Autonomous energy. Alternative sources of electricity

The issues of supplying energy to our home are becoming more urgent. And this is due not to the lack of energy carriers or generating capacities.

No matter how sad it sounds, this is due to the "commercial" monopolization of everything connected with the energy and the Government's unwillingness to change the situation in this area.

Nevertheless, there are ways to reduce the financial pressure of power engineers on the family budget, and in some cases, completely abandon their centralized services.

General principle of the inverter and power supply system

Strangely enough, but the progress alternative energy for home   using renewable energy sources (RES) is hampered by the ignorance of potential consumers about the technology of obtaining energy in this way, indicators of durability and reliability of the system.

The main element of all systems with RES is an inverter - an electronic device for converting low DC voltage to AC with the characteristics of the network. To control the parameters of the output signal (mains voltage) two "wonderful" qualities of the inverter are used:

• Feedback - the ability of electronics to respond to changes in the state of consumers.
• Pulse generation of the output signal by the electronics of the inverter. Pulses with a frequency of several thousand hertz form an AC sinusoid, and the feedback allows you to take into account the load of the consumer. In addition, high-frequency pulses allowed to reduce losses on magnet reversal of the transformer's iron, which led to a significant reduction in its size.

Another important part of electronic power flow control is a controller that acts as a gateway that distributes the energy flow from the generating device to the drive or inverter.

To judge the energy capabilities of the battery-inverter-consumer system, you can by the following figures:

• The power of the consumer is 14 kW (taking into account a simultaneous load of 60%, we get 8.4 kW).
• Specifications AKB - 24 V, 225 A * h, 4 pcs.
• The inverter is 9-12 kW.

A system with such characteristics can work two days without recharging to discharge the battery by 70%.

Alternative sources   energy for home   will be considered separately.

Ways of obtaining energy

The basic principles of obtaining energy "from the air" were discovered long ago, but for practical use there was not enough level of technical development. With the development of electronics and materials science, this became possible. In terms of technical and material terms, solar panels and wind generators are available to most consumers, but certain conservatism of the Russian population is affected. A heat pump or bioenergy plant is already a serious engineering and technical task. But they are all worthy of attention.

In the Mediterranean countries, solar energy is so developed that the governments of Spain and Italy are closing down government subsidy programs for private consumers.

The efficiency of a solar battery depends on the duration of the illumination and the angle of incidence of light. Both factors in Russia are not very favorable. In its pure form, photoelectronic sources of energy are applicable for a special purpose, as an auxiliary device for recharging the battery. For example, it could be a remote instrument that transmits telemetry data to the base (pipelines, power grids, meteorological stations, etc.). In addition, solar panels have proven themselves in security systems, emergency lighting and systems with low energy consumption.

solar collector

One of the most common and exhausted versions of the heat pump is the solar collector. The low-boiling liquid circuit is a large number of very thin tubes that are placed in a flat light-absorbing panel.

The compressor pumps the liquid through the panel, which ensures its constant heating by sunlight and efficient operation of the heat-extraction circuit.

The solar collector can be used as an independent element dHW systems, and together with a heat pump of underground accommodation or with an electric boiler (from a windmill) for autonomous heating of a residential house.

The efficiency of the solar collector is quite high even in cloudy weather. A thermal accumulator should be provided.

The power of the wind has long served man, but only with the advent of electronics and new materials it became possible to use light wind (2 points, up to 3.3 m / s on the Beaufort scale) and not be afraid of storm loads (10-11 points, 30 m / s and more).

The wind generator with closed metal-ceramic bearings, neodymium magnets, fiberglass blades and a strong hull is an absolutely reliable and unpretentious mechanism that fits well to the harsh climatic conditions of Russia. Alternative energy for a country house , built on the basis of a wind generator, has a high level of stability characteristics.

Thermodynamic sources (heat pump)

The countless volumes of energy of low-potential heat that are "hidden" in the Carnot cycle (Sadi Carnot, 1824), do not give rest to engineers since its discovery. Modern technologies, materials and achievements of machine engineers with electronic engineers make it possible to realize the theoretical bases of this principle in practice. Compressor and pumping equipment, low boilers, piping system and electronic control system - this not simple technical set of elements is supplemented by a variety of specific application conditions. This explains the complexity of the mass introduction of heating systems based on the principle of a heat pump.

But interest in TN in Russia is growing. With the development of low-rise construction, the number of models offered is increasing. But the trouble is that even Finland (Ultimate), which is closest to us in terms of climate, supplies devices designed for the average annual temperature of the heating season minus 7 degrees, and 70% of the territory of Russia it is minus 12-15. Debugging to the right parameters is not easy.

