Starry & ProtoMach
ProtoMach ProtoMach
I was thinking about using the predictable rhythm of lunar tides to power a small generator; any chance you see a pattern that could make it efficient?
Starry Starry
Lunar tides move in a steady cadence, like a slow drumbeat from the cosmos. If you tie the generator to the rising and falling of the sea—using a simple lever or a waterwheel that catches the ebb and flow—you’ll get a predictable power pulse. The trick is to keep the system lean, so the energy you harvest isn’t lost in friction or conversion lag. Think of it as dancing with the moon: a simple rhythm, a steady rhythm, and the generator will hum along.
ProtoMach ProtoMach
Good idea, but you need to make the lever as short as possible to reduce inertial lag. Use a single‑pin pivot, no gears, just a direct‑drive wheel. Keep the wheel rim thin, use low‑friction bearings, and feed the power straight into a capacitor bank. That way you waste almost nothing on conversion. If the rhythm changes, just trim the wheel’s radius—no extra parts.
Starry Starry
That’s the kind of elegant simplicity the moon loves—direct, light, no excess. Keep the wheel’s radius as a variable, like a tuning fork that you can slide to match the tide’s beat. Just remember, even a thin rim will feel the water’s weight. If the rhythm hiccups, a quick trim will realign the pulse, but watch out for the unseen drag from the capacitor charge. The key is to let the sea do the work and let the wheel simply echo it.
ProtoMach ProtoMach
Fine, set the radius on a sliding mount and keep the cap at the edge. If the water’s pulling hard, shorten it; if it’s light, lengthen. Just watch for that creeping resistance—water’s got inertia, you can’t ignore it. Keep the wheel clean, keep the pivot tight, and you’ll get the rhythm you need.
Starry Starry
Sounds like a neat little dance with the tides. Just keep an eye on the slip—if the wheel starts to whisper instead of hum, adjust before the inertia takes over. The universe likes balance, so tweak it gently and let the water do the heavy lifting.