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Energy

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.

Water force
olmec
Water force
We are fortunate to have a small waterfall in the gully behind the house. The volume of water fluctuates quite dramatically but I think it has potential.
Waterfall assessment
Bio-gas
olmec
Bio-gas
I have been collecting small quantities of biogas (methane) to test its potential as an energy source.
48 hours of collection resulted in about 25 litres of uncompressed gas that burnt with a large flame (shown here) for about 2 minutes.
02 Jan 2010
The process
Scything like it's 1809
olmec
Scything like it's 1809
Trying out some rustic scythe techniques in the orchard. No noise, no smell, just good old fashion manual labour.
The scythe is best known as the weapon of choice of the grim reaper, basically a long, curved metal blade on a wooden pole with handles. Traditionally used for mowing grass and harvesting cereal crops, the scythe has a long history in agrarian (and revolutionary) societies.

25 Dec 2009
The full story
Bio fuel (turning food into energy)
Bio fuel (turning food into energy)
Ok, so this isn't what most people mean when they say bio fuels but turning lunch into energy certainly can reduce dependence on fossil fuel.

Our push mower is cheap to run, quiet, doesn't smell bad, easy to service and takes up hardly any room in the shed. Oh, and it keeps you fit! What's not to love.
22 Oct 2009
The bio fuel mirage