Bioenergetic sources

The source of this class belongs to the category of sources with complex technological and technical requirements. The biological component of the processes makes demands on temperature and pressure in the fermentation zone, the composition and consistency of raw materials has its parameters, and the final product (methane) requires special working conditions. All this requires large investments. Modern technology of raw material preparation (coagulation, centrifugation, bio-additives) allowed to reduce the size of the methane tank more than twice. This alternative energy source   economically feasible for farms   with a stable and sufficient raw material base.

It is very interesting to supplement the bioenergy plant with an industrial wind generator. Dependence on external networks disappears completely, with a high degree of energy security.

Variants of the arrangement of alternative sources

The proposed variants of the arrangement of alternative renewable energy sources proposed in the table can not be a dogma. With feeding from the network of options becomes even greater.

Of course, the cost of equipment and installation are not so cheap, which leads to a long payback period of the project. In addition, the state and the energy sector are in no hurry to redeem surplus energy, which will necessarily appear, because normal calculation is carried out with a margin. But if you, at least once, had to sue the energy company about burnt household appliances or conduct and connect electricity   to a remote home and look to the future, then the price does not seem beyond. Terms of service alternative energy sources for cottages or country houses   they can raise more than one child in such a house.

Type of object	Parameters and composition of alternate energy sources
	Layout diagram
Apartment (electronic consumers: TV, computer, music center and lighting.)	2,0-2,5/60-75	solar battery - battery - inverter - controller
Dacha (pump, refrigerator, TV, lighting). At the rate of 2 days without recharging the battery.	3,0-3,5/90-105   (summer)	1) solar battery (30%) - wind generator - battery - inverter - controller; 2) solar battery (100%) - diesel generator - battery - inverter - controller; 3) wind generator - diesel generator - battery - inverter - controller;
Country house for permanent residence	7-10/210-300	wind generator - diesel generator - battery - inverter - controller;
Farm with a house		1) wind generator - diesel generator - battery - inverter - controller; 2) wind generator - diesel generator - battery - inverter - controller + heat pump.

You can contact the managers of our company and we will pick up for you the optimal kit that meets the energy demands of your home.

Every inhabitant of our planet is well aware that the reserves of natural fuel are not unlimited, and energy prices are constantly growing. Replace the familiar sources of power is capable of alternative energy: you can build your own very effective installation to get it yourself. "Green technologies" will make it possible to significantly reduce household expenses by using almost free sources.

Since ancient times, people used in everyday life mechanisms and devices, the action of which was aimed at turning into the mechanical energy of the forces of nature. A vivid example of this are water mills and windmills.

With the advent of electricity, the presence of a generator allowed mechanical energy to be converted into electrical energy.

The water mill is the predecessor of the pump of the machine, which does not require the presence of a person to perform work. The wheel spontaneously rotates under the pressure of water and draws water on its own

Today, a significant amount of energy is generated by wind farms and hydroelectric plants. In addition to wind and water, people are available such sources as biofuel, the energy of the earth's interior, sunlight, the energy of geysers and volcanoes, the power of tides.

In everyday life, the following devices are widely used for obtaining renewable energy:

• Solar panels.
• Heat pumps.
• Wind turbines.

The high cost of both the devices themselves and the installation works, stops many people on their way to obtaining seemingly free energy. Payback can reach 15-20 years, but this is not a reason to deprive ourselves of economic prospects. All these devices can be manufactured and installed independently.

When choosing a source of alternative energy, one should focus on its availability, then the maximum capacity will be achieved with a minimum of investment

Self-made solar panels

A ready-made solar panel costs a lot of money, so its purchase and installation are not affordable for everyone. When the panel is made on its own, costs can be reduced by 3-4 times. Before proceeding to the installation of the solar panel you need to understand how it all works.

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Solar power system: the principle of operation

Understanding the purpose of each of the elements of the system will make it possible to present its work as a whole. The main components of any solar power system:

• A solar panel.This is a complex of integrated elements, converting sunlight into a stream of electrons. Their main feature is that they can not produce a high-voltage current. A separate element of the system is capable of producing a current of 0.5-0.55 V. Accordingly, one solar cell is capable of producing a current of 18-21 V, which is enough to charge a 12-volt battery.
• Accumulators.   One battery is not enough for a long time, therefore the system can count up to ten such devices. The number of batteries is determined by the power consumption. The number of batteries can be increased in the future, adding to the system required amount   solar panels;
• Solar charge controller.This device is necessary to ensure normal charging of the battery. Its main purpose is to prevent re-charging of the battery.
• Inverter. The device required for current conversion. The batteries produce low voltage current, and the inverter converts it into the current required for the high voltage functional - output power. For the house it will be enough to have an inverter with a power output of 3-5 kW.

If the inverter, rechargeable batteries and the charge controller are better purchased ready, then solar batteries can be made by yourself.

