Using Wind Turbines to Power Your Home

The first thing to look at, before you ever consider converting to wind power, is the area where you live. A windmill solution obviously requires wind. More specifically you want wind speeds that exceed 8MPH on average. Even 8MPH is considered a low-wind-speed area for wind turbines. 12MPH average is ideal.

To start, take the time to look at the wind speed charts that fit your area:

 

 If You Live in the USA:  http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/wndspd.txt

If You Live in Canada: http://www.wunderground.com/global/Region/CN/WindSpeed.html

If You Live in the UK or Europe: http://www.xcweather.co.uk/         

If you live in Australia: http://www.wunderground.com/global/Region/AU/WindSpeed.html

Assuming that the average wind speed in your area is above 8MPH, then continue on to the other considerations listed below. If you don’t live in a suitable area, then you should consider a solar power conversion instead.

Convert Your Home Today:

Wind Turbine Considerations

Once you’ve determined that wind power is suitable for your area there are a few other things you need to consider.  Really this is just about asking some questions and then answering them. Taking the time to do so will ensure you choose a wind power system that fits. Especially if you are planning to live off the grid, you should take the time to answer these questions before you start.

Your Power Needs

The first thing that needs to be considered is your power needs. Are you simply looking to reduce your power bill with a single small windmill? Or, will you want to power your entire home?

If you’re looking to power your whole home, you should take the time to calculate your actual power requirements. If you take the time to download Earth 4 Energy, their guide comes with a calculator and instructions on how to do this (you’ll need this guide anyway).

Storing Power from Wind Turbines

From the answer to your first question you then need to consider building a storage system for your wind turbine. A simple array of batteries can be designed to store as little or as much power as needed.

If you’re only building a small wind power solution to reduce your power bills then this is likely less of a concern.

On the other hand if you’re looking to live off the grid, you will need to consider energy storage. You should use your calculation for your power needs to design this part of your system. Take into consideration how much power you will need to store and for how long.

If you have weeks where there is less wind than usual, ensure that you have a large enough battery array to compensate (or better yet work to reduce you energy needs by using high efficiency bulbs and appliances).

Having a Backup Plan

Finally, for those who plan to live entirely off the grid, you should consider your backup plan. For most of us consistent power is a requirement. Ensure that you design your wind turbine solution with a backup plan. Generally a small gas generator is enough to ensure you have power if something goes wrong. 

For more information Click Here

Windmill Blades – Make them or Buy Them?

So you’ve decided to build your own windmill. Possibly you took the right steps and purchased one of the top guides that teach the subject. Or maybe you’re more daring and trying to do it without professionally written instruction. In either case one area where many people get stuck is when it comes time to create their windmill blades.

Really when you get to this step you have two separate options:

   1. Build them yourself – Obviously this is the least expensive route

   2. Buy Premade Windmill Blades – Costs more but is a lot less work

From that I wanted to take some time to talk about the advantages/disadvantages of going either way. In reality if you put a value to your time, by the time you finish building the wind turbine blades yourself, the cost is close to equal. On the other hand, if you’re cheap like me, it might be that you’d rather do it yourself and save the money. In either case there are advantages to going either way.

Buying Your Windmill Blades

First let’s cover the advantages of buying your blades. In this case they are really quite obvious.

   1. The blades are professionally made

   2. More varieties of materials you can buy your blades in

   3. Less concern about getting the correct shape to catch the wind.

Of course there are also disadvantages to buying windmill blades instead of making them yourself. First, it becomes more difficult to tailor your blades to the generator you selected/created for your DIY windmill. And then, of course, there is the cost involved.

Machined blades can run you as much as $1,000 or more. To offset that cost, you may want to check eBay. Often you can find premade blades there, in diameters of 4’ to 6’, for around $100.

Making Your Own Windmill Blades

While there are advantages to buying your windmill blades, there are also some big advantages to building them yourself.

