Electricity

by Bryan A. Thompson

Last Updated 2/10/2003

Overview

Until I started thinking about the electrical energy I was consuming, I was becoming more and more dependant on electrical energy.  It turns out that with some basic changes to my activity schedule and a few other small changes, it was possible to eliminate 75% of the amount of electrical energy I needed.

Electrical Energy Requirements (or as an Excel file) - This is an itemized list of electrical energy consumed by everything in my apartment

 

Generation

Generator - Information on choosing a generator, Review of my Honda EU2000i, etc.

Solar - Electricity and Water Heating

Wind - Under Construction

Gravity and Hydro-Electric - Under Construction

Human-Powered Generators - Under Construction

Fuel Cells - The Ultimate in quiet power generation - Under Construction

 

Energy Storage Devices

Batteries

Refrigeration

 

Power Distribution

The Emergency Power Distribution System - power distribution for those of us who rent

Wires, Extension Cords and other Transmission Lines - Why extension cords suck and what you can do about it

 

Conversion

Inverters and Uninterruptible Power Supplies

 

Energy Efficient Electrical Devices

Lighting

Transportation

Communications

Modular power systems, Intelligent Loads and Power Supplies - Under Construction

 

Conclusion

Electrical energy obtained from generators is a lot less efficient than when the generator fuel is used directly.  It requires two conversions to convert the fuel to a usable form.  Therefore consumption of electricity should be avoided wherever it's possible to use the fuel another way.

Unless otherwise specified, the text and images in this page are the copyrighted property of Bryan A. Thompson, 1996-2008.  All Rights Reserved.