Wind Systems - Domestic.
There are many misconceptions about the use of domestic (small scale) wind systems. The first is that all wind turbine designs will achieve the optimum results. However, it has been proved internationally that the most successful wind turbine design is a 3-bladed horizontal axis model.
Unfortunately with optimum results also comes noise which brings us to the 2nd misconception, which is that you can use wind turbines in built-up city areas, and this is simply not true due to the nature of the noise from the units. Therefore good domestic wind turbines are confined to rural areas.
Wind systems are normally best used as a complement to solar and the two can dove-tail nicely together. You need at least 9 to 12 mph (4 to 5 m/s) of wind – on a regular basis – to make it worthwhile. In the proper environment, wind turbines are very effective and worthwhile. However wind, in general, can be a very fickle resource and is usually not reliable enough to produce dependable results on their own.
We have information about wind turbines that are in popular use in New Zealand and helpful information about wind energy in general that can be posted to you.
Energy Efficient Refrigeration
We have always promoted the benefits of energy efficient refrigeration. An energy efficient refrigeration unit will use approximately 1/3 of the amount of energy as a same-sized conventional unit. Although these models were originally imported for the Off-Grid market, when we promoted them at shows, the general public found their use saves money by means of these energy efficient refrigeration appliances.
The energy efficient refrigeration uses less electricity in 3 ways – better and more insulation (up to 100mm insulation in some), a more efficient compressor and the latest models use a more efficient gas as the refrigerant which is also environmentally friendly.
Although the up-front price might be more than conventional units (because they are imported), customers can easily make up for this by reduced running costs of less power used. It makes little sense to obtain a *cheap* appliance, then pay through the nose for 3 times the amount of an escalating electricity cost used for the 10 or 12 years of an appliance's expected lifetime.
We have information about energy efficient refrigeration appliances that can be posted which includes specifications and the various models energy star ratings.
Design & Applications
Over the years we have found that there are a good many small and varied systems that come under the heading of Applications. The list of these design and/or system applications that we have supplied over the past 12 years has grown incredibly and is extremely impressive in its scope.
Since then there has been a remarkable variety of great and novel ideas that have arisen, from snowfield cameras to unique solar pumping applications to highly specialized surveillance equipment. The list is bountiful. Any application where an independent source of electricity is required is a perfect reason to use renewable sources.
One of the things we explain to people needing design help is that we don't need to see how or know how the equipment is used, what we are focused on is the amount of electricity used by the device(s) and over what period of time. We can then design an appropriate system.
Commercial Applications
Similar to the proliferation of home-grown solar powered applications, we have been involved in some extremely exciting projects involving solar energy applications for commercial use.
Commercial work requires a different skill level of expertise. Some of the projects we have been involved with are in association with local or regional governmental bodies.
These have ranged from river/stream control for border dyke systems to solar operated street lights for remote intersections that were deemed to be dangerous.
We have supplied applications for solar powered entrance gates, and airlines passenger loading/unloading ramp operational controls as well as control units for large irrigators.
Each application can have its special requirements, and as with the non-commercial applications, the important thing is that it is only the amount of energy to be used that we require because it is that amount of green electricity that needs to be supplied, stored and utilized by the application.
There will be a large growth in this area when companies realise that most smaller-use items that run on grid electricity can usually be operated more feasibly using renewables – especially so if the device is to be in a remote (to the grid) location.
Solar Water Pumping
On the worldwide basis, water is the new resource that is hotly debated and could cause conflicts – it is so fundamental to life. In New Zealand we have tended to take water for granted. However with water rights being contentious, the situation is changing. Water is needed for the burgeoning dairy industry and this can place a strain on some city and township water supplies.
One of the answers is to source livestock water at more remote locations but this poses the problems of how to access and move water – and the answer is solar water pumping solutions.
Gradually the industry is considering these solutions to solve remote water problems. For example, we can pump water up from 300M or move up to 30,000 litres/day (30 cubic M) of water – but not both together
Solar water pumping solutions are basically uncomplicated, usually only the pump and panels are required for operation. The pumps are generally more efficient than ordinary centrifugal pumps therefore less energy is required for operation. Solar water pumping is best suitable for household or livestock water but not for large irrigation schemes that might use 3-phase power. Water pumping is one application that can best utilize a Solar Tracker to improve the overall volume of water pumped per day. We have information that can be posted to you about the benefits of solar water pumping.