   1. The blades are created with your actual windmill design in mind.

   2. You save your money, and your home power system will cost less.

   3. You get to choose the style of turbine blade to fit your area. Especially in low wind speed areas, this is important.

   4. You get the satisfaction of telling everyone – you did it!

If you do choose to build your own windmill blades, I suggest you take the time to learn about the top three wind power conversion guides. With our top pick specifically, they recently added a video that teaches that exact topic.

In any case, be sure to take the time to design your blades to fit your application. Taking the time to do so will ensure your wind mill operates trouble-free for years to come!

For more information Click Here

Items needed to install a Solar Energy Electric Power System (My short list.)

I have compiled a short list of items someone would need to install a solar energy power system. I thought it might be useful for those of us investigating switching to solar power.

1.       A location on the property where solar panels can be installed away from any obstructions or large pets which can damage solar panels.

You will want to choose a location which will get the maximum sunlight exposure and plan to install the panels facing in the direction of the equator. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)This area should not have any shade during any time of the day.

2.       Solar Panels – enough to meet or exceed your energy needs.

Using the Solar Calculator (link provided) on this site will help you determine how much electricity you need to generate to get off the grid or significantly reduce your electric bill.

Using this information, you can calculate how many panels are needed depending upon which panels you choose to install.

3.       Framework to hold the Panels.  – If the panels are installed on a roof using standard construction methods, use a qualified roofing contractor to build the framework for the panels so as not to compromise the integrity of the roof.  Framework for solar panels do not have to be installed on the roof.

Note: e-How suggests to use a map or GPS to determine your latitude above or below the equator and add 15 degrees for your winter solar panel angle and subtract 15 degrees for your summer solar panel angle. (Hessong 2010)

There are three types of mounts for a solar panel system:

                Flush Mounts – these are typically installed upon RV’s or motor homes and should be installed 2 – 4 inches above the surface to allow airflow around the solar panel to prevent the panel from getting overheated. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)

                Universal Mounts – these mounts can be installed either on rooftops or on the ground. While they are meant for larger solar panel systems, some city ordinances my not permit you to use this type of mount because of aesthetic reasons. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)

                Pole Mounts – these mounts are installed using racks and poles and can be easily constructed on your own. The pole is generally set in the ground with cement to support the weight of the pole and the solar panel with the mount. Poles are usually 2 – 4 inches in diameter with a sleeve or way to attach the framework and panel to the pole. Poles may be set higher allowing panels to be kept up and away from small animals. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)

4.       Wiring to wire the solar panel system to your home – This wiring must meet the current electrical codes, check with your electrician or have your electrician wire your system for you.

It should be noted here that it is possible to wire a solar panel system yourself if you are handy and educated in such matters.

I personally recommend an electrician to avoid any costly mistakes. A certified electrician is aware of the proper methods for attaching an electrical system or grid into the public utility meter.  

5.       A Power Inverter to convert the energy harvested into usable electricity for your home. A good inverter will also allow you to switch to the public utility when your solar panel system is down for maintenance.  Or, vise-versa, to stop your solar panel system from feeding the public utility if the utility has a power outage. It should also enable you to sell any excess power back to the public utility.

Solarpanelinfo.com recommends the True Sine wave inverters because they work better when motors are involved such as those found in a water pump. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)

Optional item

6.       A meter which allows you to track how much electricity your solar panel system is generating.

References:

Solarpanelinfo.com (2010) Solar panel installation, article, solarpanelinfo.com,  http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/installation, last accessed October 27, 2010.

Hessong, Athena, (2010, May 6). How to calculate solar panel angle, article, eHow.com,  http://www.ehow.com/how_6053185_calculate-solar-panel-angle.html, last accessed October 27, 2010.

Solarpanelinfo.com (2010) Mounts (Solar Panel Accessories), article, solarpanelinfo.com,  http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/solar-panels/accessories/mounts, last accessed October 27, 2010.

Renee’s suggested solar panel system maintenance schedule should include:

1.       Clean the solar panels to help maintain maximum power generation.

Dust, particles and debris can collect on solar panels diminishing power production over time.

