Reviews of practical energy products. http://www.energy-product-reviews.com Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:44:36 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.energy-product-reviews.com/images/M_images/Energy_Product_Reviews_RSS_.jpg http://www.energy-product-reviews.com Reviews of practical energy products. index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=187&Itemid=64 Keeping cool is not just a comfort issue. Heatstroke can be deadly. This means it is important to provide some means of staying as cool as possible. This can be a real issue when you are operating on emergency power or have no power at all. Air conditioners use a tremendous amount of energy. In winter you can put on a coat to keep warm. The coat works by retaining your body heat. You can also build a fire to generate heat. But what can you do during a summer emergency to stay cool? Here are some practical steps on staying reasonably cool with no electricity or limited electricty: Emergency Power - Emergency Power Systems Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:46:20 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=182&Itemid=57 Diesel generators have many advantages over gasoline or propane/natural gas generators for remote, backup or emergency power solutions:low maintenancecontinuous performancecapable of using alternative fuellower pollutionlower noise levellower fuel cost In general, diesel generators will produce more power per cost than other types of generators and are capable of running for extended periods of time without having stand down as gasoline or propane/natural gas generators do.The only real disadvantage of diesel generators compared to gasoline or natural gas generators is that they cost somewhat more initially. This extra expense is quickly recovered in reduced maintenance and fuel costs. Backup Power - Backup Power Generation Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:56:35 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=180&Itemid=9 A recent development in battery technology is Nickel-Metal-Hydroxide (NiMH) batteries. NiMH batteries have a considerably greater capacity than the same sized NiCad batteries. They are also much better for the environment since they don't contain cadmium, a heavy metal.They are sold as an improvement for such energy intensive uses from camcorders or hybrid automobiles. I wanted to test them in solar landscape lighting to see if the theoretical improvement would translate to real improved performance. Until recently, most inexpensive solar landscape lighting came with Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) batteries installed. NiCad batteries are relatively inexpensive and easy to recharge. NiCad batteries perform very well in solar landscape lighting since they can be recharged about 1000 times and charge very efficiently with a low current over a long period. In normal operation, they need to be replaced every 2-3 years in solar landscape lighting. Now that the price has come down on NiMH batteries, many higher quality solar landscape lights come equipped with them. Their theoretical performance is over twice that of NiCads. I happened to have a set of four bargain basement solar landscape lights that were about 3 years old and in need of replacement batteries so I decided to replace the NiCad batteries with NiMH and see how they worked. The lights I have were made by Intermatic and only cost about $12 each. They have a small, relatively low efficiency solar panel. They are essentially a solar battery charger with an LED attached. When the solar panel is charging the battery the circuit switches off the LED. When the panel is not producing power (or very little power) the LED is switched on and stays on until the battery voltage drops to a low level, indicating a discharged state. In a pinch they can be used as a battery charger by leaving them out during the day and removing the battery at night. In a couple of days of sunshine they will put a near full charge on the battery. Rechargeable batteries generally last longest if they are charged to about 90% and discharged to about 50%. The 3-year-old batteries in the lights I have were about shot. They would only provide 1-2 hours of light at best. When the Intermatic lights were brand new 5 or 6 hours of sun would make them work for 5 or 6 hours at night. More sun didn't help much, they would still be very dim or out after 6 hours. Switching to NiMH batteries resulted in a dramatic improvement. With the same 5-6 hours of sun the lights now stay on for 10-12 hours! The bottom line is the NiMH batteries performance was even better than I expected. The questions to be answered are: Why do NiMH batteries perform so much better in solar landscape lights? Are there any safety issues with using NiMH batteries this way?Will NiMH batteries last as long as NiCad batteries? Battery Technology - NiMH Batteries Fri, 23 Feb 2007 16:58:10 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=179&Itemid=72 This article contains the content from a page at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) (http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/education/cont_ed/pv_handbook/content.htm) . The FSEC is a research institute of the University of Central Florida. It is the course materials for the Photovoltaic installer and inspector course. This course will prepare an electrical contractor to take and pass the Florida Solar Contractor Licensing Exam.Note: Some of the PDF files that are linked to are corrupted or otherwise FUBAR. Usually, you can get a good copy from the agency that produced them by contacting them directly. For more information about solar contractors in Florida see also:Florida Solar Contractor Certification (energy-efficient-construction/solar-contractors/florida-solar-contractor-certification.html)How Contractors and Builders Can Benefit from Alternative Energy (energy-efficient-construction/solar-contractors/how-contractors-and-builders-can-benefit-from-alternative-energy.html) Tax Incentives (links/tax-incentives/)Manufacturers and Suppliers (links/manufacturers-and-suppliers/) Energy Efficient Construction - Builders and Contractors Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:47:56 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=178&Itemid=77 There are several benefits for contractors and builder who are skilled in projects involving alternative energy:There are tax incentives from both the Federal and state governments that make alternative energy more cost effective (links/tax-incentives/) .Skills, equipment and methods used in residential and commercial alternative energy projects are transferable to remote power (remote-power/) , emergency power (emergency-power/) and backup power (backup-power/) projects.Alternative energy is a rapidly growing industry (http://www.powerhomebiz.com/News/072006/seegreen.htm) .Alternative energy opens new markets and other opportunities to builders and contractors through state government (http://www.cleanenergyflorida.org) , federal government (http://www.nrel.gov/) and manufacturer organizations (http://www.seia.org/) support.Alternative energy projects give positive publicity to builders and contractors.Customers benefit from reduced energy and maintenance costs compared with traditional energy sources. Alternative energy construction normally provides backup and emergency power as an additional benefit and reason to purchase. Resources for contractors and builders.Here are some links that will help contractors and builders get started with alternative energy: Florida Solar Contractor Certification (content/view/177/69/)Energy Efficient Construction (energy-efficient-construction/) Energy Tax Incentives Links (links/tax-incentives/)Alternative Energy Manufacturers and Suppliers Links (links/manufacturers-and-suppliers/) Energy Efficient Building and Construction Links (links/energy-efficient-building-and-construction/) Energy Efficient Construction - Solar Contractors Mon, 19 Feb 2007 05:50:40 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=77 The new energy tax incentives for Florida (energy-efficient-construction/energy-economics/energy-tax-incentives-for-florida.html) means that many contractors are interested in getting certified as a Solar Contractor in Florida.The best training for this is at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) (http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/index.php) :Installing Photovoltaic System (http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/education/cont_ed/pv/igcpvs/installers.php) is an intensive week-long course targeted toward contractors, journeymen, and practitioners who install grid-connected PV systems. In 2001, FSEC received accreditation for this course offering from the Institute for Sustainable Power. Over two hundred individuals have attended this hands-on oriented program since 1999. This class qualifies for continuing education requirements for contractors in Floridia.The FSEC also certifies equipment so that it qualifies for various state incentives. (http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/industry/testing/PVsystems/certified_systems/index.htm) The actual license is from the Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation, Construction Industry Licensing Board (http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/cilb_index.shtml) . Both solar and solar water heating are under division 2.The tests are administered by Professional Testing, Inc. (http://www.proftesting.com/examination/state.shtml) The state recommends you apply directly to Professional Testing for to schedule the test. However, I'd recommend checking the FSEC site and the state site first. Click here for more information about the test and some additional suggested reading for studying for the test. (http://www.contractors-license.org/fl/Florida.html)For a big list of related links try the tax incentives links page. (links/tax-incentives/) Energy Efficient Construction - Solar Contractors Mon, 19 Feb 2007 02:01:32 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=176&Itemid=74 Florida has recently approved measures that provide significant rebates, tax credits and other incentives for installing alternative energy systems in homes and businesses. (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/energy/energyact/solar.htm) Systems covered are:Two kilowatts or larger for a solar photovoltaic system; or A solar energy system that provides at least 50 percent of a building’s hot water consumption for a solar thermal system; or A solar thermal pool heaterApplication for a rebate must be made within 90 days after the purchase of the solar energy equipment. The equipment must be certified by the State of Florida and installed by a properly licensed contractor.The incentives are substantial. An individual residence with a 5kw photovoltaic system, a solar water heater and a solar pool heater would qualify for over $25,000 in rebates and other incentives. A commercial installation with a 25kw photovoltaic system and solar water heater would qualify for over $105,000 in rebates and other incentives. With current prices on photovoltaic systems, a typical homeowner using a home mortgage to pay for the equipment would see an immediate savings. The saving in electric bill and taxes would more than offset the increased mortgage payment. This is especially true of new construction since integrating energy systems in the design phase results in substantial savings compared with retrofitted systems. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Economics Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:06:38 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=175&Itemid=9 The performance of current LED lights has improved significantly in the last couple of years. This example floodlight demonstrates the current state of the technology. Testing and Engineering - Energy Efficient Power Devices Wed, 07 Feb 2007 02:48:57 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=9 Energy-efficient landscaping is landscaping designed for the purpose of conserving energy and other resources.Plants used in landscaping and landscape construction can help save you money on heating and cooling your home or business. There is no need to compromise on the beauty of landscaping to get this very practical benefit. Techniques include:Planting trees for the purpose of providing shade, which reduces cooling costs.Planting or building windbreaks to slow winds near buildings, which prevents heat loss.Wall sheltering, where shrubbery or vines are used to create a windbreak directly against a wall.Earth sheltering and positioning buildings to take advantage of natural landforms as windbreaks.Using green roofs to insulate the roof of a building.Using green gardening techniquesUsing keyline design to maximize the beneficial use of water resources.Using plants in landscaping design that are well suited for the climate.Composting leaves and lawn clippings.Integrating a geothermal pond into the landscape designUsing a multipurpose greenhouse for growing plants and reducing energy costs Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Efficient Building Methods Wed, 18 Oct 2006 06:40:00 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=74 Since there will usually be a number of acceptable design alternatives for any project, cost/benefit analyses help you select the ones that have the best savings potential. Simple Payback Analysis Standardized Payback Equations Life-Cycle Cost Analysis Selecting the Best Alternatives Weighing Societal Impacts Tools and calculators: International Performance Measure Measurement and Verification Protocol (http://www.ipmvp.org/)Rebuild America: Life-Cycle Cost Calculator (http://www.rebuild.gov/lawson/lifecyclecost.asp)BLCC Life-Cycle Software Tool (http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tools_directory/software.cfm/ID=88/) FEMP Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/lifecycle.html) Depending on the aggressiveness of the design, experience has shown that it costs no more than 10% more to build high-performance buildings. Some high-performance buildings cost less to construct. Sometimes additional upfront costs can be justified because the investment will reduce operating costs through the life of the building. The added cost, if any, of system investment each year is compared to the cost of fuel saved each year. Total energy costs are, on average, about 50% less than those for conventionally designed buildings. In many cases, the right-sizing of mechanical systems through passive solar design offsets the costs for additional windows or controls. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Economics Tue, 05 Sep 2006 21:26:15 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=106&Itemid=62 Keeping cool is not just a comfort issue. Heatstroke can be deadly so it is important to provide some means of staying as cool as possible.This can be a real issue when you are operating on emergency power. Air conditioners use a tremendous amount of energy. In winter you can put on a coat to keep warm. The coat works by retaining your body heat. You can also build a fire to generate heat. But what can you do during a summer emergency to stay cool? Well, think of a cool vest as a coat for summer. Cool vests use advanced materials that undergo a phase change at comfortable temperatures. This phase change is similar to ice changing to water and absorbing a lot of heat in the process. The difference is that new materials have been developed that undergo this change at a more comfortable and efficient temperature. Cool vests are an efficient solution to the emergency cooling problem. Instead of cooling the air around you, the cool vest cools you! (http://store.coolvest.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY Store_Code=RWS Category_Code=RCVZ) Cool vests that use ice or chemicals have been around for a long time. They do increase the amount of work you can safely do on a hot day.The problem is that they don't do much for your comfort level. Vests that use ice or colder chemicals are very uncomfortable and give a strange too hot/too cold at the same time feeling. Also, colder vests waste more energy by cooling the air around you more and your body less. The best cool vests I've found are from Glacier Tek. Glacier Tek cool vests are much more comfortable than other vests because they maintain a nice, comfortable 59°F. Most competitive products are from 32°F-40°F. In a jobsite environment, cool vests are very cost effective because they not only make you more comfortable they increase the amount of work you can do by over 30% when it is hot. Emergency Power - Efficient Emergency Devices Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:32:41 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=104&Itemid=62 Air conditioning with backup power can be especially challenging. The main reason is typical window air conditioners use a tremendous amount of power. Fortunately, there are very efficient evaporative and ice cooled air conditioning products that use much less power for the amount of cooling effect they produce. During August in hot areas the heat index is regularly over 110°F. This means that air conditioning is not just a comfort issue. It is a health issue. A realistic goal for backup air conditioning is to get the heat index down to 80°F in daytime. Not super comfortable but you probably won't die. Emergency Power - Efficient Emergency Devices Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:07:35 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=105&Itemid=62 Normal household refrigerators use a lot of power. The more often you open the door the more the refrigerator has to run to maintain