Burning the Bones of the Earth: Lime Kilns
Obsolete TechnologyLime burning is a now-forgotten industry that sustained many agrarian communities before energy became cheap.
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Heat Your Clothes, Not Your House
Low-tech SolutionsThe arrival of compact lithium-ion batteries has increased the performance and diversity of electrically heated clothing.
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Power from the Tap: Water Motors
Obsolete TechnologyIn the nineteenth century, miniature water turbines were connected to the tap and could power any machine that is now driven by electricity
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Back to Basics: Direct Hydropower
Low-tech SolutionsThe hydro power installations in use today are less energy efficient than those of earlier centuries.
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The Mechanical Transmission of Power (3): Endless Rope Drives
Obsolete TechnologyThe trend towards small-scale, decentralised power production means that rope transmission might have a place in our energy system again
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The Mechanical Transmission of Power (2): Jerker Line Systems
Obsolete TechnologyJerker line systems can be used to operate water pumps or sawing machines, to forge iron, to process food or fibres, or to make paper.
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The Mechanical Transmission of Power (1): Stangenkunst
Obsolete TechnologyLong-distance power transmission predates the invention of electricity by almost four centuries.
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How to Make Everything Ourselves: Open Modular Hardware
Low-tech SolutionsA modular system unites the advantages of standardisation (parts can be produced cheaply in large amounts) with the advantages of customisation (a large diversity of unique objects can be made with relatively few parts).
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Electric Velomobiles: as Fast and Comfortable as Automobiles, but 80 times more Efficient
Low-tech SolutionsAbout a quarter of the existent wind turbines would suffice to power as many electric velomobiles as there are people.
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Cargo Cyclists Replace Truck Drivers on European City Streets
Low-tech SolutionsA cargo cycle is at least as fast as a delivery van in the city - and much cheaper to use.
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How to Keep Beverages Cool Outside the Refrigerator
Low-tech SolutionsThe Spanish botijo is a water bottle that cools itself, without electricity.
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The Solar Envelope: How to Heat and Cool Cities without Fossil Fuels
Low-tech SolutionsModern research, which combines ancient knowledge with fast computing techniques, shows that passive solar cities are a realistic option, allowing for surprisingly high population densities.