2.       Periodic inspection of the solar panel system to ensure continued optimal operation.

Having seen effective maintenance and prevention techniques in motion, many costly issues have been avoided by doing a periodic inspection of any given system, whether it is a heating, cooling or electrical system. A good maintenance and inspection procedure may prevent headaches in the long run.

a.       Ensure the area above and around the area of the solar panels remains free from obstructing sunlight.

b.      Ensure that the panels themselves are not damaged in anyway.

c.       Clear any debris from the mounting frames, including leaves, bird nests, branches and so-forth.

d.      Look at all connections to be sure that there are no broken, brittle or dry rotting issues that will need replacing and make repairs as needed.

 The current guaranteed life of a solar panel is currently 25 – 30 years, by performing periodic maintenance and inspection you will ensure that your power system will perform optimally during the life of the system.

On the edge of the energy revolution

As the fog lifts, farms begin to appear like ghosts upon the horizon in the early morning. The grass is soaked with dew and my feet are feeling the cold wetness of it all. As I watch the fog melt away, I think about all of the possibilities of alternative electricity.

Reflecting upon last night’s Home Makeover edition, where the famous remodelers/rebuilders build new homes in a week, I wasn’t surprised when they included solar panels and a windmill claiming that the two items would cut electricity costs by 90%.

Solar energy is becoming the favorite in replacing conventional methods of producing electricity. The Chinese based Wanxiang Corporation has opened a manufacturing plant in Rockford Illinois to produce Solar Panels, bringing accessibility of alternative energy closer to the local market.

Upon further investigation, one would find that Wanxiang also produces several types of LED Lighting as well. The impressive list of lighting options pricks my curiosity as to what market this company is focused upon.

To my disappointment, it appears Wanxiang is producing for commercial customers. Again, big business is the preferred market approached with alternative energy options indicating the expense currently involved in installing green energy.

Feeling a little discouraged but more determined to locate simple electricity options, my search is on. I do wonder, however, when these lighting options will become available in the local market.

I believe we are on the very edge of an energy revolution that hasn’t fully entered the consumer market. What do you think?

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree, how much can I save this year?

Christmas Items compete with Halloween Items on the store shelves and everyone’s mood seems to be a little lighter. It’s the gracious spirit of the season welcoming us with bright colored packages and excited children.

Though many of us haven’t given it a second thought, I wondered whether the “Green Energy” idea has trickled down into Christmas lighting. If you haven’t yet looked, do so. It has. I found some of the lighting actually nice compared to the standard light strings.

Looking forward to saving some green, I decided to see how much lighting the tree really costs. I also decided to get an idea of how much I spent last year using Christmas Lights.

When I took into account the use of our furnace and regular electricity usage I found that we actually spent just over $200.00 last year lighting the tree and other holiday lights. Whew! . . . Who would have thought that spreading Christmas Cheer would cost that much!

Lighting a tree with the standard light string can cost between $54.00 - $73.00 a month not counting the other decorations you may place outdoors or around the rest of the home.

As you can see from the chart below, going green can pay for itself the first year allowing you to pocket the extra savings during the remaining life of the light strings.

The cost of a replacement string ranges from $7.99 - $8.99, depending on whether you purchase Energy Star or not.

When comparing the cost of upgrading to “Green” Christmas Lights with the conventional lighting I have used in the past, I will definitely be upgrading this year.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, it pays to go green this year.

Getting off the grid

Getting off the grid is a daunting task given that moving to alternate energy sources can be expensive. Upon doing some initial research, I asked myself, “Why don’t more people use alternative energy?”  The answer can be as simple as economics.

Having someone install a solar energy system can cost an average homeowner $30,000. The old life expectancy was 25 – 30 years with depletion in power due to the aging solar panels. The new panels may last 40 years. When comparing the cost of a solar energy system to the cost of the electric bill every month; there seems to be little incentive to spend a large sum of cash when convenience is equally priced.