temperature. In a situation with emergency power this will deplete batteries or fuel supplies very quickly.There are some simple steps you can take to save a lot of energy based on this simple fact: freezing water into ice is a very efficient way to store energy. This may seem crazy since to freeze water you are removing energy. However, temperature differences represent potential to extract useful energy. In this case you are using the temperature difference to cool something down, which is also very efficient. These easy steps will save lots of emergency power and still provide you with emergency refrigeration: When the power fails take the ice and perishables from the refrigerator and put them into ice chestsTurn the thermostat in the main (not freezer) part to the warmest setting and don't open it again Use your backup power source to run the refrigerator only long enough to freeze bags or bottles of water (2 liter soda bottles work great)Use the ice you make to replace the melted ice in the ice chests All you need to do this is a few ice chests and bags or bottle to use to make blocks of ice. Avoid using ice cubes because they will melt too fast. The reason this saves so much power is that you are only opening the door of the freezer a couple of times per day and using ice to store energy. You can also combine these steps with a termoelectric cooler like this one to extend how long the ice lasts. (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997 product_id=3353216 sourceid=0100000032573917502498) Emergency Power - Efficient Emergency Devices Fri, 15 Sep 2006 17:49:13 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid=63 Batteries for emergency power storeage can range from tiny AAA electronics batteries weighing less than an ounce to large glass matrix battery banks weighing hundreds of pounds.This article focuses on emergency power for RV, home, commercial or job site use. If the need for emergency power is only for a short duration, batteries storage alone can do the job. For large loads or extended emergency power time, power generation is used in conjunction with battery storage. A common size of battery used to compare backup power systems for home, commercial or jobsite use is a 125 amp-hour, 12 volt, deep cycle glass matrix battery. Amp-hour is short for ampere-hour and is abreviated in a variety of ways including, Ah, ahr, Ahr. Emergency Power - Emergency Power Storage Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:01:24 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=101&Itemid=61 For smaller emergency power systems, a gasoline generator is often the most cost effective source of power. Gasoline is a great way to store a lot of energy in a small space. Modern gasoline emergency generators are efficient, lightweight, quiet and reliable. Emergency Power - Emergency Power Generation Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:22:21 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid=59 Keeping cool is not just a comfort issue. Heatstroke can be deadly so it is important to provide some means of staying as cool as possible.This can be a real issue when you are operating on backup power. Air conditioners use a tremendous amount of energy. In winter you can put on a coat to keep warm. The coat works by retaining your body heat. You can also build a fire to generate heat. But what can you do during summer to stay cool? Well, think of a cool vest as a coat for summer. Cool vests use advanced materials that undergo a phase change at comfortable temperatures. This phase change is similar to ice changing to water and absorbing a lot of heat in the process. The difference is that new materials have been developed that undergo this change at a more comfortable and efficient temperature. Cool vests are an efficient solution to the cooling problem. Instead of cooling the air around you, the cool vest cools you! (http://store.coolvest.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT Store_Code=RWS Affiliate=denson_smith) Cool vests that use ice or chemicals have been around for a long time. They do increase the amount of work you can safely do on a hot day.The problem is that they don't do much for your comfort level. Vests that use ice or colder chemicals are very uncomfortable and give a strange too hot/too cold at the same time feeling. Also, colder vests waste more energy by cooling the air around you more and your body less. The best cool vests I've found are from Glacier Tek. Glacier Tek cool vests are much more comfortable than other vests because they maintain a nice, comfortable 59°F. Most competitive products are from 32°F-40°F. In a jobsite environment, cool vests are very cost effective because they not only make you more comfortable they increase the amount of work you can do by over 30% when it is hot. Backup Power - Efficient Backup Devices Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:32:41 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=99&Itemid=59 Air conditioning with backup power can be especially challenging. The main reason is typical window air conditioners use a tremendous amount of power. Fortunately, there are very efficient evaporative and ice cooled air conditioning products that use much less power for the amount of cooling effect they produce. During August in hot areas the heat index is regularly over 110°F. This means that air conditioning is not just a comfort issue. It is a health issue. A realistic goal for backup air conditioning is to get the heat index down to 80°F in daytime. Not super comfortable but you probably won't die. Backup Power - Efficient Backup Devices Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:07:35 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=57 LP gas backup generators (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?keyword=generator CNTTYPE=PROD_META x=0 y=0 MID=9876 com.broadvision.session.new=Yes N=2984 CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp) are very reliable, efficient, quiet and clean burning source of backup power. They are also available in sizes cable of handling loads of over 40,000 watts. This means they are a possible solution for backup power for a large home, a business or jobsite. This type of generator can run for an extended period without stopping for maintenance and so are a good candidate for long term needs. Backup Power - Backup Power Generation Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:35:43 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=170&Itemid=9 A sun room is a great example of a sunspace for passive solar heating. With this type of construction technology you are converting sunlight to heat which is very efficient.This is a relatively simple home improvement project that qualifies for Federal tax credits. Florian is a manufacturer that specializes in passive solar technology. (http://www.florianproducts.com/solarcollector.html) Here is how a typcial installation works: A southern facing position of your sunroom is preferred, however, east or west facing will be able to take advantage of the sun rising/setting During the Fall/Winter/Spring seasons, the sun stays low in the sky allowing free heat into the vertical walls of your solar collector sunroom. The Heat Repellent series roof glazing traps the solar heat in the upper area of the room. A thru-the-wall fan placed high in the sunroom is added to the room design, along with a thermostat and seasonal shutoff switch The thermostat will automatically cycle the fan on when the sunroom temperature reaches about 75 degrees, delivering free heat to your home A separate sunroom zone heat source may also be installed with a lower temperature setting so you may also enjoy your sunroom addition on those cold winter nights Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Efficient Building Methods Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:07:34 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=169&Itemid=75 Thousands of years ago, the Anasazi Indians in Colorado incorporated passive solar design in their cliff dwellings. Step outside on a hot and sunny summer day, and you'll feel the power of solar heat and light. Today, many buildings are designed to take advantage of this natural resource through the use of passive solar heating and daylighting. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Systems Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:29:20 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=161&Itemid=9 One problem with most composting toilet systems is that they are relatively expensive and esthetically unattractive. Envirolet has solved both problems with a toilet system that allows up to 3 toilets in a single family home to share one composter. In addition, the Low Water Remote is a high capacity System which can accommodate up to ten persons per day as well as additional guests from time to time. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Efficient Building Methods Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:13:14 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=160&Itemid=9 Traditional septic tank systems waste water and can pollute groundwater. Especially if too many homes with septic systems are located in the same area. Modern technology allows sanitation with energy efficiency and environmental protection. A key technology that saves energy, water and reduces pollution is a toilet system that separates blackwater (sewage) from greywater (from showers and sinks) and treats them separately.Most of the pollution generated from a typical home sewage system is from the blackwater portion of the wastewater. Composting toilets treat the solid portion of the waste separately This results in energy and water savings and also to ensure that groundwater is not contaminated. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Efficient Building Methods Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:02:34 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=102&Itemid=61 LP gas emergency generators (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?keyword=generator CNTTYPE=PROD_META x=0 y=0 MID=9876 com.broadvision.session.new=Yes N=2984 CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp) are very reliable, efficient, quiet and clean burning source of backup power. They are also available in sizes cable of handling loads of over 40,000 watts. This means they are a possible solution for emergency power for a large home, a business or jobsite. This type of generator can run for an extended period without stopping for maintenance and so are a good candidate for long term needs. Emergency Power - Emergency Power Generation Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:35:43 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=57 A backup generator transfer switch is necessary to safely operate a backup generator for powering your home or business. The transfer switch is used to route power to your home or business either from the commercial power grid or from your backup generator. The generator transfer switch can be either manual or automatic. Manual generator switches are normally used with gasoline or diesel backup generators. Automatic generator transfer switches are normally used with natural gas, LP or propane backup generators. Backup generator transfer switches are required by law in all 50 states. Backup Power - Backup Power Generation Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:07:44 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=156&Itemid=75 With modern building design a greenhouse will do a lot more than provide a place to grow green plants in winter. A modern greenhouse can be used to significantly lower your heating bills.A greenhouse uses the sun and transparent material such as glass or plastic to warm the air, plants and anything else inside. A greenhouse works because the surfaces inside absorb visible and ultraviolet radiation. Absorbing this radiation warms the surfaces. The surfaces emit infrared radiation. Infrared radiation is reflected or absorbed by the glass or plastic greenhouse material. This results in a temperature inside the greenhouse compared with the outside temperature.People have been using this effect for a long time to warm buildings and to grow plants in winter. By integrating a greenhouse as a part of your house it can provide heat for warming the air inside your house and acts to insulate a wall from the cold outside. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Systems Sun, 15 Oct 2006 07:12:01 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=155&Itemid=75 Any pond or body of water has the potential to act as a source of geothermal energy. Even storage containers of water can store energy.Water acts as a large thermal mass that stores heat. It is very easy to extract or store heat in water. An example use that is very simple to implement is to use geothermal energy from a pond to keep a driveway ice free in winter and cooler in summer. The pond can also serve as a water garden (http://www.flower-florist-garden-news.com/gardening_articles/gardening/water_gardens.html) and store rainwater for watering your lawn and garden. You need a pond that is large enough so it will not freeze solid in winter. The rest is pretty low tech and simple. Use efficient 12 volt pumps to pump pond water in a series of pipes underneath a drive or walkway. In summer, the water will be cool compared to the pavement and absorb heat, making the pavement more comfortable. In winter the water will be warmer than freezing so it can melt ice on the drive. If climate is very cold you will need a big pond or it will eventually freeze solid. A pond also has the additional potential to cool water by evaporation from the surface of the pond. This effect can be enhanced by fountains or spraying a mist on areas that need to be cooled. A geothermal pond can also serve as a component in a geothermal heat pump system (energy-efficient-construction/energy-systems/geothermal-heat-pumps.html) . The geothermal pond is used by the geothermal heat pump to dump heat in the summer and extract heat in winter.This type of heat pump is no more complex than a standard heat pump system. A standard heat pump system echanges heat with the outside air. A geothermal heat pump exchanges heat with water. Since water stores more heat than air, the geothermal heat pump is much more efficient. The most cost effective way to construct a geothermal heat pump system is to bury a series of pipes horizontally under the ground and/or beneath a pond. The larger the volume of the pond the more efficient the system will be since water better than the soil at storing heat. A geothermal pond is usually the least expensive and most cost effective way to build a geothermal heat pump system. An added benefit of a geothermal pond is that it can double as a recreational pond or lake for large systems or a water garden (http://www.flowers-florist-link.net/categories/Green_Gardening/) for smaller systems. In either case, excess water from the geothermal pond can be used for watering lawns and gardens with any runoff returned to the pond. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Systems Sat, 07 Oct 2006 23:20:49 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=107&Itemid=75 Geothermal heat pumps are almost always a cost effective alternative to a standard heat pump. Geothermal heat pumps use 30%-70% less energy than other types of heating and air conditioning systems.The term geothermal makes them sound high-tech and complex, however, this technology is relatively straightforward and simple.The basic idea is that the temperature a few feet below the ground is very stable throughout the year. Depending on where you live this temperature can range from 45°F to 70°F. This temperature is roughly equal to the average outside temperature for the year.This means that just below your feet there is a relatively cool thermal mass in summer and a relatively warm thermal mass in winter. All that has to be done to tap this energy potential is to pass water through pipes that are in thermal contact with the earth below this temperature line. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Systems Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:42:25 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154&Itemid=9 A geothermal pond works as a component in a geothermal heat pump system (energy-efficient-construction/energy-systems/geothermal-heat-pumps.html) . The geothermal pond is used by the geothermal heat pump to dump heat in the summer and extract heat in winter.A geothermal pond is usually the least expensive and most cost effective way to build a geothermal heat pump system. An added benefit of a geothermal pond is that it can double as a recreational pond or lake for large systems or a water garden (http://www.flowers-florist-link.net/categories/Green_Gardening/) for smaller systems. In either case, excess water from the geothermal pond can be used for watering lawns and gardens with any runoff returned to the pond. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Efficient Building Methods Sat, 07 Oct 2006 23:20:49 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid=74 Geothermal heat pumps save money in operating and maintenance costs. While the initial purchase price of a residential geothermal heat pump system is usually somewhat higher than that of a comparable gas-fired furnace and central air-conditioning system, it is more efficient, thereby saving money every month. If the geothermal heat pump system is being financed with a mortgage, the energy savings are almost always greater than the increase in loan payment. A geothermal heat pump system will immediately result in more money in your pocket each month. Special Energy Star mortgages and other loans are available from many lenders. There are also many other tax incentives for installing this type of technology. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Economics Sat, 16 Sep 2006 22:22:21 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=100&Itemid=59 Normal household refrigerators use a lot of power. The more often you open the door the more the refrigerator has to run to maintain temperature. In a situation with backup power this will deplete batteries or fuel supplies very quickly.There are some simple steps you can take to save a lot of energy based on this simple fact: freezing water into ice is a very efficient way to store energy. This may seem crazy since to freeze water you are removing energy. However, temperature differences represent potential to extract useful energy. In this case you are using the temperature difference to cool something down, which is also very efficient. These easy steps will save lots of backup power and still provide you with backup refrigeration: When the power fails take the ice and perishables from the refrigerator and put them into ice chestsTurn the thermostat in the main (not freezer) part to the warmest setting and don't open it again Use your backup power source to run the refrigerator only long enough to freeze bags or bottles of water (2 liter soda bottles work great)Use the ice you make to replace the melted ice in the ice chests All you need to do this is a few ice chests and plastic bags or bottles to make blocks of ice. Avoid using ice cubes because they will melt faster than blocks or chunks of ice. The reason this saves so much power is that you are only opening the door of the freezer a couple of times per day and using ice to store energy. You can also combine these steps with a termoelectric cooler like this one to extend how long the ice lasts. (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997 product_id=3353216 sourceid=0100000032573917502498) Backup Power - Efficient Backup Devices Fri, 15 Sep 2006 17:49:13 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=111&Itemid=68 Many cities are looking to alternative energy as an immediate solution to meet the rising demand for electricity. The city of Tallahassee is developing an electricity infrastructure plan for the next 20 years. (http://www.talgov.com/communications/newsdetail.cfm?id=544) The plan includes using renewable/alternative energy whenever possible. They are looking to industry to help them make the economic decisions. Here is a graph with capacity vs demand from now and for the next 20 years from now in Tallahassee. http://www.talgov.com/you/electric/irp.cfm (http://www.talgov.com/you/electric/irp.cfm) The capacity is due to decrease soon because some of their power plants are reaching the end of useful life. Energy Issues - Municipal Energy Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:49:57 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=47 In winter you can put on a coat to keep warm. The coat works by retaining your body heat. But what can you do during summer to stay cool? Well, think of a cool vest as a coat for summer. Cool vests use advanced materials that undergo a phase change at comfortable temperatures. This phase change is similar to ice changing to water and absorbing a lot of heat in the process. The difference is that new materials have been developed that undergo this change at a more comfortable and efficient temperature. Cool vests are an efficient solution to the cooling problem. Instead of cooling the air around you, the cool vest cools you! (http://store.coolvest.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT Store_Code=RWS Affiliate=denson_smith) Cool vests that use ice or chemicals have been around for a long time. They do increase the amount of work you can safely do on a hot day.The problem is that they don't do much for your comfort level. Vests that use ice or colder chemicals are very uncomfortable and give a strange too hot/too cold at the same time feeling. Also, colder vests waste more energy by cooling the air around you more and your body less. The best cool vests I've found are from Glacier Tek. Glacier Tek cool vests are much more comfortable than other vests because they maintain a nice, comfortable 59°F. Most competitive products are from 32°F-40°F. In a jobsite environment, cool vests are very cost effective because they not only make you more comfortable they increase the amount of work you can do by over 30% when it is hot. Remote Power - Energy Efficient Power Devices Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:32:41 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemid=58 Solar panels provide all the power needed for some remote power needs. In other cases, solar panels are used to extend fuel supplies by supplementing power from a gasoline, diesel or LP gas generator.The best thing about solar panels is that they require no fuel supply and therefore help solve logistics problems in remote areas. Remote Power - Remote Power Generation Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:12:28 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=56 Batteries for backup power storage can range from tiny AAA electronics batteries weighing less than an ounce to large glass matrix battery banks weighing hundreds of pounds.This article focuses on backup power for RV, home, commercial or jobsite use. If the need for backup power is only for a short duration, batteries storage alone can do the job. For large loads or extended backup power time, power generation is used in conjunction with battery storage. A common size of battery used to compare backup power systems for home, commercial or jobsite use is a 125 amp-hour, 12 volt, deep cycle glass matrix battery. Amp-hour is short for ampere-hour and is abreviated in a variety of ways including, Ah, ahr, Ahr. Backup Power - Backup Power Storage Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:01:24 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=57 For smaller backup power systems, a gasoline generator is often the most cost effective source of power. Gasoline is a great way to store a lot of energy in a small space. Modern gasoline generators are efficient, lightweight, quiet and reliable. Backup Power - Backup Power Generation Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:22:21 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=91&Itemid=9 One of the few disadvantages of monolithic domes is that many people don't find them attractive. This page has some examples that show that any type of look is possible.log cabin in the woods...really a dome. Log cabin monolithic dome This home has very strong metal storm shutters to protect the windows. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Efficient Building Methods Tue, 05 Sep 2006 23:02:49 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=9 One of the most cost effective, energy efficient construction method is monolithic domes. Contruction costs are about the same as a traditional structure of the same square feet of floor space. Monolithic literally means one rock . They are one piece of reinforced concrete and many times stronger than 20th century houses. The concrete is insulated on the outside and provides a large thermal mass which greatly lowers heating and cooling costs. They require only about 1/3 of the heating and cooling load of a traditional house of the same size and have proven to be able to easily withstand 200 mph winds. The house pictured above has been through several hurricanes with local winds over 100 mph with only very minor damage. Energy Efficient Construction - Energy Efficient Building Methods Tue, 05 Sep 2006 22:35:43 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87&Itemid=49 Remote power systems are power storage/generation solutions that will work in places where access to the power grid is expensive or unavailable.Remote power applications include:Camping powerSUV powerRV PowerJob Site PowerIndustrial Power Emergency PowerRequirements for remote power systems for backpack camping, SUV's, RV's, job sites remote industrial power and emergency power are very similar. The main difference is in the scale and type of components:Sufficient - A good way to design a remote power system is to decide on your maximum power requirement and work backwards to choose components. Efficient - You can only take so much fuel with you and transporting it is a big logistics problem. Devices that use less power or generate power more efficiently save fuel.Lightweight - The less components weigh the more power it is practical to transport.Small - The smaller components are the more practical they are to store and move.Durable - Components and fuel storage must be shock resistant and resistant to the elementsReliable - The fact that you are remote means you can't run out for a replacement.Cost effective - The overall system must be cost effective for the desired job. Short term remote power only needs a good storage component. Longer term solutions need both power storeage and power generation. The greatest callenge of remote power generation is a fuel source. This is why solar, wind and hydro powered systems are so popular for remote applications. Remote Power - Portable Power Systems Fri, 01 Sep 2006 21:01:27 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=48 Remote power systems can be any type of power system for remote use from a pocket sized cell phone charger to a portable gas turbine. Remote Power can be anywhere that the commercial power grid is not available. Examples are remote cabins and jobsites. Remote power systems can usually also double as emergency power systems. Remote Power - Remote Power Systems Mon, 28 Aug 2006 03:16:19 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=49 Camping Power, Remote Jobsite Power and Emergency Power The goal of this project is to set up a system for camping and remote jobsite use in a Honda Element (or any SUV) that will double as an emergency power system. I chose a Honda Element because it has a lot of cargo space for the overall size and weight of the vehicle. It also has the advantage of having lots of little extras for remote use such as an option for a tent structure that attaches to the back of the vehicle and seats that fold back to make two pretty decent beds. The system is based on a portable solar power system with a small gasoline generator and special battery to store power from either. This type of system is charged by your vehicle's electrical system while you are running and a photovoltaic solar panel or gasoline generator when you are stopped. solar panels This system has deep cycle high capacity batteries that are designed to be deeply discharged. If you use a regular car battery it will wear out very quickly, so; only use the deep cycle batteries when your engine is off. It is fine to run the system with your vehicle's electrical system when your engine is running so long as you don't pull more than the rated wattage from the cigarette lighter power outlets.. Remote Power - Portable Power Systems Wed, 30 Aug 2006 02:50:16 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=47 Air conditioning in remote areas can be especially challenging. The main reason is typical window air conditioners use a tremendous amount of power. Fortunately, there are very efficient evaporative and ice cooled air conditioning products that use much less power for the amount of cooling effect they produce. During August in hot areas the heat index is regularly over 110°F. This means that air conditioning is not just a comfort issue. It is a health issue. A realistic goal for remote air conditioning is to get the heat index down to 80°F in daytime. Not super comfortable but you probably won't die. Remote Power - Energy Efficient Power Devices Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:07:35 +0100