My Backyard Garden

It’s mid-July, and my garden is in full-swing once again. Here’s a brief tour:

Tomatoes are on the left. Pole beans are in the background. From left to right the raised bed is home to: Sweet Snap Pea’s, Eggplant, Green Pepper, Basil, Dill, Parsley, Carrots, and Honeydew Melon.

More than anything else, I like to grow tomatoes. We eat them fresh, and can them for use all-year-long. Nothing you can buy at the grocery store in the winter compares to the great taste of canned tomatoes.

I grow “heirloom” tomatoes, and they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Cherokee Purple (leftmost tomato), is a great tasting variety that grows well in my environment. Shown next to it is a Better Boy.

The ugly-shaped tomato on the right is a French variety, Cuostralee.

My corn crop was ruined by squirrels last year. To deal with the problem I started a “Squirrel Relocation” project. It looks like I’ll be eating sweet corn from my garden this year.

I’ve had good luck with cucumbers this year. Here are some of the dill pickles I made. I also grow the “dill”, used to give the pickles their flavor.

Raspberries were nearly ready for picking when this picture was taken. I'm getting about a pint of raspberries per day, as of July 8th.

The photo on the right is a closer look at a dill plant.

*

*

*

*

In addition to great taste, it’s good to know that my family is eating food that has not been genetically engineered, and is free of pesticides and preservatives. I save “open-pollinated” seeds from my own crops each year, just to be sure. My post of 9/6/2006 provides additional information about my gardening practices.

John

The Practical and Efficient Use of a Small PV System

Since the primary role of my small photovoltaic (PV) system has been to serve as an alternate source of electricity during grid power failures, a great deal of power was unused, and therefore wasted. To minimize the waste, I decided to put the system to use on a daily basis. After all, I reasoned, shouldn’t I be using this energy to reduce my electric bill?

My first task was to determine how much energy I could expect from the system. Since I have 340 Watts of PV capacity (4 – 85 Watt Panels), and I can expect about 4 hours of peak sunlight each day, the overall production will be 340 times 4, or 1360 Watt/Hours per day. Because I’ll be storing some of this energy in batteries, and because I’ll be converting DC to AC, system losses must be considered. Clouds will also limit production. With all of these things in mind, I’ll estimate that my daily capacity averages 900 Watt/Hours.

Looking over a list of appliances in my home, I decided to use a chest freezer as the load. The chest freezer is an ideal load for several reasons: It requires about 800 Watt/Hours per day and the energy requirements change very little from day to day. Because it uses a little less energy than the anticipated daily output of the PV system, the freezer could theoretically be powered indefinitely. I decided to carefully monitor system parameters for a few weeks, and log the results with comments. Here are some log excerpts:

May 6, 2007
Power up inverter and connect chest freezer.

May 13, 2007
Observed that in addition to providing power to the chest freezer, the PV array is able to fully charge the battery bank.

May 31, 2007
The past six days have been mostly rainy and overcast. Switch off inverter due to low battery voltage.

I predicted that the PV system would be able to produce more energy than needed to run the freezer, but six days of mostly cloudy weather depleted the battery bank.

June 2, 2007
Sunny weather has returned and batteries are fully charged. Switch on inverter and connect chest freezer.

June 7th, 2007
Severe thunderstorms are predicted. Switch off inverter in order to preserve batteries in the event they are needed in the event of a grid power failure.

No grid power failure occurred, but it was good to know that a fully charged battery bank was available just in case.

June 8th, 2007
Stormy weather has passed. Switch on inverter and reconnect freezer.

June 10th, 2007
Due to mostly overcast conditions, battery voltage has again declined. Switch off inverter and freezer load.

Overall the system performed pretty much as I expected it to. If not for an extended period of cloudy weather, it could have continued to provide enough energy to power the chest freezer for a very long time. I suspect that the short and cloudy days of winter will create the same situation.