A quality controller and correct connection will help keep the battery capacity and autonomy of the entire solar station as long as possible for as long as possible

Manufacture of solar panels

To manufacture the battery, it is necessary to purchase solar photocells on mono- or polycrystals. It should be taken into account that the lifetime of polycrystals is much less than that of single crystals. In addition, the efficiency of polycrystals does not exceed 12%, while this figure in single crystals reaches 25%. In order to make one solar panel you need to buy at least 36 of these elements.

The solar battery is collected from the modules. Each module for household use includes 30, 36 or 72 pieces. elements connected in series with a power source with a maximum voltage of about 50 V

Solar panel housing

Work begins with the manufacture of the hull, for this you will need the following materials:

• Wooden bars
• Plywood
• Plexiglas

From the plywood, you need to cut the bottom of the body and insert it into a frame of 25 mm thick bars. The size of the bottom is determined by the number of solar cells and their size. Along the entire perimeter of the frame in bars with a pitch of 0.15-0.2 m, drill holes with a diameter of 8-10 mm. They are required to prevent overheating of battery cells during operation.

Correctly executed holes in steps of 0.15-0.20 m will protect from overheating the elements of the solar panel and ensure the stable operation of the system

Solar panel device

By the size of the case, it is necessary to cut out a substrate for solar cells from the fiberboard using a stationery knife. When it is installed, it is also necessary to provide for ventilation openings arranged every 5 cm in a square-nest way. Ready housing should be painted twice and dried.

Solar cells should be placed upside down on the substrate from the fiberboard and perform the desoldering. If the finished products are no longer equipped with soldered conductors, then the work is greatly simplified. However, the wiring process must be performed in any case.

It must be remembered that the connection of the elements must be consistent. Initially, the elements should be joined in rows, and then the finished rows can be combined into a complex by attaching them to current-carrying buses. Upon completion, the elements must be turned over, laid as expected and fixed in place with silicone.

Each of the elements must be securely fixed on the substrate with the help of tape or silicone, in the future this will avoid undesirable damages (+)

After that it is necessary to check the value of the output voltage. Approximately it should be within 18-20 V. Now the battery should be run for several days, check the ability to charge the batteries. Only after monitoring the working capacity, joints are sealed.

Having convinced in impeccable functionality, it is possible to execute assemblage of system of electrosupply. Input and output contact wires must be brought out for future connection of the device. From the plexiglass, you must cut the lid and fix it with screws to the sides of the body through the pre-drilled holes.

Instead of solar cells, a diode circuit with D223B diodes can be used to make a battery. A panel of 36 series-connected diodes is capable of delivering a voltage of 12 V.

Diodes must first be soaked in acetone to remove paint. In the plastic panel, drill the holes, insert the diodes and make them to be unscrewed. The finished panel must be placed in a transparent casing and sealed.

Correctly oriented and installed solar panels provide maximum efficiency in obtaining solar energy, as well as ease and ease of maintenance of the system

Basic rules for installing a solar panel

From the correct installation of the solar battery, the efficiency of the entire system depends to a large extent. During installation, the following important parameters should be considered:

1. Shading.   If the battery is in the shade of trees or taller structures, then it will not only not function properly, but it can also fail.
2. Orientation.   To maximize the impact of sunlight on photocells, the battery must be directed toward the sun. If you live in the northern hemisphere, then the panel should be oriented to the south, if it is in the southern hemisphere, then vice versa.
3. Incline.   This parameter is determined by the geographical location. Experts recommend installing the panel at an angle equal to the geographical latitude.
4. Availability.   It is necessary to constantly monitor the cleanliness of the front side and remove the layer of dust and dirt in time. And in the winter, the panel must be periodically cleaned of sticking snow.

It is desirable that the angle of inclination is not constant when operating the solar panel. The device will operate at maximum only in the case of direct sun rays directed at its cover. In summer, it is better to place it under a slope of 30º to the horizon. In winter, it is recommended to raise and set to 70º.

In a number of industrial options solar panels   devices for tracking the movement of the sun. For domestic use, you can think about and provide a stand that allows you to change the angle of the panel

Heat pumps for heating

Heat pumps are one of the most advanced technological solutions in obtaining alternative energy for your home. They are not only the most convenient, but also environmentally safe. Their operation will significantly reduce the costs associated with payment for cooling and heating the room.

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Classification of heat pumps

I classify heat pumps by the number of circuits, the source of energy and the method of obtaining it. Depending on the final requirements, heat pumps can be:

• Single, two or three-loop;
• Single- or dual-capacitor;
• With the possibility of heating or with the possibility of heating and cooling.

