Power
Power is what makes just about everything work. Producing it on a large scale requires lots of fuel, such as coal, oil and natural gas. If there's a shortage of any of those fuels... But you can produce your own energy, in ways that are sustainable, economic (at least in the long run), and most importantly, available. How to Live Without Electricity - and Like it Live off the grid but still have power, water, heating, and refrigerated food. [book] Power with Nature: Solar and Wind Energy Demystified Highly-recommended book on solar, wind, micro-hydro, heating house and water and pumping water. [book] Kill-a-Watt An "electricity usage monitor" that measures the amount of electricity consumed by household appliances—even when they're not actually being used but are simply plugged in. A great way to see where you can reduce your electricity consumption. [electronics] Cooling and Refrigeration You don't necessarily need a refrigerator or freezer to keep foods cool long-term. Refrigerator Alternatives A Yahoo discussion group on energy-efficient home refrigeration, including traditional refrigerators as well as root cellars, cooling cabinets, brine solutions and much more. Geoexchange / Geothermal No, it's not just using heat from geysers. It's using the internal temperature of the earth—anywhere. What is Geoexchange Heating and Cooling System? A brief introduction Earth Energy Systems Private company constructing geoexchange systems. Geoexchange Geothermal heat pump consortium Geo-Heat Center Information from the Oregon Institute of Technology Introduction to Geothermal Direct Use From the U.S. government's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps From the NREL Human And then there's the original source of power. The one many of us try to avoid, unless absolutely necessary. Pedal Power Generating electricity the old-fashioned way. Microhydro You can use the natural flow of nearby water to produce your own electrical power. All About Hydraulic Ram Pumps Book on the device that can pump water from a flowing source of water to a point higher than that source using the force of gravity rather than power. [book] Micro-Hydro Power Systems From the U.S. Department of Energy. Includes How a Microhydropower system works. Pico Hydro Network promoting small hydro systems up to 5kW. Currently very popular in Vietnam. Solar Not just when the sun shines brightly, though it helps. Real Goods The pioneer in home solar energy. Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook The classic information catalog. [book] Small Solar Electric Systems From the U.S. Department of Energy. Includes How small solar electric systems work. Solar Electric House, The Energy for the environmentally responsive, energy-independent home [book] Wind If the wind blows in your area, you've got power. American Wind Energy Association Trade association Bergey Windpower Manufacturer of small wind turbines Scoraig Wind Electric Home page for Hugh Piggott, author of How to Build a Wind Turbine Small Wind Electric Systems From the U.S. Department of Energy. Includes How a small wind electric system works. Wind Energy Basics A guide to small and micro wind systems. From Real Goods. [book] Wind Power, Revised Edition Renewable energy for home, farm, and business [book] Windpower Workshop By someone who relies on wind power for his own energy [book] |
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