31 Oct, 2009
There has recently been a debate between which energy production is best between wind or solar. I would consider the production of electricity to be the best with the lowest cost to produce the energy. If someone wants to create a home powered unit to save on electricity this will give you some examples to look at what would be best for your home. First, let’s talk about how each option produces its own energy.
Solar power is created by panels collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity. This is done through using photovoltaics or concentrating solar power. Concentrating solar power deals with the sun’s energy boiling water and in return creates power through Stirling cycle engine to power a generator. The energy can then be stored within a battery bank to use during the night or cloudy days. Battery banks are a group of batteries wired together designed to charge and discharge at needed times.
Wind energy is produced through the rotation of blades which is then turned into energy. The blades act as barriers to the wind and force the wind to turn them. The energy the wind produces to spin the blades is transferred to the wind-turbine’s shaft which is connected to the center of the rotor. The rotation of the blades allows the shaft to spin and sends the energy into an electrical generator. That energy can be stored in batteries as well.
So which option would be best for a typical residence? Looking at all options of initial cost, energy produced, and long-term value the wind turbine would be best if possible. There are a few reasons for this. First, the initial cost to purchase a wind turbine is cheaper than purchasing several solar panels for your roof. There are many places to find out how to make a homemade windmill but one of the resources I looked at was this DIY home wind power website.
Second, the energy can be collected during night, day, and cloudy days versus that of solar panel being only with the sunlight is hitting the panels directly. Third, the long-term value is equal for both solar and wind. Either one over time are going to allow you to have free energy. In getting the benefits for having your own power source you will be also helping the world to be more eco-friendly. Both create power in a non-toxic way and aids in making a more eco-friendly energy source for the world.
31 Oct, 2009
Water may be costing you business more than your think. By initiating some simple actions, you can receive simple savings that go straight to your company’s bottom line. Additional to that, it’s environmentally friendly! Saving of up to 80% can be had by installing a water management system. They are generally programmable to your requirements and are incorporated into the water supply and urinal system to control flush frequency, therefore eliminating unnecessary and expensive waste.
Millions of liters of water are wasted every year alone by the constant flushing of men’s urinals in toilets, even when there is absolutely no need to flush. This usually happens between the hours of 2am and 9am, or over weekends or holidays. When you think of the time over the year, this accounts for a major percentage – around 66% of a normal working day accounts for out of office hours.
Water management systems can use a P.I.R detector to monitor a zone opposite the urinals. This detector is only sensitive to movement in this area so other people using bathroom facilities will not trigger this system. Consequently, the water management system is matched to use, rather than timing, and therefore increases savings as well as maintaining good hygiene.
On average, unmanaged systems will flush 4 times an hour every day, whereas by using a water management system the urinal will only flush twice per hour only on the days and hours needed meaning no waste over closed hours and holidays. With such a simple device, your company can save thousands of pounds over its lifetime. These savings can then be passed onto your customers, while at the same time, helping to conserve the environment by minimising waste.
30 Oct, 2009
Modern construction methods are extremely efficient and safe. Many homeowners and renters enjoy the protection from the weather and the hazards that run through nearly every home, with near complete immunity. The most frequent criticism of modern construction that many people have is that the materials and substances that go into creating the modern home are harmful to the environment, and sometimes the occupants.
There are many ways to limit the risk and harm that people can be exposed to with modern construction methods and one is to use ecologically friendly construction means, as called “green construction”. Green construction is essentially the endeavor to use material that will not emit chemicals or substances that are harmful to the environment or life. One of these green construction methods is called “cord wood” construction or stack wall construction.
Cord wood construction is basically using firewood that is cut to a specified dimension as fill for a mortar supported wall. Think of it like this, instead of using bricks, you use wood. Cord wood walls vary in thickness from 8 to about 16 inches depending on the weather conditions prevalent in the area. In colder areas, a thicker wall helps insulate from the cold, but where the cold is not as big a concern your resources can be used in a more frugal manner by making 8 inch walls.
The biggest benefit of building a home out of cord wood construction is the price. Typically a 2000 square foot home can be built out of about 5 cords of firewood, which may cost less than $1000 depending on your location. When placed inside of a frame of post and beam structure the cord wood wall is one of the most beautiful and rustic looking forms of construction in the world.
The second biggest benefit of cord wood construction is that it is something anyone can do with a little effort. It takes time to build a cord wood wall straight and true, but it is not that hard so any novice builder can have a decent home erected safely. Since the mortar takes time to set up and harden you can only go at a certain pace of construction which allows you to rest and plan before getting too far ahead of yourself.
The most important benefit of cord wood construction is that you are creating a home which does not release toxic chemicals into the home environment. Once the mortar is dried the home is done releasing any gases or chemicals, so you do not have to worry about your kids inhaling formaldehyde for 2 years afterward like you do in new construction. Keep in mind that is does take a deliberate effort on your part not to put in any chemicals as well. This can be avoided by choosing to decorate your home with something other than paint and glue down your rugs with a substance that does not emit formaldehyde.
With a little conscious planning and thought you can use green construction techniques to completely prevent a dangerous environment for your loved ones, and yourself.
30 Oct, 2009
You’ve most likely heard over and over again how the landfills are overflowing and waste is polluting our planet. It’s becoming more difficult to find ways to dispose of all the waste created each year. No one knows for sure how much more abuse the earth can take. For this reason, scientist invented biodegradable products to help reduce the waste created each year.