The following heat pumps are distinguished by the type of energy source and the way it is produced:

• The soil is water.   They are applied in a moderate climatic zone with a uniform warming up of the earth, regardless of the season. For installation use a collector or probe depending on the type of soil. For the drilling of shallow wells, there is no need to obtain permits.
• Air is water.   Heat accumulates from the air and is sent to heat water. Installation will be appropriate in climatic zones with a winter temperature of at least -15 degrees.
• Water is water.   Installation is due to the presence of water bodies (lakes, rivers, groundwater, wells, sedimentation tanks). The efficiency of such a heat pump is very impressive, which is due to the high temperature of the source in the cold season.
• Water is air.   In this bundle, the same water bodies play the role of a heat source, but the heat is transmitted through the compressor directly to the air used for heating the rooms. In this case, water does not act as a coolant.
• The ground is air.   In this system, the conductor of heat is the soil. Heat from the ground through the compressor is transmitted to the air. In the role of an energy carrier, antifreeze fluids are used. This system is considered the most universal.
• Air is air. The operation of this system is similar to the operation of an air conditioner capable of heating and cooling the room. This system is the cheapest, since it does not require the production of excavation and pipelines.

When choosing the type of heat source, you need to focus on the geology of the site and the possibility of unimpeded earthworks, as well as the availability of free space. With a deficit free space   will have to abandon such sources of heat as land and water and take heat from the air.

From the correct choice of the type of heat pump depends largely on the efficiency of the system and the cost of its device

The principle of operation of heat pumps is based on the use of the Carnot cycle, which as a result of a sharp contraction of the coolant provides an increase in temperature. By the same principle, but with the opposite effect, most climatic devices with compressor units (refrigerator, freezer, air conditioning) work.

The main operating cycle, which is realized in the aggregate data chambers, assumes the opposite effect: as a result of a sharp expansion, the refrigerant contraction occurs.
  That is why one of the most affordable methods of manufacturing a heat pump is based on the use of separate functional units used in climate equipment.

For example, a household refrigerator can be used to make a heat pump. Its evaporator and condenser will play the role of heat exchangers selecting thermal energy   from the environment and directing it directly to heat the coolant, which circulates in the heating system.

Low-grade heat from the ground, air or water together with the coolant enters the evaporator, where it is converted to gas, and then further compressed by the compressor, resulting in a temperature even higher (+)

Heat pump with knots from household appliances

Work begins with the preparation of the compressor part of the pump, the functions of which will be allocated to the corresponding node of the air conditioner or refrigerator. This unit must be secured with a soft suspension on one of the walls of the workplace where it will be convenient.

After this, it is necessary to make a capacitor. For this purpose, a stainless steel tank of 100 liters is ideal. It is necessary to install a coil (it is possible to take a finished copper tube from an old air conditioner or a refrigerator.) The prepared tank must be cut using a bulgaria along two equal parts - this is necessary for installing and securing the coil in the body of the future condenser.

After mounting the coil in one of the halves, both parts of the container must be connected and welded together so that a closed tank is obtained. Note that when welding, you need to use special electrodes, and even better to use argon welding, only it can provide the maximum quality of the seam.

To make the condenser a 100-liter stainless steel tank was used, with the help of a Bulgarian it was cut in half, a coil was built in and reverse welding

To produce the evaporator, you will need a sealed plastic tank of 75-80 liters capacity, in which you will need to place a coil from a ¾-inch pipe.

For the manufacture of the coil, it is sufficient to wind the copper tube around a steel pipe with a diameter of 300-400 mm, followed by fixing the turns with a perforated corner

At the ends of the tube, it is necessary to cut the thread for subsequent connection to the pipeline. After completing the assembly and checking the sealing, the evaporator should be fixed to the wall of the working area using brackets of the appropriate size.

It is better to entrust the completion of the assembly to a specialist. If part of the assembly can be done on its own, then with the soldering of copper pipes and the injection of refrigerant, a professional must work. The assembly of the main part of the pump ends with the connection of the heating batteries and the heat exchanger. It should be noted that this system is low-power. Therefore, it will be better if the heat pump becomes an additional part of the existing heating system.

Arrangement and connection of an external device

As a source of heat, water from a well or well is best suited. It never freezes and even in winter its temperature seldom drops below +12 degrees. It will be necessary to construct two such wells. From one well, water will be withdrawn and then fed to the evaporator. Further, the waste water will be discharged into the second well. It remains to connect all this to the inlet to the evaporator, to the outlet and seal.

In principle, the system is ready for operation, but for its complete autonomy, an automation system is required that controls the temperature of the moving coolant in the heating circuits and the Freon pressure. At first, you can do with an ordinary starter, but it should be noted that the start-up of the system after shutting down the compressor can be done in 8-10 minutes - this time is necessary to equalize the pressure of Freon in the system.

Wind generators give kilowatts of electricity

Wind energy was used by our ancestors. Since those far times, in principle, nothing has changed. The only difference is that mill millstones are replaced by a generator and drive, which ensure the conversion of the mechanical energy of the blades into electrical energy.

