MICROCHP - Combined heat and Power Units

Combined heat and power units. Sounds futuristic. And it is. It describes a new kind of furnace very similar to the one you use to heat your house. However, it does much more than that. It is a mini power plant for your house that can provide electricity during the winter months as well as heat your home.

Just like a coal, oil or nuclear power plant the Microchp gives off heat as it generates electricity. Instead of releasing that extra heat out into the atmosphere and rivers, like a traditional power plant, it captures the heat and uses it to heat the house. Why didn't some one think of this before?

Here are some links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MicroCHP
http://www.climate-energy.com/micro-chp.asp
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1114/p01s02-usec.html

Northwest Solar Expo 2006

I attended the Northwest Solar Expo 2006 at the Oregon Convention Center on Saturday. It was a good intro to solar. Much of it was over my head, but what I did get out of it was, I think, quite valuable. Currently we are focused on thinking about the direction to go with this Green Plumbing idea. The most relevant workshop at the expo was a presentation on solar hot water heating. Solar hot water systems are apparently not too difficult to install. According to the presenter from Cascade Sun Works these systems are the "low hanging fruit" of the solar energy world for homeowners.

• solar hot water heater is one of the most common first steps to using solar in a residential setting.

• it is a fairly simple system to install. possible for the home owner to do himself.

• it will last 20+ years with regular maintenance

• you will recoup the cost in about 6 years

• it is the most cost effective solar system for your home (most "bang for your buck")

• reduces dependance on other sources of energy (gas/electric)

• State and federal tax breaks and tax credits

• Closed loop glycol system was most efficient and less prone to problems. More attractive/less obtrusive solution.

Links:

Solar Hot Water: A Primer:
http://www.azsolarcenter.com/technology/solarh20.html

Docs on draindown systems:
http://search.nrel.gov/query.html?col=eren&qc=eren&style=eere&qm=1&si=0&ht=815081754&ct=1403524161

Green Plumbing

What the heck is "Green Plumbing"?

That's a good question. We will use this blog to explore the answer to that question.