I Want to build a power generator how do I figure out what I need?

Question

I need to know how I would be able to build a motor that can run on substance X.How would I be able to conclude how to build the motor and know that it would work for that specific substance?If possible I would like to be pointed towards some kind of DIY page or someone who can give information on the topic.

I do not know anything about it but id love to do this.

Answer 1

Well first of all you need to figure out how much power that you want to generate. Here is a small one for camping and such.  ( solar) http://www.rain.org/~philfear/how2solar....  Here are some ideas for a larger more complex one that uses fuel.  http://theepicenter.com/tow123199.html

Answer 2

There are hundreds of different power generators. Do you want electric power? What size, in voltage, current, frequency?

What is substance X?  The only fuels that i know of that can drive electric generators are:

coal, gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, dried sewage, wood, compressed paper, H2 and O2 (fuel cell), jet fuel....

You can also get electricity from solar heat, solar arrays, wind, water height, water flow, geothermal heat, wave action, tidal action, ocean temperature difference, ....

How can I tell you how to build it if I don't know what it is or what it does?

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