Jim Baughn K9EOH

Preview Fuel Sources Power Generators Capturing and Using Generated Power Solar Power Expansion Safety Questions

Fuel Sources Gasoline Diesel Propane Gasification

Gasoline Fill containers to about 95% Cap containers tightly Only use gasoline containers Store out of direct sunlight at about 80 Degrees Do not store near an ignition source (gas furnace or water heater for example.) Use a stabilizer or use gasoline regularly (once a month test of the generator for example.) Don’t have all containers empty when the power goes out!

Diesel Ensure that the fuel is not in contact with any surfaces containing zinc or copper or compounds containing those metals (eg. Brass). Establish a regular fuel maintenance program to ensure that water and dirt is removed from storage tanks. This will also remove any chance for fungus to grow. Water should be drained from the storage tanks weekly. The frequency can be extended if the tank shows no tendency to collect water but should be done at least monthly. Tanks should be kept full to reduce the space for water to condense. Regularly turn the fuel over. If possible, plan the fuel usage so that it will all be used within 1-5 years and replaced with fresh fuel.

Propane Store in a well ventilated area Store way from any ignition source Store so the relief valve is in direct contact with the vapor. Standard propane tanks should be stored vertically.

Gasification A method of converting wood to gas much like propane. A fire is build A tank, with a ‘nozzle’, containing wood scrap is placed in the fire The wood goes thorough a process producing syngas. The resulting vapor can then piped to an engine set up to run gas vapor. For more information: files/handbook_of_biomass_downdraft_gasifier_engine_systems.pdf

Wood Gasifier As on ‘The Colony’

Power Generators Fuel Driven generators Wind generators Hydroelectric generators Solar Power Generation

Fuel Driven Generators Fuel can be gasoline, propane or gasified biomass They can be manually started (pull rope) Electrically started Auto started

AC Generators

Ground System

Wind Generators

Indiana Wind Power

Hydroelectric Generators Micro Hydro 10 feet of fall with 20 gallons/minute 40 Watts 100 Feet of fall with 100 gallons/minute 1100 Watts If you plan to dam a stream, even on your own land, be prepared for lots of red tape. Mechanically you will be cleaning out debris from the screens As long as the water runs, electricity will be generated 24/7

Solar Power Photovoltaic cells You can make your own panels at about 1/3 the cost of commercial panels Sun heated systems that turn a steam turbine Mechanically complex

Power is being generated How do we capture it safely?

Solar Power Expansion

Battery Sizing Several battery sizing calculators on internet Factors to enter: Total DC load with Current and Voltage per day Total AC load in Watt Hours per day Surge Current – Not always considered by calculators Sunlight factor – depends on location on earth and season Number of days expected to run on battery power alone Battery considerations Type of Battery AH rating and voltage Maximum discharge percentage Search for ‘solar battery sizing worksheet’

Save Energy (Only 45.95)

Safety Batteries under charge emit hydrogen (remember the Hindenburg?) Do not place arc producing items above the batteries Fuse the batteries close to the batteries with DC fuses Use the proper size cables Tyewrap cables together Keep AC away from DC in separate breaker boxes Use AC breakers for AC only Use DC breakers and fuses for DC only

Questions?