Biolite Stove and USB charger

Don't know it this works or not, but if it does that'd be slicker than snot. Brew your tea, charge your phone.....

http://biolitestove.com/campstove/camp-overview/features/

Did this video just show me people in there tiny village using this to cook and clean their water "while charging their cellphones"?

Did this video just show me people in there tiny village using this to cook and clean their water "while charging their cellphones"?

Exactly! 

I've been watching this product develop over the past year or so and just waiting for it to hit the public. 
I think it is interesting, but useless in reality. 

How long does it take to normally charge your cell phone say from 50%?  An hour or more?
How long does it take to get that unit up to temp where it is actually creating juice?
How long does it take to brew a coffee, heat water for a hydrated meal?

I don't feel it would be practical to have to run it for hours on end, just to recharge an Ipod or cell phone battery.
Also, did you notice that the battery has to be "Pre charged" at home or other applicable location using a conventional power source?

My thought is this, if I'm that far off the grid that I can't keep my battery charged via car charger, solar, backup batteries or whatnot, I don't need the phone turned on most of the time in the first place.  Just keep it with me for emergency use, but turned off.

Wonder how long it will be before someone markets the windup USB charger like the emergency flashlight/radios have?

Wonder how long it will be before someone markets the windup USB charger like the emergency flashlight/radios have?

It would be slick to see Hobie create this type of generator powered by the mirage drive to trickle charge our FF batts

Check the seattle sports site and r e i. I think the crank up has already been done via device incorportation

I love the concept!  I can see this being a big hit in the 3rd world as it makes use of some of the wasted thermal energy from daily cooking activities.  I wonder if it might be better utilized in concert with a sterling engine/generator though.

-Spot-

I love the concept!  I can see this being a big hit in the 3rd world as it makes use of some of the wasted thermal energy from daily cooking activities.  I wonder if it might be better utilized in concert with a sterling engine/generator though.

-Spot-

Yeah, third world countries really need USB chargers if they have to cook over an open flame. Where are their priorities?
If the technology blossoms out to make "real" power from said wasted thermal energy, then yes it would make a difference.

A guy could easily create a thermal charger by making a draft tube above the fire pit and have a DC fan catch the vertical thermals and create DC to a charging bank. 

Steam engine technology is some seriously cutting edge stuff.

I like the mirage drive charging the 12volt idea.

Yeah, third world countries really need USB chargers if they have to cook over an open flame. Where are their priorities?

I've been to multiple devolping countries and seen people living in 3 walled, dirt floor shacks talking on cell phones.  Some of these folks would walk to town and pay a small fee to charge their phones.  Communication seems to take priority over lights. 

It seems like the mirage drive charger wouldn't be that hard to build.......

Steam engine technology is some seriously cutting edge stuff.

Sterling engines aren't the same as steam engines. 

"The Stirling engine is noted for its high efficiency compared to steam engines, quiet operation, and the ease with which it can use almost any heat source. This compatibility with alternative and renewable energy sources has become increasingly significant as the price of conventional fuels rises, and also in light of concerns such as peak oil and climate change. This engine is currently exciting interest as the core component of micro combined heat and power (CHP) units, in which it is more efficient and safer than a comparable steam engine.[1][2]"
1. Sleeve notes from A.J. Organ (2007)
2. F. Starr (2001)

Don't be getting all wikipedia on me.

It's really not much different from a steam engine.  Works on the same general principles, is simplistic, and was invented in the 1800s.  I'm going to stick with sarcastic response:  Seriously cutting edge stuff. 

It would be a cool adaptation for cheap power though.  Of course, someone has to pay for it first, or hypothetical villages with mud huts will never get them.

Steam engine technology is some seriously cutting edge stuff.

1. Sleeve notes from A.J. Organ (2007)

Funny, I used that name when I acted in that film trilogy...

  Communication seems to take priority over lights. 

Not so much communication being a priority over lights. More like cell phone infrastructure is cheaper and easier to implement than an electrical grid.

I've been to multiple devolping countries and seen people living in 3 walled, dirt floor shacks talking on cell phones.  Some of these folks would walk to town and pay a small fee to charge their phones.  Communication seems to take priority over lights. 

One reason that cell phones are prevalent in such conditions is that the infrastructure for wireless communication is much cheaper/faster/easier than the infrastructure for wired communication.  In fact I believe wireless communications in the 3rd world are growing faster than wired.