Really busy recently taking on some extra work to help finance the desperately needed replacement battery bank. I was thinking about other ways to store our power and had an idea on how we might be able to setup a mechanical system to store energy by lifting a large weight. Might this complement the batteries substantially? So, I decided to run the numbers on the physics involved to see.
Stored Energy in Lifted Block
This system would convert electrical energy into stored potential energy by lifting a large weight off the ground. Whenever we
In a previous post about a windstorm last fall, I described some damage to the mounting system for our solar panels. This time we’ll go over repairs, maintenance, and improvements to our solar power system.
Too often I have many projects that are “round tuits“. You know, those projects or chores that you will get around to it when you can? Last fall we had a windy spell that partially damaged a pole in our 10 x10 foot solar panel mounting system. At about that time, it was a good time to have the array lowered to a 45 degree angle for the low angle sun during winter months.
What does your off grid power system have in common with the power company’s cross-country high power lines? Both systems need to be designed to move electrical power from one place to another with minimal loss. In their case its across states, and in ours it may be across the house or property.
Getting a firm grip on this fixed loss will help you make good choices early on in designing your off grid power system.
How do you know if those deep cycle batteries are still in good shape? Knowing their condition is important information that will help you get years of service. Measuring your battery bank monthly and tracking the results will help you manage this critical resource in your off grid power system. Below is a short video explaining how to make these measurements with a hydrometer (battery tester).
Keeping the regular testing schedule is important. I know because
Recently, I was busy trying to create a screen capture video for a client with new software. Thought I had everything worked out when I did my final capture. Big surprise this time, as there was a very loud hum, hum, hum, in the background of the audio I had just captured. What was the problem? Earlier versions were fine. As it turns out, my modified sine wave inverter was to blame. I’ll explain where the noise comes from and some solutions I have for defeating the hum in my recordings.
Where does the noise come from?
The modified sine wave inverter is very common for off grid power systems
Today I want to address one of the fears that may hold you back from acting on your remote off grid move.The best plans can sometimes fall short, or not work out due to circumstances beyond our control. Ideally, we get the right solar and wind data for our location to make good choices before spending money. If you find your self in this situation without good sources of sun, wind or flowing water, don’t worry there are still alternatives.
Gas and Diesel generators: They’ll operate anywhere as long as there is fuel (and you are able to purchase/barter for it). Unfortunately, there are few options for making your own gasoline. Fortunately