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Wind turbine installation is considered economically viable if the average annual wind speed exceeds 6 m / s. Installation is best done on the hills and plains, the ideal places are the coasts of rivers and large bodies of water away from various engineering communications.

To convert the energy of air masses into electric wind turbines are used, the most productive in coastal regions

Classification of wind generators

The classification of wind generators depends on the following main parameters:

• Depending on the location, the axes can be vertical and horizontal. The horizontal design provides the possibility of auto-rotate the main part to search for wind. The main equipment of the vertical wind generator is located on the ground, so it is easier to maintain, with the efficiency of vertically positioned blades lower.
• Depending on the number of blades, one-, two-, three- and multi-bladed wind generators are distinguished. Multi-bladed wind generators are used at low air speed, they are rarely used because of the need to install a reducer.
• Depending on the material used to make the blades, the blades can be sailing and rigid. Sail blades are easy to manufacture and install, but require frequent replacement, as they quickly fail due to sudden gusts of wind.
• Depending on the pitch of the screw, the variable and the fixed steps are distinguished. With the use of a variable step, it is possible to achieve a significant increase in the range of operating speeds of the wind turbine, but this will inevitably complicate the construction and increase its mass.

The power of all types of instruments that convert wind energy into an electrical analogue depends on the area of ​​the blades.

For work wind generators practically do not need classical sources of energy. Using a plant with a capacity of about 1 mW will save 92,000 barrels of oil or 29,000 tons of coal over 20 years

Wind generator device

In any windmill, the following main elements are present:

• The blades that rotate under the influence of the wind and ensure the motion of the rotor;
• A generator that generates alternating current;
• The blade control controller is responsible for the formation of an alternating current in a constant, which is required for charging the batteries;
• Rechargeable batteries are needed for the accumulation and equalization of electrical energy;
• Inverter, performs the reverse conversion of DC to AC, from which all household appliances operate;
• A mast is required to lift the blades above the ground surface until the air mass displacement height is reached.

In this case, the generator, blades and mast are considered to be the main parts of the wind turbine, and all the rest are additional components that ensure a reliable and autonomous operation of the system as a whole

In the circuit of any even the most simple wind generator must be included inverter, charge controller and batteries

Low-speed wind generator from an autogenerator

It is believed that this construction is the simplest and most accessible for self-made. It can become an independent source of energy, as well as take part of the power of the existing power supply system. In the presence of an automobile generator and a battery, all other parts can be made from improvised materials.

Manufacture of a wind wheel

Blades are considered one of the most important parts of the wind turbine, since their design determines the operation of the remaining nodes. For the manufacture of blades can be used a variety of materials - fabric, plastic, metal and even wood. We will manufacture blades from the sewer plastic pipe. Main advantages of this material   - cheapness, high moisture resistance, easy processing. Work is carried out in the following order:

1. The length of the blade is calculated, the diameter of the plastic pipe must be 1/5 of the required footprint;
2. With the help of a jigsaw, the pipe should be cut along into 4 parts;
3. One part will become a template for the manufacture of all subsequent blades;
4. After trimming the pipes, hangnails on the edges must be treated with sandpaper;
5. Cutted blades must be fixed on a pre-made aluminum disk with the provided fastening;
6. Also to this disc after the alteration it is necessary to screw the generator.

Please note that the PVC pipe does not have sufficient strength and will not be able to withstand strong wind gusts. For the manufacture of blades, it is best to use a pipe made of PVC with a thickness of at least 4 cm. The size of the blade does not have the least effect on the magnitude of the load. Therefore, it is not superfluous to consider the option of reducing the size of the blade by increasing their number.

Blades of the wind generator are made of a pattern of ¼ PVC sewage pipe   diameter 200 mm, cut along the axis into 4 parts

After assembly, the wind wheel must be balanced. To do this, you need to fix it horizontally on the tripod in an enclosed space. The result of correct assembly is the immobility of the wheel. If there is a rotation of the blades, it is necessary to perform their punching with an abrasive before the equilibration of the structure.

Making a mast of a wind generator

For the manufacture of the mast, a steel pipe of 150-200 mm in diameter can be used. The minimum length of the mast should be 7 m. If the site has obstacles for moving air masses, the wind turbine wheel must be raised to a height exceeding the obstacle by at least 1 m.

Pegs for securing stretch marks and the mast itself must be concreted. As stretch marks, you can use steel or galvanized wire 6-8 mm thick.

Stretching the mast will give the wind generator additional stability and reduce the costs associated with the construction of a massive foundation, their cost is much lower than other types of masts, but requires additional area for stretch marks

The conversion consists only in rewinding the stator wire, as well as in the manufacture of a rotor with neodymium magnets. First you need to drill the holes necessary to fix the magnets at the poles of the rotor. Installation of magnets is performed with alternating poles. At the end of the work, the interstitial voids should be filled with epoxy resin, and wrap the rotor with paper.