Overall efficiency may seem to be optimized in this example, since the load is about equal to the capacity of the PV system, but a significant increase in efficiency is possible. The freezer could be put on a timer, set to allow the freezer to run only during daylight hours. If the compressor runs during the day, when energy comes directly from the solar panels, the losses associated with storing power in batteries and using power from the batteries are eliminated.

Based on the results of this test, I believe I can improve PV system performance by increasing the size of the battery bank. It is important to note that the battery bank must not be enlarged to a point where the existing PV array cannot fully recharge it. Chronic undercharging will shorten the life of the battery bank. It is also important to remember that in addition to charging the batteries, the PV array needs to provide power to the load.

The system continues to serve as an emergency source of electricity, and most days provides power to the freezer therefore reducing my electric bill. Additional opportunities to enhance system efficiency will surface as I enlarge the system. At this point it's good to know that I've reduced the waste.

Here's a picture of the freezer:




Visitors usually ask about the sign, giving me an opportunity to show-off my PV system.

John

What to Expect from a Midsize PV System

As I continue to add to my PV system, I look forward to the day when I can stop describing it as small. My short-term goal is a system large enough to get me comfortably through an extended power-outage, and lower my electric bills all-year-long. Perhaps someday I can disconnect from the grid entirely, but that’s a long-term goal. Nevertheless, my system becomes more useful with each upgrade. With these things in mind, it’s interesting to take a closer look at the system I hope to have in the not-too-distant future.

I Have:

4 – 85 Watt Solar Panels
1 – Morningstar SunSaver 20 Charge Controller
4 – 105ah Deep Cycle Marine Batteries
1 – 1100 Watt Exeltech DC to AC Sine Wave Inverter

I Want:

8 – 85 Watt Solar Panels
1 – Morningstar TriStar TS-60 Charge Controller with meter
4 – S530 Rolls 6v 400ah Batteries
1 – Xantrex 2500 Watt Sine Wave Inverter

Additional items include mounting hardware, wire, a lightning protection device, fuses, and perhaps a breaker box or combiner. I hope to become grid-tied eventually, but I’ll avoid that discussion at the present time for the sake of simplicity. To examine the capabilities of the system I hope to have, let’s start with the solar panels.

Under ideal conditions, the eight panels will generate 680 watts. A somewhat more realistic estimate would be 600 watts for 4 hours per day in my geographical location, or a daily production of 2400 watt/hours. This, of course, will vary from day to day and season to season. Next, let’s look at the battery bank.

Because I've selected six-volt batteries, I'll connect the four of them in series to create a 24-volt system. As a result of using batteries better suited for solar power systems, and by changing from a 12-volt system to a 24-volt system, I'll expect a performance increase.

Since the solar panel array is able to produce 2400 watt/hours per day, it follows that a constant 100 watt load would fully use the solar-produced power. Stated another way; 2400 watt/hours divided by 24 hours equals 100 watts per hour. To allow for conversion losses, we’ll assume that only 85 watts is available on a continuous basis. That brings our daily total to 85 times 24 hours, or 2040 watt/hours per day. This power can go a long way if it’s used wisely. This is how I might use the available power during a grid-power failure:

3 – 13 watt cf bulbs – 39 watts – 4 hours per day = 156 watt/hours per day
2 – 19 watt cf bulbs – 38 watts – 2 hours per day = 76 watt/hours per day
1 – Chest-type freezer – 34 watts (avg) – 24 hours per day = 816 watt/hours per day
1 – Radio – 5 watts – 4 hours per day = 20 watt/hours per day
1 – Portable Color TV – 60 watts – 2 hours per day = 120 watt/hours per day
1 – VCR or DVD player – 40 watts – 2 hours per day = 80 watt/hours per day
1 – Fan – 25 watts – 4 hours per day = 100 watt/hours per day
1 – Microwave oven – 1000 watts – 0.20 hours per day = 200 watt/hours per day
1 – Toaster – 850 watts – 0.10 hours per day = 85 watt/hours per day
1 – Vacuum cleaner – 750 watts – 0.20 hours per day = 150 watt/hours per day
1 – Blow dryer – 1000 watts – 0.10 hours per day = 100 watt/hours per day
1 – Laptop Computer – 25 watts – 3 hours per day = 75 watt/hours per day
1 – Cell phone charger – 25 watts – 1 hour per day = 25 watt/hours per day

