The magnetic perpetual motion generator.

The magnetic perpetual motion generator uses magnetic friction from motors, magnets, coils and naturally occurring magnetic fields to build a source of positive energy that can not only power the generator, but also give off additional power to run appliances, electrical devices, lights and entire households.

While it seems plausible that some energy would get lost in the process, those working on the magnetic perpetual motion machine say the system's drive shaft and rotors are conducting magnetic friction back into the motor, giving it a boost.

Magnetic perpetual motion began with basement science experiments, but is now spreading to the average energy-conscious homeowner.

MIT professor and electromagnet expert Markus Zahnsays there are an infinite number of homemade magnetic perpetual motion machines in people's homes all around the world. The Toronto Star recently reported on Thane Heins, a 46-year-old from Ottawa who has been engrossed in a magnetic perpetual motion project since 1985. He confesses that he's not exactly sure how his magnetic perpetual motion machine actually works from a physics standpoint, butthe proof is in the pudding: it works!

Building a magnetic perpetual motion was easy, using basic hardware store materials, says Heins. To construct his magnetic perpetual motion, Heins says he connected an electric motor's drive shaft to a steel rotor with small magnets aligned along the outer rims. The rotor spins the magnets past a wire coil, which generates the electromagnetic field. Next, he "overloaded the generator" to create a stronger current. In theory, this should have repelled the rotor's spinning magnets away from each other and slowed them down until the motor stopped completely, according to the principles of Lenz's law and the Law of Conservation. However, to his astonishment, the motor accelerated, magnets flew off and hit the walls, and the magnetic fields were mysteriously boosted. Like many other scientific breakthroughs, Thane Heins' magnetic perpetual motion machine happened purely by accident. The faster his motor accelerated, the stronger the electromagnetic field, and the faster the motor went, thanks to a positive feedback loop. This is one reason it is also called Zero point energy.

Thane Heins calls the system "Perepiteia," which means "an action that has the opposite effect of what is intended" in Greek. Heins formed a company called Potential Difference Inc and has been working with the University of Virginia, Michigan State University, the University of Toronto and Queens University since 2005 to market his magnetic perpetual motion invention. He's spoken with prominent people such as Al Gore about furthering his machine's advancements and creating a prototype that all people can have in their homes. He feels that Perepiteia can be the answer to North America's energy crisis.

In the meantime, there are magnetic perpetual motion blueprints available to consumers who are anxious to begin reaping their own free energy.

Magniwork, The Free Power Blueprint and Magnet 4 Powerare three of the popular prototypes people are trying right in their own basements. The blueprints can be purchased for less than $100 and the materials are just as inexpensive. After a short two-hour setup, homeowners can begin powering some of their homes using their safe magnetic perpetual motion machine. Reviewers have said that building a magnetic perpetual motion is "as simple as assembling a desk from IKEA." Parents, teachers, environmentalists, frugal shoppers and techies alike have all found value in building their own magnetic perpetual motion generators. Whether you decide to keep building until you've powered your whole home or just wish to try one out to power an energy-sucking appliance, you'll be glad to know these machines are small and can be discreetly stowed out-of-sight. Compared to other green energy solutions, magnetic perpetual motion is less bulky, less expensive and less hassle to maintain.