Power on Sunset Test

By Sandy Smith, via Make.

[#1 posted by jathomas , September 18, 2008 5:22 AM]

I'm guessing that room is pretty... WARM.

[#2 posted by dculberson , September 18, 2008 5:31 AM]

Lovely.

I bet it makes a great noise, too. Dozens of different fans of varying size and speed. Whiirrrrarriirrrrarririair!

[#3 posted by Internets Was Yes , September 18, 2008 5:41 AM]

That is probably the loudest, heaviest sunset ever.

[#4 posted by Rob Beschizza , September 18, 2008 6:34 AM]

Follow the link and check it out from behind. I'm thinking that costs at least $100 a month to run.

[#5 posted by dculberson , September 18, 2008 7:19 AM]

Rob, that is a fire inspector's worst nightmare. Spider webs of AC just begging to start a fire.

I calculate:

39 computers and CRT monitors running
200 watts per pair (very conservative)
39 x 200 = 7,800 watts (7.8 kW)
Average cost of electricity in US, 2008: $.11/kWh

To run it 8 hours per day, 30 days per month would cost:

8h/d x 30d x 7.8kWh x $.11/kWh = $205.92

Running it 24 hours a day would cost:

24h/d x 30d x 7.8kWh x $.11/kWh = $617.76 !!

I couldn't find current average power cost in the UK in my limited searching. Also note that power costs vary greatly; California users have paid as much as $14.59/kWh in the last year.

Summary: Yes, loudest, heaviest, and most expensive to watch sunset ever. Also.. still awesome.

[#6 posted by Rob Beschizza , September 18, 2008 9:35 AM]

Good god, $618 a month! The Architect's electric bill must be outrageous.

[#7 posted by Peaceflag2007 , September 18, 2008 9:52 AM]

They should take a picture, and then display the picture.

Save power.

[#8 posted by geekpdx , September 18, 2008 10:40 AM]

If you gutted all the components you could recreate this with some CF light bulbs, plexiglass screens and opaque colored plastic.

Hell, you could probably do it with just a few large bulbs and some fiber optics and still have the same effect if you tosses a few fans in to recreate the sound.

[#9 posted by Anonymous , September 19, 2008 6:16 AM]

I'm surprised the artist's name isn't Voytek.

[#10 posted by Anonymous , September 20, 2008 8:34 AM]

@DCULBERSON

Whoa whoa whoa... Californians have paid as much as $14.59/kWh?!

... really?

I mean, I'll take your word for it, but...

... really?