However, if one is serious about getting off the grid and saving money, one can save a considerable amount of cash by building your own solar panels as instructed in the publication “Make your own Solar Panels and save $$$$”.

When speaking with a friend about his new housing project, he mentioned that he will be using solar energy to power his retirement home. He said that he searched for the best solution given that his home is located in the middle of nowhere with no power lines. He wanted to keep the rugged scenery untouched, so he built his own solar panels and installed the alternative energy system for around $3,000.

Did you see that? That’s right, for those of us who are handy and willing to follow instructions we can build and install our own solar energy system economically, enabling us to get off the grid. One can anticipate spending about $220 - $250 for each panel. My frugal friend, of course spent about $200, and said that once he had the first panel built, the remaining panels were easy.

Panels are about half of the cost associated with a solar energy system. One would also need to determine how to get the electricity into the home. You must decide which converters to install based upon your own personal preferences and whether or not to sell the excess electricity to the local power company.

For those of us still on the grid, selling the excess electricity back to the power company may help off-set the cost of having to purchase electricity when the solar energy system is unable to produce power.

Indeed, this is a daunting task, but one well worth the investment if you can make the change reasonably.

There’s a new energy in town

There’s a new energy in town! This past week at the energy conference held in Rockford, Illinois, some 156 attendees learned of a new bio-mass furnace which will produce electricity. The conference became a common meeting ground for green energy enthusiasts where they could share ideas and explore new solutions to old problems.

Chip Energy’s bio-mass furnace will go on line this month. It will warm sewage eating bacteria which will cause the bacteria to produce methane gas to produce electricity. The remaining waste, biochar can be used to improve land. (Leaf 2010)

The bio-mass furnace is currently used at the municipality of Höör in Southern Sweden to produce 85% of heat used by the network. (Unknown)

With innovations such as this and working together toward green energy, we may soon find bio-mass furnaces popping up across the country positively reducing our waste and creating renewable green energy.

References

Leaf, Brian (2010, October 10) Displays, demonstrations at show nurture new green ideas, (article) Rockford Register Star (The) (IL)

Unknown, Low Emission Biomass plant in Höör Sweden, (article) http://www.aboutbioenergy.info/Hoor.html, last accessed October 14, 2010

From tin cans to green energy

Ahead of their time, that’s what I thought some 30 years ago. Solar Panels installed on houses in Lake Summerset seemed to be of something from science fiction, but today, they are to be installed on the White House. (Cappiello, 2010)

Doing some research, one can find any number of resources about Solar Energy on the internet. You can even find information about building your own solar panels.

When I researched this topic as a high school student, I found sources which used tin cans installed on rooftops to collect solar heat. While I thought the topic I choose would be dry, I found it intriguing.

Can you imagine a world without electric wires? And the savings doesn’t stop with your energy bill. Legislation was put in place in 2009 to offer a tax credit of up to 30% for using green energy. You will want to check with your local tax preparer.

Green energy, what does it mean to you? Will you perform some science experiment because it’s really cool?  - or-  Will you choose to install solar panels on your home?

Why not put some green back in your wallet?

References

Cappiello, Dina, October 5, 2010, Solar Panels on the White House: Obama to install Solar Panels in 2011, (article) Huffington Post, The, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/05/solar-panels-on-white-hou_n_750525.html, last accessed October 8, 2010

The Cost of a Light Bulb – is there really a savings?

While thinking about green energy and what impact it would have on my electric bill, I decided to go to the local hardware store and investigate the cost of a light bulb. I wondered, “If everything was equal, what is the real cost or savings of a light bulb?”

On display I discovered various lighting options from the regular light bulb to the Energy Saver options. I settled in on a 60 watt bulb. A 60 watt bulb if left on for 24 hours continuously will use about 43.2 kwh in a 30 day period. Using a calculator I multiplied that by what our average cost per kwh was over this past year and discovered that a 60 watt bulb would cost us $5.48.

