Issue 2 – Monday 31 July
Plug in to the Powerpod
Frances Singer
Today, I went to the Powerpod in the Edinburgh village to see how the electricity it generates is being put to use. Martin Well, who was involved with building the pod, gave me a tour. On one side of the pod are some solar panels, these are used to heat water.
Martin poured some water out of the tap on the side for me feel. Considering how grey the start of the day was, it was very warm.
The propeller and solar panels on the roof create electricity which can be used to power everything from iPods and mobile phones to hair straighteners.
Inside the pod the walls are covered with plug sockets, switches and other pieces of baffling equipment.
When I was there, a box of lamps, a mobile phone, an iPod and some batteries were recharging, while the tank of heated water lies at the back of the pod.
An extension cable leads off to the kitchen. It is currently being used to power a light, but, according to Martin, it’ll be powering a smoothie maker later in the week.
According to Martin, there’s currently a surplus of electricity. “At the moment we have too much,” he said. “It’s so good that we’re generating too much energy, so if people want to come and charge their mobiles they are very welcome to!”