A while back we wrote about the performance of our refrigerator and presented the power details. However, one item was probably missing in the data. That is, how much power does that thing take when its summer?
I pulled out our trusty Kill-o-watt power monitor and set up the test a couple days ago, and began recording . Unfortunately, we are not in the middle of a hot spell which would raise the ambient temperature in in the kitchen to 80F or more. For this test I’d say the average temperature remained between 70-72F. This is better
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Sometimes we let fear stop us from moving forward. Here’s a good show stopper kind of question; “what if my new <insert appliance here> doesn’t work on my genverter?” It may not be the end of the world, and often we can adapt our behavior to make it work. Remember our motto, “Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome!!“
Before we work on the answer here, I’d like to mention that a power budget for your system might prevent this
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Are you ready to take positive real steps towards that dreamed of, move off grid? This weekend plan will result in concrete action that moves you forward in your plans, and provides some real numbers and experience for your future off grid power system! Your weekend will be used to collect power data, and to take actions to move forward.
The whole idea behind the Move-Power weekend is to actually live with your simulated
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Jackie continues this series with some tasty barbecue beef. Its time to re-evaluate power assumptions about things like crock pots and determine if these appliances are practical in the right sized genverter system. In this recipe, we capture the power data for the crock-pot on the high setting. Next in the series, we’ll look at another common kitchen appliance. See the first installment at; Rethinking Off Grid Cooking [1]
My latest crock-pot venture was yesterday’s dinner. It wasn’t very imaginative, but crock-pot cooking doesn’t need to be.
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Jackie starts of this series with some tasty stew. Its time to re-evaluate power assumptions about things like skillets and crock pots and determine if these useful appliances can be practically used in the right sized genverter system. If so, you can move off grid sooner with less kitchen equipment? Next in the series, we’ll look at another common kitchen appliance.
One thing I miss about not having grid power is being able to cook with most electric appliances. [Marshall has the exception for his Espresso though] I recall asking about the electric food dehydrator. about the bread maker, and about the crock pot – all No.
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In this series, we conclude with a handy on-line power budget calculator. . Part 4 we covered Power Budgets [4] data you can use. In this installment we present more details for your power budget and details on how to use the free on-line power budget calculator presented below.
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In this series, I’ll cover several important topics surrounding a power or energy budget. What they are, the benefits of having one (especially off grid), and how to create one. We’ll cover calculated power vs measuring it, make some common power measurements to start our online power database, In the last installment we will offer an online calculator to help do your power budget and save energy! . Part 3 described power measurement. In this installment we present some real data that is helpful in creating your own budget, and selecting your off grid appliances.
If you create a power budget based on the information you can get from appliance and device labels, you may be disappointed in the size or limitations of the power system you need to run them. Its very empowering to have a power monitor
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In this series, I’ll cover several important topics surrounding a power or energy budget. What they are, the benefits of having one (especially off grid), and how to create one. We’ll cover calculated power vs measuring it, make some common power measurements to start our online power database, In the last installment we will offer an online calculator to help do your power budget and save energy! In part 1 we started with power budget benefits. Part 2 ran through quick calculations. In this section we’ll go over power measurement.
Earlier in the series I approached the topic of power measurement. The simplest way to get a quick number for the power of an appliance is found on its label. Sometimes the label will list the power in Watts, other times it may provide the AC voltage and current, other times
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Keeping a refrigerator in an off grid environment is a challenge and expense. In this series, we cover our experience with several units. In the previous Tips 2 & 3, we spoke of the new Frigidaire unit, here I’m seriously pleased to follow up on that last bonus tip with good power news
One of the more difficult parts of creating and living within your power budget is getting good power data to use. Yes you can “worst case it” by using UL power listed on appliances. The result, however, will be a moderate to largely exaggerated system budget. Yes, you will have more than enough power, yet the price tag may scare you away from your off grid move! So realistic power numbers are crucial.
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In this series, I’ll cover several important topics surrounding a power or energy budget. What they are, the benefits of having one (especially off grid), and how to create one. Finally the series will conclude with real measurements and an online form for you to get some ideas for yours budget and save energy! In part 1 we started with power budget benefits. In this section we’ll go over the calculations and assumptions in your power budget.
What is Power?
What a loaded question. Political? Personal? No, really we’re concerned with what {en:electrical power} is as it applies to your remote home. To simplify our use of the term, we will limit the discussion to DC.
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