So . . . I then looked at the poplar Energy Smart Bulb equivalent which uses 13 watts of electricity. Same scenario, if left on continuously this bulb will use about 9.36 kwh or would cost $1.19. And then an LED bulb which uses 5 watts of electricity would use 3.6 kwh or cost $0.46.

Using this information, you can definitely see the savings you would realize each month by going green. But, all light bulbs are not created equal. This is obvious when you look at the life of the bulb you purchase.

I decided to compare the life expectancy of a 60 watt bulb and equalize the price. When doing so I discovered an additional savings as demonstrated by the chart below.

So how much are your light bulb(s) costing you? Why not put a little green back in your wallet and save on your monthly electric bill too?



Gre-newable Heat – Defrosting the corn stove

The wigwams still dot the town to remind us that we are all responsible for green energy. As I pull up to Oregon Lawn and Farm, Oregon, Illinois, the owner begins his day by setting out displays. I follow him inside to find the smiling gentleman behind the counter eager to help me. I walk past the wood and corn burning stoves, which sport ample product information displayed upon the tops.

Behind the counter I notice a picture of his friend from Milledgeville, Illinois, who recently built an electric car. The owner of this small business is no stranger to green energy as he explains that he also built an electric car in the 70’s. Though he no longer has the car, he still has a photo of his accomplishment. He admits that he has moved on to other things.

He explains that the corn stove he installs has a long-life. In fact, he displays and uses a model which is 25 years old and currently has no issues so his customers can see the quality. The owner explains that if you perform proper maintenance, you will not have many issues with this brand of corn stove. He also offers to install a battery backup system, which comes in handy during the cold winter months of Northern Illinois.

He explains corn stoves currently do not offer a battery back-up system of their own so he and his son have engineered one, as an add-on item. Having experienced power outages during the winter, this is a nice option to have when the thermometer reaches sub-zero and the lights go out.

The owner also explains the difference between a corn stove and a pellet stove which can burn corn. The recommended fuel for a pellet stove is pellets, he explains. If the stove says it can burn corn as well, it is in fact suggesting that you mix corn in with the pellets as opposed to just burning corn in a pellet stove which can cause some issues and possible costly repairs.

He recommends that when purchasing a renewable energy furnace, that you consider the cost of your fuel source. For example, if you have wood in abundant supply you should burn wood and if you have corn, corn, otherwise you defeat the purpose of saving money on your heating bill.

On my way out of town, I stopped by the dam to listen to the cool water falling. The tranquility of the park made me wonder if the hydro-energy station in Dixon was still in use. I can’t wait to discover this hidden treasure.

You may contact Oregon Lawn and Farm at www.olf1.com or by email at olf1@verison.net.

Backup electricity when the lights go out

The fog hasn’t completely burned off the Rock River as I drive along the picturesque banks toward Oregon Illinois. I am anxious to discover the answer to my burning question, what is it’s fuel source?

A couple days ago while I was surfing the net, I discovered an idea I hadn’t really considered before, backup house generators. I was excited about the one made by GE, but the website didn’t specify the power source.

When the lights go out, it would be nice to have backup electricity, wouldn’t it?

When I arrived at Oregon Lawn & Farm, Oregon, Illinois, I was expecting to see a display of the item the GE Website pointed me to. Instead, I was surprised to learn that, while they didn’t have a generation system on display, it only takes a couple days to get one. The model they install is the Briggs and Straton Home Generator System.

After speaking with Bob, the owner, he suggested “When considering installing a backup electricity generation system, you need to consider which items you deem essential when the lights go out. This will determine which model you install.”

These generators work on a system similar to GE in that they come on when the lights go out. These models are available in either propane or natural gas.

While this isn’t the brand of a backup electricity generator I was seeking, it is still a good option for short term use.