Alternatively, I can use power from this system to run the motors in my corn-burning stove. Should a grid power failure occur when outside temperatures are low, I’ll gladly opt for heat, instead of using other appliances on the list. I might also use more of the available power for fans to keep cool in the summer. During mild weather, when I don’t need extra heating or cooling, the surplus power can be applied to more frivolous uses. Remember, this modest system was not designed to meet the electrical needs of the average American home.

The Xantrex inverter upgrade offers several advantages:

1. Its higher capacity allows me to run heavier loads, and to run several devices at the same time. I should be able to charge my PHEV (plug in electric hybrid vehicle) with it. My Exeltech inverter has trouble powering devices like my washing machine, and would probably be inadequate for recharging the PHEV.

2. The Xantrex inverter can be set to use power from the PV system until battery voltage drops to a preset level, and then switch to utility power. This allows me to get the most from my PV system while protecting my batteries from over-discharging, and minimizes my grid-supplied electrical consumption.

3. The Xantrex inverter will be connected to my existing home wiring, and can automatically take over in the event of a grid power failure. Eliminating the need to run extension cords when the grid power fails is a bonus.

Because I'll be adding solar panels, and because I'll be changing from a 12-volt system to a 24-volt system, I'll need to replace my present charge controller. The Morningstar TriStar TS-60 meets all of my requirements, and it allows me to better control battery charging. The digital meter option not only measures array and battery voltage, it displays additonal system information not currently available. I'll also be able to remotely monitor system statistics via the Internet.

An off-grid home or cabin with a PV system of this size would probably have a gas-powered refrigerator and stove, and additional capacity will be needed to accommodate appliances such as a clothes washer and dryer. While this system may not seem to provide a lot of power for its cost (about $6500), imagine what life would be like without it.

John

Renewable Energy Opponents

If you’ve ever wondered why anyone would have issues with the pursuit of a technology that preserves natural resources, minimizes pollution, curtails global warming, cuts transportation costs, makes wars for oil unnecessary, and reduces the amount of cash getting into the hands of terrorists, you’re not alone. It’s surprising to observe that people are quick to find fault with renewable energy technology, and often display a great deal of emotion when expressing their views.

A closer look at their objections reveals some reasons for this attitude:

· A natural resistance to change is one piece of the puzzle. Risk is inherent with change, and a fear of failure is understandable. A notion exists that actions by radical environmentalists will cause a collapse of the economy.

· We tend to want our children to have the same opportunities that we had. I remember the thrill of getting behind the wheel of a “muscle car” for the first time, and feeling the acceleration as I ran through the gears. You just have to love the sound of a well-tuned V-8 engine, and the thought of replacing that with the high-pitched whine of an electric motor is a bit much to accept. Could it be that those who hold on tightest to overpowered cars and drive monster trucks for no apparent reason are just compensating?

· Some are concerned that a rapid switch to plug-in electric vehicles will cause an overload of the electrical grid, causing even more misery for utility customers.

· Not everyone can afford to spend $25,000 for a Prius. A used Chevy Nova gets reasonably good gas mileage, and costs a heck-of-a-lot less. No one wants to be forced into a situation that doesn’t make economic sense.

To some, the solution to our energy problems includes stepping up oil exploration and production, including drilling off of the Gulf Coast and in the Anwar region. They believe that this will buy us time that could be used for the development of alternative technologies. Unfortunately little progress will be made in alternative technology as long as demand is low. Meanwhile, fossil fuel reserves will continue to decline. No good can possibly come from increasing our dependence on oil, even if we produce more locally.

You’ll likely find that the hard-core renewable energy opponents are among the 10% of the population who don’t believe that human activity contributes to global warming, and that peak oil is decades away. I find this optimism an ironic contrast to their pessimistic view of renewable energy technology.