When rewinding the coil, you need to take into account that the efficiency of the generator will depend on the number of turns. The coil must be wound on a three-phase circuit in one direction. A ready-made generator must be tested, the result of a correctly executed work will be a 30 V indicator with 300 generator revolutions.

The converted generator is ready to conduct tests on the rated voltage before the final installation of the entire low-speed wind generator system

Completion of assembly of low-speed wind generator

The swivel axis of the generator is made from a tube with two bearings mounted, and the tail part is cut out of 1.2 mm thick galvanized iron. Before attaching the generator to the mast, it is necessary to make a frame, it is best for this to work profile pipe. When carrying out the fastening, it must be taken into account that minimum distance   from the mast to the blade should be more than 0.25 m.

Under the influence of the wind flow, the blades and the rotor move, resulting in the rotation of the reducer and electric Energy (+)

To operate the system after the wind generator, you need to install a charge controller, batteries, and an inverter. The capacity of the battery is determined by the power of the wind generator. This indicator depends on the size of the wind wheel, the number of blades and wind speed.

Video about alternative energy sources

Manufacture of a solar panel with a plastic casing, a list of materials and the order of performance of work

Principle of operation and overview of geothermal pumps

Re-equipment of an autogenerator and manufacture of a slow-moving wind generator with their own hands

A distinctive feature of alternative energy sources is their ecological cleanliness and safety. The rather small capacity of the plants and the linkage to certain local conditions make it possible to effectively operate only combined systems of traditional and alternative sources.

Alternative energy is energy, the source of which differs from what we used to use (coal, gas, nuclear fuel, oil, etc.); is more often used in the context of the limited availability of fossil fuel sources and the presence of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Alternative energy is a relatively new industry (since there was no need to look for something less efficient but cleaner than coal, for example) does not find a wide number of supporters, but the transition to it is inevitable. When we find ways to extract large amounts of electricity (rather, store it), use hydrogen and other elements, efficient solar or thermonuclear energy to replace familiar sources, the world will change beyond recognition.

Researchers say that if we really wanted to do this, by 2050 almost three quarters of the world's countries could fully switch to the use of renewable energy sources. Such conclusions were made within the framework of a large analytical project to compile a global roadmap until 2050.

3 years ago

Power outages and voltage surges have long become a "token" of domestic power transmission lines laid down since the times of the Il'ich bulb. This inconvenience is no longer shocking neither in the inhabitants of big cities, nor in the inhabitants of cottage communities, especially those of them who prudently acquired uninterrupted sources of electricity. In a more difficult situation, there are homeowners whose land is in the outback with a complete lack of centralized power supply. Fortunately, scientific thought and modern technologies do not stand still, offering owners of private houses alternative sources of electricity capable of generating electricity almost from the air. However, so that the costs of purchasing innovative energy sources do not become "money to the wind", it is necessary to acquire energy-efficient household appliances and pay attention to the insulation of the facades of the house. In this case, saving energy will have a significant impact on your family budget, allowing you to redirect the proceeds to the desired and more pleasant channel.

When it comes to the constant need for a source of electricity in a private house, a diesel generator the best option, due to its reliability, economy and reduced fire hazard. The diesel generator is more advantageous in everyday operation than its gasoline "fellow", as it is prone to low fuel consumption and requires less investment in maintenance. However, not everything is as "rosy" as it seems at first glance - exhaust fumes, noise at work and high price make many think about before buying this type of alternative source of electricity. The cost of a 5-kilowatt generator starts at $ 850.

For the backup and seasonal power supply of a private home, the gasoline version of the generator will fit more than diesel - that's certain. Compact, little noisy, not as expensive as diesel, generators with a gasoline engine are most suited for power supply in the event of a power failure central network. The cost of a gasoline generator with a capacity of 5 kW from $ 500. Moreover, gasoline generators will be useful in the economy - as portable electric power sources for connecting garden machinery and construction tools in the field. The most inconvenient in the work of an electric generator is the inevitable noise and emissions of CO2, which will require the allocation of a separate "living space" to an irreplaceable source of alternative energy - with noise isolation and a well-designed system of forced ventilation.

Gas power generators have proved to be somewhat better, they are more environmentally friendly, have a slightly lower noise level, have a longer service life and work both on natural and liquefied balloon gas. The cost for 5 kW - from $ 600.

Energy of biomass

If you, as a conscious inhabitant of the planet Earth, are concerned about the ecological situation in the world, it's time to transfer your power generator to "green" fuel. An alternative type of raw materials, allowing to depart from the traditional use of natural gas and oil in the form of diesel fuel and gasoline, is biomass. Diesel biofuel is produced by processing fats derived from the seeds of oil cultures - soybean and rapeseed. Bioethanol, as an alternative to gasoline, is produced with the help of fermentation of plant raw materials - corn, beets, sugar cane and other crops. Based on scientific research, the most promising source of biofuels is algae, which perfectly accumulate solar energy. They are unpretentious and are able to turn into an oily biomass, similar in properties to crude oil.

