For the past few weeks or so, I have probably spent 15-20 hours researching methods of getting “off the grid”, and powering our own electricity needs via numerous sustainable methods. Of the various methods, there are hydro powered systems, numerous wind utilization methods, and, of course, solar collection methods. Now, while we actually do have year-round running water at the back of our property, it is too far to inexpensively run cabling needed bring power to the areas of our farm that need it. That leaves us with several options, wind, and sun.

I personally am leaning towards the wind side of the equation as we have plenty of that year-round here as well, and even more-so during the winter months when it seems power is needed most. Now, deciding on what form of power generation to utilize is only a small first step in the overall process. Most wind systems use a battery array which is recharged constantly by windmills or wind turbines run by many different configurations. Some wind turbines actually deliver KW’s of power and are capable of running things on their own.

I think that we have decided on what I feel is going to be the most cost effective method, in my opinion anyway, over a longer length of time, taking into consideration the fact that turbines wear out, towers can be damaged, batteries must be replaced, and the costs associated with all of these things.

Our plan is to use a battery array of 12 volt deep cell batteries, which will power an inverter capable of supplying 12-16kW of power. The battery array will be charged utilizing 3 wind turbines of the standard propellor configuration. We will be installing a failsafe, which allows us to cut the array out and grid power in, in an emergency, but I really doubt we will ever use that option, as after this past winters 2 weeks without power due to ice storm showed us we can make do just fine when needed with no electricity, for short periods at least.

Anyway, the plan is now set, and it is time to start implementing it this year. Let’s see how it goes.

Upcoming project: Poultry evisceration machines and how to clone a basic one.

Subscribe via RSS feed.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 7:20 pm and is filed under Ruminations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.