Energy & Efficiency
Not much happens without the expenditure of energy. We take pride in doing as much as we can with renewable energy, usually in the form of human muscle power derived from sunlight via plants. That said, we do have a car and a petrol powered mower that gets used sparingly.
Here at blockhill we have a number of options when it comes to harvesting alternative energy. The easiest and most obvious sources to use are solar and wind.
Over a period of a year or so I intend to evaluate some of the options and decide if it's worth (effort, financial etc.) pursuing further.
The passing of a legacy
Details:There are not many locations where you can get by without a car and being rural the wheels are particularly useful.
The silver lining of the 'death' of our old subaru wagon is the improvements in fuel efficiency.
And yes, the old body was recycled after we stripped of useful parts.
The silver lining of the 'death' of our old subaru wagon is the improvements in fuel efficiency.
And yes, the old body was recycled after we stripped of useful parts.
Energy efficiency with hot water
17 Jun 2011
Energy efficient bulbs
Available in either Edison thread or bayonet they fit into a standard light socket. Being LED they do not contain any mercury.
Unfortunately I have already had one cut out for some reason.
http://www.eoutlet.co.nz/catalog/viribr...
10 Jun 2011
Measuring the sun
My interest is in the effect of the suns angle to the panel array and the relationship to voltage. While there are probably some models put there, I have not seen any and find that actual experience is much more convincing and reliable.
My observations will influence my decision to include tracking capabilities to my solar installation.
Notice the clever little rod below the panels whose shadow (or lack of) can be used to determine if it is pointed directly at the sun.
18 May 2011
Spinning with the wind
Using old bicycle wheels and pieces of fat pipe I managed to put together a trial device for collection energy from the wind. Determining the angle of the 'blades' is the important factor. The next version will be bigger and better and allow for fine tuning.
13 Jan 2011
Solar water
08 Dec 2010
Ride on mower - fossil fuel extravagance
Bring on the old mower I 'inherited' from my father. Time will tell if it's a useful tool or a lemon...
04 Dec 2010
Insulation
Bath-B-Q (another go at brick laying)
Making use of left over bricks and the surplus cast iron bath.
Looking forward to soaking under the stars.
17 Jun 2010
Cutting the grass with electrons
20 May 2010