For the production of biogas, systems are used that capture methane during the fermentation of organic waste from agriculture and food industry - manure, bird droppings, cake, bard, and others. In the decay of organic matter in landfills, so-called "landfill gas" is formed - cellulosic ethanol. According to scientists, dumps of the world can produce about 83 billion liters of "garbage" biofuel. Out of a ton of organic waste, the biogas yield can reach 500 cubic meters. meters.

There are individual biogas plants intended for use by farmers, for example installation of IBGU-1, produces from 3 to 12 cubic meters of gas per day from 50 to 200 kg of waste, respectively, the cost of this installation is about 9 thousand dollars.

In the world, the use of wind generators as alternative sources of electricity is growing. The principle of operation of the wind turbine is to convert the kinetic force of the wind into mechanical energy of rotation of the wind turbine, which, in turn, is accumulated and transformed by the inverter into alternating current. The generation of electricity and the charge of the batteries begins at a wind speed of 2 m / s, and a constant wind of at least 8 m / s is able to fully supply the electricity to a small private house.

However, it should be taken into account that the device of a private wind power station is limited by the average annual wind speed indicators with reference to a specific locality. Therefore, the most rational scheme for using wind generators for the everyday needs of a private home is not the accumulation, but the conversion of the received electricity into heat for heating system   and hot water supply. In this case, an expensive rechargeable battery, the cost of which is 25% of the price of the entire wind generator, is replaced by a boiler. Thus, the scheme of the wind turbine and automation that controls its operation is simplified and the windmill acquires a more affordable price for the consumer. The cost of a small wind turbine with a capacity of 1 kW is about 1-2 thousand dollars. But if you consider that the average power consumed by a small house is about 6 kW, then a rechargeable wind power plant of this capacity for permanent electricity will cost about $ 10 thousand.

When installing the wind turbine, special attention is paid to the foundation device and its drainage. This is due to the possibility of the generator mast falling during strong gusts of wind. Another unpleasant aspect of the exploitation of windmills in the northern latitudes is the high probability of icing of the blades, which reduce the efficiency of the wind turbine. The fundamental shortcomings of wind generators include noise and vibration accompanying the rotation of the blades. For this reason, wind installations are located at a considerable distance from the housing.

Energy from the bowels of the earth

One of the popular types of alternative energy for owners of private houses is geothermal. How to get it? Simply enough - you just need to drill a well and install a heat pump in it. Cooling the water extracted from the earth's interior, the geothermal unit converts the released energy into electrical energy.

Spending 1 kW of electricity, the geothermal plant generates 5-6 kW. For a cottage with an area of ​​150 meters, such equipment will cost about $ 30 thousand.

Energy of sun

One square meter of the Earth's surface per year accounts for about 1 thousand kW of solar energy, which is proportional to the energy received at a consumption of 100 cubic meters of gas or 100 liters of diesel fuel.

However, solar panels due to high cost in the private sector are rarely used, the cost of a ready solar power plant with a capacity of 2 kW will be about 55 thousand dollars. Although, if you collect the power plant yourself, you can save a lot.

But the solar collector for water heating is a popular source of alternative energy supply. The merits of collectors include the ability to capture solar heat even in cloudy and rainy weather. The collector costs from 1 to 4 thousand dollars and is able to almost completely meet the needs of a family of three in hot water. The main shortcomings of alternative power supply systems using solar energy include their low efficiency in areas with weak insolation and the inactive state at night.

Energy of the ebb and flow

Due to the fact that water is 830 times heavier than air, water turbines, even at low speeds, produce much more electricity than wind power stations. A tidal dam using the power of the sea or the ocean consists of three functional parts: the dam itself, which holds water during the tide; gateway, creating a difference between water levels at low tide and high tide; The turbine, which transforms the kinetic energy of water movement into electrical energy. The largest tidal power plant in the world is the La Rance dam in France, which generates about 240 mW of electricity. The most efficient power station using ocean power is located in the Bay of Fundy in Australia. At this point in the ocean, the level difference between the tide and the ebb is 10.8 meters, which makes it possible to produce the maximum possible amount of electricity extracted from the deep ocean.

Once they started talking about water, I would like to note about such a solution of electrical supply for the home, as micro-hydroelectric power station. The cost of a 6-kilowatt hydroelectric power plant is about 8-10 thousand dollars.

Not every house located in a suburban area or in the countryside can be connected to a gas supply system or to set up heating with the help of a power supply source. There are many reasons for this, among which one of the main ones is the constantly increasing costs of connection, arrangement and maintenance of a heating system using natural gas. In such situations, the most rational solution is alternative heat sources for the home, which can be selected based on the specific conditions and location of the facility.