We may be able to drill and mine our way to prosperity in the short-term, but eventually we’re going to have to do things differently. The longer we put it off, the harder it will be to make the transition. Once we learn to accept change, we’ll find that many opportunities for environmental progress exist throughout the country, most of which will have no adverse affect on the general population. The picture below is of Carlyle (Illinois) Lake and Dam, a good example of a renewable energy opportunity. The installation and use of hydro-electric generators here would have a positive environmental impact, with little or no negative consequences. I can’t imagine why this has not been done already.

Lake and Dam at Carlyle Illinois

John

Celebrating the First Anniversary of this Blog

If you accept the notion that “America is Addicted to Oil”, then you probably accept the high cost of gasoline as a penalty for your addiction. I find that notion unacceptable, and this blog chronicles my efforts to do something about it.

I’m learning about alternatives to fossil-fuels, and this is my way of sharing that information with others. I’ve found that it is possible to cut utility costs and do something positive for the environment on a modest budget. My renewable energy systems are growing, and my utility bills are declining. I hope to inspire others to embrace renewable energy because our combined efforts will have a significant impact upon the environment, and help to preserve natural resources for future generations. It may come as a surprise to some, but you don’t have to give up anything. In the long run your lifestyle will improve, not decline, as a result of alternative energy.

Besides saving the planet, I believe that it is important for all of us to be prepared for emergencies, and I often post ideas for doing so.

If you’re a regular reader, I’m glad to have you on board. I hope you’ll tell other like-minded people to visit as well. There is much more to learn, and much more to do. I hope to purchase a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV) when it’s time for my next car, and to recharge it with power from my PV system. I’ll measure my overall success by how much I’m able to reduce my use of fossil fuels, including the use of electricity from coal-fired power plants.

We’re not addicted to oil, it’s just that suitable alternatives are hard to find. I suspect that bright young people will come up with solutions, just as they have with computers not so long ago. You’ll soon be “gas-free” if you choose to be, and you won’t have to settle for a car or truck that doesn’t meet your needs. The cost may be high initially, but will decline as it has with other innovative new products over the years. Additionally, the money you’ll save by not purchasing gasoline will be more than enough compensation for the high sticker price. I predict that once PHEV’s become available, the cost of gasoline will mysteriously drop significantly, perhaps below $2.00 per gallon. I don’t generally consider myself a conspiracy theorist, but in this case I am.

Please check in once in awhile to see what I’m up to, and participate by leaving comments. Let’s learn from each other.

John

Emergency Survival Ideas

Living through an emergency is challenging, but even more so for those whose don’t prepare in advance. To some, emergency survival means living in primitive conditions and eating bugs. My idea of survival is to live as comfortably after an emergency as I did before, without moving from my home, and certainly without eating bugs. Knowing that an emergency will force me to give up some conveniences, I still believe my goal is achievable, but probably in a much smaller space.

In addition to stocking up on water and food, my photovoltaic (PV) system plays a significant role in my survival strategy. But keeping even one room warm in the winter is a challenging task, since my PV system doesn’t produce nearly enough electricity to do the job using resistive heating. To deal with that problem I’ve installed a corn-burning stove. And, while the stove’s motors require a significant amount of electrical energy, the PV system is capable of providing it. It is only necessary to store a supply of corn sufficient to keep the stove going in the event of a long-term emergency. A pellet-burning stove would be another good choice for emergency heat, with the added bonus that mice are not attracted to the pellet fuel as they are with corn. A good supply of bagged pellets can easily be stored in a garage or basement. A wood-burning stove or fireplace is another alternative heating option, but you’ll need to keep an ample supply of firewood on hand. An advantage of a wood-burning stove is that it does not require electricity to operate. A disadvantage of wood is that it does not burn as clean as corn or pellets, requiring more attention to the chimney and flue lines. Electricity may also be needed in order to circulate the heat. A kerosene heater is another emergency heating option, but not a particularly attractive one since it involves storing a large quantity of an expensive and flammable liquid fuel. Additionally, the smell of kerosene burning is not something I’m particularly fond of.

