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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What is a shunt, and why would you need or want them in your genverter or off grid power system? Technically, you can make, store and use power from you off grid system without a shunt. Doing so would be like putting on a blindfold and having your friend in the passenger seat give directions as you drive across New York city. Yes, possible, No, not recommended!
A shunt is a resistor
In the electronics world, it is normally called a current shunt. Shunt resistors come
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Living in your head. Do you? Everything starts in our head and that’s normal. Very few actions we take in life are not reviewed and rehearsed in our minds first. Usually the actions we didn’t think about first, are those we need forgiveness for. However, if we never act on our plans, if it only looks nice in our mind, and we are happy with that, then we are either procrastinators or dreamers. Either way there is a sense of loss.
How to solve the dilemma
I don’t know, but
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Marshall continues this series with quick steaks. Its time to re-evaluate power assumptions about things like electric grills to see 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? Last time, Jackie did barbecue beef in the crock pot.
Well, it happened in Walmart the other day. We were near the checkout and it happened, something that never happens to me, an impulse buy. There it was, the George Foreman indoor electric grill, for only twenty bucks! I don’t remember, but I probably muttered something like,
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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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Congratulations are in order to a frequent commenter on this site, Arild. He won the drawing for the P4400 Kill-a-Watt power monitor. The drawing was announced near the end of the Power Budgets [4] data you can use article. At this time I would also like to thank him for his many technical comments that add depth and clarification to many of the posts here. In one, he indicated that he had inverter design experience for one of the major players in that industry.
Remember, read through each post completely as we try to include little Easter egg prizes or gifts to readers on occasion around here. 
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When the subject of off grid dishwasher comes up you are likely to think of two things. A) a monster off grid power system to handle the load, or B) a delightful helper or indentured servant to do this chore. Both are possible solutions, but they will either consume your budget, or wreck a relationship. Neither is desirable. There is a happy middle ground solution that we have used our whole time up here.
Fortunately, thanks to free power time, you can plan on a large appliance like this if you routinely
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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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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! First we start of with the benefits.
Why a Power Budget?
If you want a quality power system the place to start is with a power budget. Your experience with an emergency power genverter, or your solar powered home will be one with less hassle and cost if you get this critical step right. A detailed power budget provides 3 immediate benefits when
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