A Backpack Hydroelectric Power Plant For Your Next Camping Trip?

One of the more important considerations when going on an outdoor camping escapade is whether to bring a portable power source. While some people really doesn’t see this as an essential element, there are those who like to maintain a certain level of comfort while at camp. Things like outdoor lighting systems, cooking appliances and other electrical devices that you may deem important to bring with you (like cellphones and other communication devices) may require that you bring some form of portable power.

One of the most popular portable power sources out there is the portable electric generator. This can be gasoline, diesel, propane-fueled machines that can provide electricity on the go (see the two Honeywell and All Power America camping generators that I’ve previously featured). There are other options that are especially suitable for those who wish to stay green and at a minimum carbon footprint. This can be in the form of a battery-based portable power pack that can be recharged through renewable power sources like solar panels or through your ordinary household electric socket.

A new “green” option for the serious outdoors folk that I’ve recently discovered is the Bourne Energy (http://bourneenergy.com) hydroelectric mini plant that you can actually carry in a backpack configuration. The Backpack Power Plant (BPP-1 and BPP-2) series is a portable hydroelectric turbine that weighs just about 30 or so pounds and about 3 ft. in length when collapsed and folded into its backpack container. One unit is capable of producing around 500 to 600 watts which should be more than enough for an outdoor lighting system, a portable electric stove and then some to keep the camp well lit and happy for the duration of the camping trip.

The BPP-2 is actually a military version of the BPP-1 and is designed for a more stealthy use. It produces no heat and no emissions and is equipped such that it can be submerged underwater so as to be unseen. The BPP-2 also produces up to 20% more power than its “civilian” counterpart BPP-1. They are also designed to be used one at a time but can also be used in an array with more units to produce more power. The military version is designed to work with different water flow rates but the civilian unit is optimum with river streams that flow at 7.5 ft. (2.3 meters) per second.

The only question on this renewable power generator is where to get them. Wired.com reported in 2010 that Bourne Energy is planning to sell them at $3,000 per unit but it’s still not clear on their website where you can get one in retail. It will be probably be a good idea to contact them directly if you are interested to get one.

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