Steam-powered USB charger is Lego-tastic

Well its a sad day to see Steampunk sell out and become actually useful, extremely inefficient but useful. Is it actually even Steampunk if its producing electricity via real steam? I think its just Retro at this point. An inspired hobbyist has constructed USB charger fed from a Lego dynamo cranked by a real steam engine. The Lego dynamo's output is adapted by a voltage regulator which converts the current to a steady 5 Volts. Once at a friendly 5 Volts, the juice is perfect for consumption by iPods or any other USB charging devices. All this by spinning a Lego motor backwards.

While a fun experimental system and definitely a neat showpiece this isn't a great alternative energy source or any manner of substitute for fuel cell technology. The heat required to convert any volume of water to steam to produce mechanical energy is far greater than what is actually output. Any other tinkerers rushing out to reproduced this experiment should be reminded that you are either using the Sterno-type fuel tablets or plugging it into AC power. Each individual tablet burns for about 15 minutes at a maximum. AC power is probably equivalent to having a stove burner running for 2 hours to get a good charge. Add to that about 4 water tank refills and you've got quite a bit of work for your music. I think after about 2 charges most everyone would just go back to humming to themselves.