider me to be a sensible doomer. I do not believe in zombies, nor in magic, nor in religion, or even in government mind control rays.
I can however observe various potential disasters approaching and believe in measured and sensible preps for such. The recent large scale power cut was far short of a disaster, but still arguably was a wake up call.
I also have a reasonable understanding of basic physics and therefore a proper cynicism regarding the various free energy saving devices that are regularly proposed.
As regards the TV show, I agreed not to comment publicly in detail, but think that it is safe to say that the errors consisted of a selection of the "usual suspects" such as not knowing the difference between amps and volts, nor between kilowatts and kilowatt hours, and various minor matters concerning electricity distribution.
"Installers and owners of emergency diesels must assume that they will have to run for a week or more"
