February 16, 2007 at 9:54 pm · Filed under Green Tech, Off Grid, Solar
‘When killer tornadoes destroyed the mobile home of Joe DeMar earlier this month, the Lake County man just managed to escape with his life. But in the hours after the storm, he faced another crisis: no electricity to power his nebulizer, an electric device that pumps oxygen and misted medication into his damaged lungs. Before state or federal help arrived, Joe got a visit from Bill Young with UCF’s Florida Solar Energy Center asking if his solar-power generator could help him out.’
Thansk UCF News!
December 4, 2006 at 1:27 pm · Filed under Green Tech, Off Grid, Wind Power
Off the grid blog writes:
“I found a fantastic government resource [PDF], with documentation on what you need to consider when going off the electrical grid either as a new home builder, or home renovator. There are pages and pages of detailed suggestions, and steps for planning an ideal off-grid home, so browse or delve right in. You can’t help but learn something by reading just a page of it. Here are a few interesting points and definitions from the document:
Off-grid homes have shortened the [electricity delivery] line and have the electricity generating equipment in their backyards [instead of hundreds of kilometers away]. Their electricity comes from a photovoltaic array (solar panel), wind turbine, micro-hydro turbine and/or a fossil-fueled generator. Collectively, the other parts of the system equipment are known as the balance of system (BOS) and include low-voltage (12 volt) direct current (DC) electrical storage (batteries) and regulating equipment (controller, inverter, battery charger, DC disconnect and monitor) right in the house. Instead of paying for someone else to look after the supply of electricity, people living off-grid need to be their own power managers.”
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November 16, 2006 at 11:31 am · Filed under Bio Fuel, Green Tech, Off Grid
Danish fuel cell technology can replace traditional heating systems and produce electricity at the same time – cheaper and more efficient. By installing this fuel cell stove that runs on several types of fuel from ethanol, gasoline to biodiesel, instead of a traditional oil stove, the heating cost will be about the same but you´ll get enough electricity for a familyhouse for free. The new fuel cell heater is produced by Topsoe Fuel Cell and they will have a commercial version ready by 2009-2010. Read the rest of this entry »