Looking Ahead at Complete Solar Systems Development & the New Experimenter's Tesla Turbine Kit

January 2005

Welcome to an exciting new year of motive power revolution! 

Since we first began the PTBC in January 2001, we've covered a lot of territory -- from building turbines out of old engine bearing cases to powering them with a number of fuel/energy options. In 2004 we began downscaling the size of the turbine to accommodate low-horsepower applications. We also began to look at the realities of solar powered turbo generators.

We all know that global oil reserves are beginning to dry up, the cost of fuel is going up, and that pollution is out of control. Most people agree that hydrogen is the energy of the future, but how do you get to a sustainable hydrogen future when most product hydrogen comes from cracking oil? 

All leading scientists agree that the hydrogen future depends on free energy systems -- wind, geothermal, hydro and solar being the best pollution-free sources of power. Since solar energy has the highest energy density of these, we are going to continue to focus on this 21st century energy source.

We've already covered the basics of building various types of reflectors and small-scale turbines. This year we are going to concentrate on the details of pulling it all together and making it work in real situations.

By now all of you who are moving with us in the solar direction have already decided on the type of reflector you are going to build, as well as the size and construction methods of the turbine.

Some of the subjects we plan on covering in 2005 will include:

We also plan on shipping turbine kit components and CAD drawings soon.

All in all, this is going to be a great year for turbine engine progress, and I hope you will be there with us. I would also like to encourage more participation from our global club members. We need your input, even if it is only concepts or engineering knowledge. You don't have to wait for years of experimental data on your pet project -- share what you already know and you'll get more.

Coming up in February we are going to discuss electronic development systems -- exactly how to put them together at the lowest possible costs, and how to come up to speed using them.

Until then, stay with us in this motive power revolution -- we have the (piston) jug heads on the run and there's no turning back.