As alternative sources of heat, numerous heating technologies using various types of energy are offered, including those that nature itself gives to people - energy, wind, earth, solar electricity, biological fuels, and also the habitual energy of burning solid and liquid fuels.

Choosing alternative heating systems for a private house, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of local conditions, based on calculations from the criteria:

Consider alternative ways of heating rooms and heating systems of private houses, used as an alternative to gas.

BOILERS ON THE BIOFUEL - ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF HEATING OF THE PRIVATE HOUSE AND APARTMENTS

Boilers on biofuel are common alternative sources of energy for a private house, which are distinguished by high quality of execution. Biofuel in the form of briquettes and pellets from raw materials of vegetable origin (sawdust, chips, waste of sawn timber, sunflower husks) - alternative heating, which can serve as an ideal substitute gas heating   in a private house due to high heat transfer, which can reach 6-8 thousand kcal / kg. Boiler for biofuel is a universal heating device with high efficiency, equipped with an automatic control system, and can be successfully used for heating other types of solid fuel, including coal, wood, coal briquettes.

Boilers on biofuel, as alternative sources of private house heating, can be used not only for heating (single-boiler), but also provide hot water supply of premises - for this you can purchase a double-circuit boiler or add to the existing device a second circuit with a boiler of the appropriate type (flow or storage ). The simple arrangement of boilers for biofuel makes it possible to equip an alternative home heating with their own hands, thus saving some of the means of the family budget.

THE SYSTEM OF THERMAL PUMPS IS A GOOD OPTION

Considering alternative kinds of heating of a private house, it is necessary to stop on heat pumps using energy of natural heat sources, including underground and ground waters, ground, air. Depending on which alternative heat sources are used, heat pumps differ:

Structurally, the heat pump consists of the following components:

Freon, entering the evaporator through a capillary opening, evaporates as a result of a sharp drop in pressure. The walls of the evaporator, heated by geothermal water, give off heat to the coolant. The compressor, sucking in and compressing the refrigerant, promotes its heating to a temperature of 85-125o C, then pushes it into the condenser, giving heat through the condenser to the heating circuit. Cooled refrigerant again turns into a liquid. The process is repeated until the room warms up to the set temperature. Having received the signal, the thermostat stops the operation of the heat pump and switches it on again when the temperature in the house drops to the appropriate level.

If you managed to provide electricity in a private house with your own hands (or with the help of a master) - installing a heat pump can help reduce heat costs in comparison with gas heating.

Advantages of heat pumps include:

Scheme of heating water with a heat pump

SOLAR COLLECTORS - EXCELLENT KIND OF ALTERNATIVES

Modern heating of a private house can be provided by numerous alternative methods of heating, among which the solar collector is one of the most effective. Unlike solar panels, where solar energy is generated, the device solar collectors   allows you to concentrate the thermal energy of the Sun and direct it to heat the coolant (water, oil, air, antifreeze, etc.). The heat transfer medium circulating in the collector is heated, after which the accumulated heat is transferred to the storage tank for subsequent consumption in the heating and hot water supply system.

INFRARED RADIATORS WITH YOUR HANDS

Heat sources - infra-red radiators, called as eco heaters, are another option for heating rooms in a private house, office or production. The principle of the infrared radiator is based on the transfer of thermal energy in the form of infrared radiation to objects that, when heated, give directed heat to the air of the room, to the surrounding space in open areas, etc.

The most effective IR radiators, as alternative heating systems, are able to heat specific objects or parts of premises. Thus, the IR emitter can warm people working in the open air or in a specific part of the room. Using IR heaters creates savings in heating, allowing you to heat only a useful part of the space. By the method of installation and attachment, the heaters are wall, ceiling, floor, with directional action of infrared radiation.

HYDROGEN BOILERS - NANOTEES

Hydrogen boilers as effective systems   alternative heating have appeared relatively recently. The hydrogen boiler, as a source of heat, uses the thermal energy generated by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which results in the formation of H2O molecules with the simultaneous release of a significant amount of heat (up to 40oC). The received heat is transferred to the heating of the premises.

ELECTRICAL DEVICES BETTER THAN GAS

Electric boilers as an alternative heating private house - the easiest way out in search of inexpensive ways of heating the premises. Pick up an electric boiler, it's easy, just look in the appropriate catalogs, with the help of specialists to perform calculations of the necessary capacity of equipment corresponding to the volumes of premises.

Important: Before installing the electric boiler, check the insulation resistance of the electrical wiring and its conformity to the power of the new equipment. To avoid voltage surges, you need a voltage regulator.

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To install electric boilers does not require a separate room - even the most powerful of them have small dimensions. No need for powerful hoods and chimneys - this alternative home heating completely meets environmental requirements. Alternative heating   is a modern approach to energy. published