Living in the shadow of a nuclear power plant

This past week I glanced at an article in a local paper which displayed pictures of crazy malformed vegetables. Then a friend pulled out an ear of corn from her freezer which had two ears growing from the same stem and made the comment that in all of her 80+ years she had never seen such a thing. In fact, neither have I. I quickly teased that it was from the years of radiation leaks from the power plant that made dysfunctional corn grow. Quite honestly, it could have been the wet season last year and the abundant rain this year. As my grandma always said, you are more likely to find a four leaf clover during a wet season, indicating that the extra leaf was caused by excess rain. I really don’t know.

When I sit upon my deck and look to the south I can tell which direction the wind is blowing by the direction of the steam clouds which hover over the towers. Living in the shadow of a nuclear power plant has not caused me any need for concern until recently when several hundred fish died suddenly in the local river from an unknown cause. (Rockford Register Star, 2010) Having driven by the spot in the river where the warm water from the plant runs in during the winter, I wonder if there may be some kind of connection.

While we are assured that the power plant is safe and that the utility takes measures to insure safety, I am feeling a little unsettled when I remember a friend, who formerly worked in the plant, now literally “glows in the dark”. Some episodes from the popular television cartoon series “The Simpsons” poke fun at malformed fish and glowing objects because of the fictional power plant that Homer Simpson works in.

And what about the nuclear waste these power plants produce? The material glows for years. How safe is that anyway?

Is there a safer, more economical solution out there to power our homes and our lives? The race is on to reduce emissions and pollution to save our planet. The auto industry has been the primary target of this for years. Our power plants have reduced the use of coal. We are implementing the burning off of emissions from our garbage dumps to create power. Some of the larger farming operations use a digester in their pits to help compress the methane gas to create energy and wind farms are popping up all across the county.

100 years ago Nikola Tesla, worked intently on giving us other sources to generate electricity. His ground laying work gave us the knowledge for creating microwaves and lasers. In fact, many of his ideas have lead to a great deal of today’s technology. Today, more than ever, Follow me as I investigate electricity and alternative resources to generate power.

we have the tools necessary to create a free ample supply of electricity to power our lives.

References:

Unknown, (2010, January 2, 2010). Cause of fish kill still under investigation. Rockford Register Star, The (IL)

Powering down your electric bill

While attending the 2010 Farm Progress show near Des Moines Iowa, I discovered new technology that could potentially save building owners thousands of dollars with a product called EcoBrite, a brand trademarked by Innovative Lighting, Inc., Roland, Iowa.

This product is a unique lighting system that replaces fluorescent and metal halide lights. These units use LED lights which are far brighter and more energy efficient than the fluorescent counter parts and they operate efficiently in cold environments.

Because EcoBrite lighting uses LED Lights, the brilliant output is distributed more evenly across an area. These lights also do not have any hot-spots and operate coolly. This lighting is used currently in commercial refrigeration display cases or walk in freezers, but is expanding to warehouses, stores, malls, agricultural buildings, arenas, archival displays, museum exhibits, municipalities and places of worship.

In addition to saving on the electric bill, they are also more environmentally friendly as they do not contain any lead, mercury, glass or other elements.

Innovative Lighting, Inc. also offers a 30 LED A Style Frosted Globe, Product Number 712-X439, which fits in the U.S. Standard Light Sockets and only uses 5 watts of power. These lights are rated for 50,000 hours of service and have the potential of really slashing your electric bill.

References

Unknown, (2010), EcoBrite Innovative Warehouse Lighting, (brochure), www.innovativelight.com

Reaching toward simple electricity

I remember reading a book as a youth about how people may survive if there was a devastating war or a disaster. I thought the book was interesting because it described a dome over the last surviving city which kept radiation out. It was pretty far out there for the 70’s. That’s probably why it appealed to me. It got my imagination going as to what could be possible and what man could create.

The rebel in this book ventured outside of the city, away from the protective dome. He was curious about what he may find given the fact that everything was supposedly destroyed. In this journey, everything seemed baron around the city until he decided to head toward the vast mountains.

