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Energy
Last Updated 2/10/2003
Overview
Here you will find information about energy needs when living off-grid, and for a blackout, disaster or other emergency. My purpose here is not to cover any topic in-depth, but to provide basic information needed to prepare for a blackout, disaster or other emergency.
Energy-Related Information
Fuel Comparison Chart (or as an Excel file) - compare the amount of stored energy in various fuels, energy available from each, costs, weight, densities, etc
Energy Efficiency Comparison Chart (or as an Excel File) - The most efficient fuels, and the most efficient devices
Electrical Energy Requirements (or as an Excel file) - An itemized list of electrical energy consumed by everything in my apartment
Emergency Fuel Requirements (or as an Excel file) - How much energy will be needed for an extended 3-14 day emergency
Sources for emergency energy - ice, charcoal, wood, propane, the sun, a car battery, newspaper, and car gas to name a few
Sustainable Energy Sources - wood, solar, geothermal, hydro are possibilities depending on where you live - Under Construction
Emergency Energy Needs
Communications - TVs, cordless phones and cell phones all require energy
Cooking - How to cook off-grid
Heating and Cooling - You can have heat, AC, and refrigeration during a blackout
Lighting - How to minimize power required for emergency home lighting
Security - Smoke detectors, Carbon Monoxide detectors and alarm systems
Transportation - How to get to work or the doctor during an emergency
Fuels
Canned Heat - Sterno, Trioxane fuel bars, alcohol, candles, etc
Electricity - Generators, Solar, Wind, Hydro, Fuel Cells, Inverters, and emergency distribution methods
Gasoline - Needed for Emergency Transportation, Electricity, Cooking and Lighting
Propane - It turns out that ALL my energy requirements can be provided by Propane
Wood - Cheap and renewable
Human Power - Lose weight while lighting your house
Solar - It isn't free, but it is sustainable for an indefinite period of time
Wind - Under Construction
Energy Storage
Batteries - Really expensive but necessary
Refrigeration - Blackout? Don't open that door...
Thermal Masses - water/ice, Blue Ice, and concrete - Still Under Construction
Conservation of Energy - Consider adding benefits of each if possible
Time Sharing and Load Shedding
Conclusion
It is possible to live off-grid in an apartment or other rental property if it becomes necessary to do so.
Unless otherwise specified, the text and images in this page are the copyrighted property of Bryan A. Thompson, 1996-2008. All Rights Reserved.