wind energy

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There were a couple of threads on another site which Wayland and Blowin were using for a systems test . I've copied them across to here to get the ball rolling . Sorry about the layout Embarassed

Quote:Waylad
I was watching a program on sky the other day. "Its not easy being green". Any of you guys watching this? This bloke and his family are into everything environmentaly friendly etc. I think he was one of the team leaders from scrapyard challange. He generates electricity from a home made water wheel and wind turbine. The latter he did not make but brought for £1500 in the UK. The same costs 3000 euro over here. A great program

Quote:Blowin
Well worth watching , as you say , and great for a bit of inspiration .
It might be worth bearing in mind , tho' , that in some cases they are building a de luxe model where most of us could ( would have to ! ) make do with something a bit more basic . There's no reason why it should not work just as well . There is an interesting comment on another forum to the effect that pebbles would be more efficient ( and I suspect much cheaper ) than the imploded glass they used in the greenhouse heat sump .
But ( beach ) pebbles are a protected resource , of course , whereas the glass simply reduces landfill . You can buy a smallish unit to process your own waste glass for approx £3k + VAT , ex works !!!!
You can't fault what they are doing , just modify the budget !

Quote:Wayland
Yes to all of that. Washed mixed ballast would yeald enough pebbles if that is the best heat exchange material available to us. The imploded glass would be a more dence a medium in the pit, which I think is better than the pebbles with bigger air gaps between the stones. Looses more heat to air me thinks. Last nights program was interesting. Bio Diesel. Did you see this?

dolmen

I've a great interest in alternative energy, mainly wind and solar. I do not have any system of my own in place, thought I do get my electric from N.I.E's Eco scheme (wind farm near me).

I was wondering if we have any wizz boffins on here that can help set up some substantial systems, I'm not in favour of claiming all these so called grants, as I would much prefer to build my own system to suit my own individual needs.

Smile

wayland

I share your sentiments Dolmen. This whole subject is close to my heart. I am no boffin on this subject of corse, but I was a mechanical engineer. My other half is always moaning. "You just cant stop fiddling with things, can you". Well no I cant Laughing

When I get my workshop set up I do have a number of machines and various equipment to make most things mechanical. I also have CAD facility. So if you or anyone else has a project that I can help with please ask. I would love to help. Wink

dolmen

Great offer wayland, thankyou.

I believe I would like to have a solar PV system that I can export/ import the power to the grid and use our home as normal, the expense of panels is the only limiting factor.

I am in favour of using solar heating, but I am still to be convinced that it is going to work here in Ireland, by work, I mean it will have to be economically viable, and this goes for all this alternative technology. Hence my reason for forgetting about 'Grants' and the cash hungry compannies that go along, and just DIY with the help and advice of likeminded people who care i.e. you for one

Heating the home is next on my concerned list, and there appears to be some great technology and equipment, but at the moment prices are just daft, unless again we can cut corners and DIY the design and manufacture of same.

Sorry about the rant, but most people that really care, don't all have the means to do anything about it!

Smile

wayland

I am a bit torn between a rock and a hard place over solar cells. On the face of it they look great. The polytunnel heating idea needs a small fan to move the air, and so a battery and solar charging unit to run this is neat. The issue I have is that the manufacturing process needed to make these solar cells is very eco-unfriendly! Ho Hum! Wind or water I think is the answer. As to cost!!! I think that payback periods should feature little in the equation, but instalation cost is more inportant. After all we dont look at the payback period when we by a car with all its neg equity and pollutant ability etc. If you catch my drift. Wink