He saw very little life except for an occasional bird or small rodent. Which, to him, was odd given that there was not supposed to be any life existing outside of the city.

Once he reached the mountains and started to explore, he came upon streams with fish. This was paradise to him. Then he found a hermit who figured out how to produce electricity by using a bicycle to turn a generator. He used this method to run the machines he needed to make things easier.

Since I read this book, I have continually looked for ways to create simple electricity.  Having lived through the New York City black-out, I could see an application for this. (Gottlieb and Glanz 2003) But, until recently, I didn’t have any ideas as to how this could be done.

I have been raised to believe that to create energy, you must create friction. Turbines used for wind and water energy create friction, which in turn creates electricity.

Then I was introduced to the concepts of a Stirling Engine by a fellow employee.  (Unknown 2006) This employee purchased a small replica of this device, then engineered his own machine and attached a light bulb.

This was amazing to me. While the concept was really cool, the light it produces was not sufficient to read by as the light pulsed as the wheel turned. But still, it allowed my creativity to be reborn.

After exploring this theory, I found that this exact theory has been used to create emergency electrical systems for yachts and for use in cryogenic cooling systems. In 2005 Southern California’s Edison agreed to purchase Solar Powered Stirling Engines to produce electricity. (Unknown 2006) Wow, this is amazing.

I began to wonder if there was a way to produce electricity without having to rely on ma Edison.  What untapped resource haven’t we fully embraced?

I kept searching while our world changed around me. Is there simple free electricity available for everyone? Have we just not tapped into the wealth of information before us? Or, has it been out of reach until now?

References

Gottlieb, Martin and Glanz, James, (2003, August 15) The Blackouts of '65 and '77 Became Defining Moments in the City's History, (article), New York Times (The), (NY), http://nytimes.com/2003/08/15/nyregion/15HIST.html, last accessed, September 28, 2010.

Unknown, (2006) Today’s Stirling Engine, (article), Stirling Engine Society (USA), SESUSA.org, http://www.sesusa.org/, last accessed, September 28, 2010.

Unknown, (2006) Stirling Engine, (article), Copyright NJK, Max Energy Limited, http://www.solarnavigator.net/stirling_engine.htm, last accessed, September 28, 2010.

Is it possible to harvest electricity from thin air?

Have you ever wondered if producing electricity could be as simple as breathing air? Living in the Midwest, it’s not uncommon to see lightening dash across the sky during a thunderstorm or witness an event called thunder-snow during the winter.

What if we could harness this energy? I have often wondered this. I witnessed a close lightening strike once and experienced the “green ball” which burst in our home. I know what it’s like to have all of my hair become instantly static when a lightening storm is near. But still, I am curious about harvesting and using this energy.

We know from using batteries that energy has to utilize positive and negative poles. We have acknowledged that the sun can produce usable energy by utilizing solar panels, and that wind and water create electricity using turbines. Further recent developments include the use of Geo-Thermo Energy to heat our homes as seen on display at the 2010 Farm Progress Show held near Des Moines, Iowa.

Scientists recently unveiled the discovery of the mechanism by which water vapor in the air becomes charged at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society held in August 2010. (Dillow 2010) But what if we could pull energy from thin air day or night?

Nikola Tesla was working on this exact technology in 1899. Tesla theorized that ionic particles traveled between the earth and the sun. But, when investors killed his funding to build the Wardenclyffe Tower Transmitter Station in Long Island because the fear of free electricity was too great, Tesla was forced to stop his research. The tower was demolished in 1917. (Hunter 2008)

Technology has come a long way since, allowing us to accomplish more. What wasn’t available or even thought of then is now a reality. Is it possible, at last, to harvest electricity from thin air? If you knew how, would you go green?

References

Clay Dillow, August 26, 2010 , “Electricity out of thin air could be the next big power source”, article, POPSCI.com

Keith Hunter, 2008, “Tesla Undone: The Collapse of the Wardenclyffe Tower Project”, Nikola Tesla Biography, article, ancient-world-mysteries.com