Refrigeration is another thing I don’t want to do without in an emergency. Besides preserving food and making it taste better, refrigeration is a necessity for those who need to keep medicine fresh. To make sure I have enough electrical power to maintain refrigeration in the event of a long-term emergency, I’ve had to abandon the idea of using my big, energy-wasting refrigerator-freezer combination. Instead, I provide power to an efficient top-loading freezer. Even with my small photoelectric (PV) system I can keep frozen food frozen indefinitely, and I can use the freezer to produce ice for use in portable coolers. I already have several blocks of ice in the bottom of my freezer, giving me a head-start for the next power failure. A full freezer has the added advantage of operating more efficiently than a not-so-full freezer. The coolers (ice chests) can be kept outside during the winter in order to make the ice last longer, and in the coolest part of the house during the summer.

In the event of a grid power failure, I’ll do most of my cooking in a microwave oven. I’ll also consider a solar-cooker, an outdoor charcoal grill, and even a campfire in the backyard as long as firewood is available. It’s important to remember that it might be necessary to boil water for drinking, and all of these options can be used as necessary.

Electrical energy needs will be the greatest during the coldest winter months when keeping warm, cooking, and lighting place the greatest load on my solar electric system. Periods of extended cloud cover might also limit the amount of energy available during these times. My goal is to enlarge my current PV system until I’m confident that it can meet my needs under the worst-case conditions. Once that’s done, I’ll have an abundance of energy generating capacity and storage to serve me when power outages occur during mild or warm weather. My goal of living comfortably in the event of an emergency is easily achievable during those times.

In addition to the electrical requirements for lighting, heating, and refrigeration, energy will be needed for a radio, TV, and to charge cell phone batteries. These devices use only a small amount of energy, easily provided by even a small PV system. Still, they must be considered when calculating energy needs. Here is an example/summary:

Corn stove - - - - - 100-Watts - - - 12 hours per day - - 1200-Watt/hours per day
Chest freezer - - - 35-Watts(avg) - 24 hours per day - - 840-Watt/hours per day
Microwave oven - 750-Watts - - - 0.5 hours per day - - 375-Watt/hours per day
Lighting (cfl's) - - 45-Watts - - - - 3 hours per day - - - 135-Watt/hours per day
TV - - - - - - - - - - - 60-Watts - - - - 2 hours per day - - - 120-Watt/hours per day
Radio - - - - - - - - - 5-Watts - - - - - 4 hours per day - - - 20-Watt/hours per day
Cell phone charger - 25-Watts - - - 1 hour per day - - - - 25-Watt/hours per day

Total need per day: 2715-Watt/hours

These needs can be met with 700-Watts of solar panels, assuming 4 hours of sunlight per day. Installing eight 100-Watt solar panels and an appropriately sized battery bank will ensure ample power in the event of a grid power failure. Holding down the cost of the PV system was accomplished in this example by excluding devices that consume large amounts of energy. Using a microwave oven instead of an electric frying pan is much more energy efficient, and using a broom instead of a vacuum cleaner also helps. A larger system would, of course, provide even more comfort during an extended power outage by providing the power needed for additional appliances, and other substitutions are possible. A few hours of air conditioning in the summer can be substituted for the use of the corn-burning stove in the winter. However, we’re talking about a window air conditioner in this example, since the PV system described here cannot provide enough power for a central air system. Still, as I said earlier, I believe it is possible to live comfortably in the event of an emergency, but in a smaller space.

In addition to its use as an emergency backup electrical system, the PV equipment can provide a portion of your everyday electrical needs, reducing your utility bills. You might use a small system to power only a few items in your home, perhaps your refrigerator and freezer. As your PV system grows, you can add additional appliances. I hope to own a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV) someday, and will use my PV system to charge its batteries. If all goes as planned, I’ll be driving on free power from the sun.

John