Author Topic: New Years Resolutions  (Read 1199 times)

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Capt Slog

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New Years Resolutions
« on: January 03, 2008, 11:31:04 AM »


The first one is.


Learn some electronics.  Ok, I know a little, but really understanding it is another thing.  I pride myself on being fairly smart, but will admit to being lazy. I'm sure it can't be that difficult to pick up the basics, I live in envy of those who can look at a circuit board and tell you what it does.


The second.


To try to complete a project for every month of the coming year.  I'm not talking about major works here, e.g. a Vawt in Feb and rewire the house in March, that would be too much.  But I have a few ideas in mind....


Make the tumble dryer recycle it's waste heat.

Instal LED lights in a room.

Insulate the external walls in a room.

Repair the well and make it a usable resource.

Make a solar panel.


There is a danger that trying to do something every month will make it a chore, and that isn't the point, it's supposed to be fun after all.  


So, any suggestions to add to my list?


(Bear in mind that I'm in the middle of the surburbian UK and my garden is measured in square yards rather than acres.)


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« Last Edit: January 03, 2008, 11:31:04 AM by (unknown) »

richhagen

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Re: New Years Resolutions
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2008, 01:44:12 PM »
Like you I have been thinking about what I want to accomplish.  I have decided that my number one goal will be to reduce the quantity of energy that I have to purchase from outside sources in order to run my house and ground transportation.  I will predominately attack my hvac energy usage this year as that accounts for about 75% of the energy used inside my household.  Adding additional insulation and better sealing of openings seems to be the easiest and most cost efficient method of accomplishing this goal.  That said, adding generation is more fun for me though.  


One of my recommendations for your list would be, if you have not already done so, to accurately account for your energy usage.  That way you can determine which action will give you the most bang for the buck (or Pound).  Rich  

« Last Edit: January 03, 2008, 01:44:12 PM by richhagen »
A Joule saved is a Joule made!

thefinis

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Re: New Years Resolutions
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2008, 05:13:07 AM »
One problem with recycling dryer heat for the dryer is any type of heat exchanger will need a way to handle condensate. In the winter in my dry climate we just unplug the exhaust hose and let it heat and humidify the area it is in. You need to filter the lint out but it works great and I guess tends to recycle its own heat. I can do it because we tend to see humidity below 40%


I would be happy to help with any advice I can give on fixing the well. Is it hand dug or drilled? Do you just want water or are you looking for heat/cooling too?


My resolutions are to build a solar water heater (real grid power reduction) and finish the tower I started. This year (I have most of the parts)I want to build a big vawt for the tower and then play with hydraulic power transmission for a while. Next year I plan to take down the vawt and go to a hawt. Material and tower requirements seem to limit the size of vawts. I may try and build a pma at that point.


Finis

« Last Edit: January 04, 2008, 05:13:07 AM by thefinis »

wooferhound

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Re: New Years Resolutions
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2008, 08:55:17 AM »
Using the Dryer Exhaust to heat the Dryer Intake

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/1/15/22455/5870
« Last Edit: January 04, 2008, 08:55:17 AM by wooferhound »

Capt Slog

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Re: New Years Resolutions
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2008, 10:59:01 AM »
As you rightly say (and so do the posters in Woofer's link below) I've got to make it condensing.  I was aware of this and was thinking of making a heat exchanger out of aluminium sheet.  My inherited shed contains all my dad's old metal working tools (though sadly no bending stuff) and several thousand pop-rivets.  I have the technology, all I need is the time and raw materials.


The well is a brick lined affair that takes the rain water from the roof.  Its not big, perhaps 4foot deep on the working bit by 4 foot diameter.  At the moment it leaks.  I've thought of putting a plastic liner in there, similar to whay I'd use for a garden pond, as this seems the cheapest and fastest solution.  I'm intending to put a pump in there so that I'm ready if they ever put my water supply on a meter; I know it doesn't hold a lot, but every little helps.


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« Last Edit: January 04, 2008, 10:59:01 AM by Capt Slog »

Chagrin

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Re: New Years Resolutions
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2008, 12:19:26 AM »
I think the proper term would be "cistern".
« Last Edit: January 05, 2008, 12:19:26 AM by Chagrin »

BT Humble

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Re: New Years Resolutions
« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2008, 04:28:05 AM »
How come you didn't resolve to stop beating your wife? ;-)


BTH

(Apologies to Groucho Marx)

« Last Edit: January 05, 2008, 04:28:05 AM by BT Humble »

Capt Slog

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Re: New Years Resolutions
« Reply #7 on: January 07, 2008, 05:36:38 AM »
The only time I beat her is at Scrabble, let me retain this one small victory please.


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« Last Edit: January 07, 2008, 05:36:38 AM by Capt Slog »

BT Humble

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Re: New Years Resolutions
« Reply #8 on: January 09, 2008, 04:36:03 PM »


The only time I beat her is at Scrabble, let me retain this one small victory please.


Well, OK.  Just this once. ;-)


BTH

« Last Edit: January 09, 2008, 04:36:03 PM by BT Humble »