Energy Independence system
One of OTHER/WORLD’s core artistic research goals is to envision and implement a mode of technological artistic creation that generates, rather than consumes, energy during the production process.
To do this, our team has prototyped an Energy Independence System, which enables us to generate and store the electrical power necessary for OTHER/WORLD using affordable, accessible materials (many of them recycled or upcycled).
For us, rotary manual generation using repurposed bike hardware, brushless DC motors and automotive alternators is most practical. Energy storage requires the use of deep-cycle Lithium Ion batteries, which are repurposed from a range of high 12V through 36V consumer electronics.
Micah Huang operating a prototype bike generator in Harvard Square. This model uses a 12V DC motor wired in reverse, so that manual rotation (via drive belt) generates 12V direct current. This current charges a marine battery, from which power is routed through a 12V inverter to a guitar amp. The system can run indefinitely, with regular intervals of pedal-power input.