Best ways to store power
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Method of storing energy
by spinning-magnets » Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:36 pm
I know this won't work for just about anyone, but...
I decided I want to retire to a small farm in the country, and one option for storing energy is to use a windmill to pump water to an elevated water tower. The windmill will actually be on top of the water tower. When 12 volts DC is needed, a valve is opened so a pipe flows water to a small high-RPM pelton wheel which turns a common 130-amp truck alternator. Add 19 PSI for every 10 feet of water elevation, 40 feet is 76 PSI.
A "sucker-pump" for water wells or the oil industry is reliable, simple, and available, but if I had more time than money, I can make a crude copy of the ancient "Al-Jazari" piston pump for free, from junk.
I figured I was going to have an elevated water tower anyways for easy water flow into the house, next to the upper storage pond (the lower pond might be stocked with fish) If all I need is power tools, pumps, fans, music, etc, I can do most of that with 12 VDC.
In cities its almost impossible to get permission to put up any kind of a wind turbine (from people who claim to care about the environment) -Ron
I decided I want to retire to a small farm in the country, and one option for storing energy is to use a windmill to pump water to an elevated water tower. The windmill will actually be on top of the water tower. When 12 volts DC is needed, a valve is opened so a pipe flows water to a small high-RPM pelton wheel which turns a common 130-amp truck alternator. Add 19 PSI for every 10 feet of water elevation, 40 feet is 76 PSI.
A "sucker-pump" for water wells or the oil industry is reliable, simple, and available, but if I had more time than money, I can make a crude copy of the ancient "Al-Jazari" piston pump for free, from junk.
I figured I was going to have an elevated water tower anyways for easy water flow into the house, next to the upper storage pond (the lower pond might be stocked with fish) If all I need is power tools, pumps, fans, music, etc, I can do most of that with 12 VDC.
In cities its almost impossible to get permission to put up any kind of a wind turbine (from people who claim to care about the environment) -Ron
A hydrogen ion walks into the Cathode bar and orders a drink. The bartender asks "why are you so sad? The Ion replys "I lost an electron". The bartender asks; "are you positive"?
- spinning-magnets
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by 12volt dan » Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:34 am
That will work,in fact that kind of storage is used comercialy so it must work somewhat well. I've thought of using it here but with freezing in the winter it won't be mch use for the times when I realy need it.
An old turbo from a small truck would make a fine turbine
An old turbo from a small truck would make a fine turbine
10 years off grid and counting
- 12volt dan
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- Location: Muskoka Canada
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