Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:27:47 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9665 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9665 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:44:45 +0100 James Norton
Over a front door
On a small balcony
On a deck / some steps

You know the sort of thing, normally you'd have a couple of 100watt CFL jobs and 10 or so 30watt halogens that
kind of business...

Now I know you can get off the shelf stuff, but I presume without 10 hours of blazing summer sun it will be an embarrassing disappointment.... therefore wondered about knocking up something a bit more hardcore...

Say v.efficient low power LED light(s)
Decent PV panel (s)
Maybe a small wind generator
12v leisure battery
DC/DC constant current driver(s)
PIR / occupancy / day night control (to keep demand low)

Any thoughts...?

J]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9627 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9627 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:03:01 +0100 Jeremy S Hi,

so, here's how I understand things:
1) evacuated tube collectors (ETC) maintain efficiency at higher inlet temperatures;
2) flat plate collectors (FPC) are more efficient at low inlet temperatures;
3) ETC are more expensive than FPC by both per joule and per sq_m.

what's to stop us trying to optimise using the benefits of both in a mixed system?

I'm thinking: 6-8sq_m of FPC in series with ~2sq_m of ETC.

Is there any technical constraint that would prevent this being viable? (apparently the MCS certificate can't handle it but that's bureaucracy, eh?)

best wishes - Jeremy]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9546 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9546 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 15:02:39 +0100 JTGreen https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9606 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9606 Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:34:10 +0100 tychwarel Its is also the best site for domestic PV, no overshading, existing electric spur from the house distribution board, easy access, etc

What I would like to know is :-
1 would I require planning permission to place PV units on this roof (free standing units designed for flat roof)
2 Would the fact that it is not integral to the dwelling influence the FIT rate.

(I am in Wales if it makes any difference]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9513 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9513 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:13:47 +0100 MikeRumney
A "Treebine" ... Cable from a "Dynamo" on the ground to top of a wavy branch.

(If you've seen a pole lathe in action you'll get this straight away.)

Lots of variables I'm sure, and only just beginning to think about it, so all observations welcome (except "can't see it working" which never got anything built) :bigsmile:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9541 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9541 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:19:13 +0100 Nick Parsons
I don't, though I suggested that Navitron might be able to help.

Anyone know of useful suppliers? Of course the supplier doesn't have to be Sheffield-based, as long as it's OK with mail order.

Thanks for any help.

Nick]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9499 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9499 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:16:04 +0100 tony https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2364 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2364 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:47:18 +0100 TOTALPLUMBING
I MAY ALSO HAVE TO LINK SOLAR TO THE SELECTED SYSTEM, IS THERE A SEPERATE GRANT FOR THAT?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8797 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8797 Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:10:36 +0000 Joiner https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9409 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9409 Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:07:56 +0100 YouGen-Cathy https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9482 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9482 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:13:25 +0100 SteveZ
Has anyone else had anything similar or heard any rumours about OFGEM removing their subsidy?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8456 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8456 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:35:18 +0000 Sprocket
I was sent some marketing blurb about a system from "Cool Power Products" called "EMMA" that automatically diverts all excess PV electricity to your immersion heater. It looks to cost about £1700 (which seems quite pricey to me given the pretty simple job it does). I'm not sure we're supposed to post links here but you'll find it if you Google it.

It's of limited interest to me anyway since my PV is running my GSHPs and I will of course set timers so the GSHPs run when PV is most likely to be available. I did consider trying to do something smarter (our plant rooms are networked and I can read the PV output so the essentials are already there) but then that amounts to a similar thing anyway - making most use of the PV. Is that entirely ethical? I don't have an export meter so doesn't it mean my power provider would be overpaying me for presumed exports? Is that my problem or theirs?

Anyway, I would be interested to know what folks in here think of the idea?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8400 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8400 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:47:57 +0000 JSHarris
It seems that the recent spate of blade and turbine failures may have put the wind up at least one insurance company. It made me wonder whether or not people routinely inform their insurers of wind power installations or not, or even whether they need to. Might be something to watch out for if you've got a wind turbine installation.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9418 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9418 Sat, 04 Aug 2012 11:15:19 +0100 TimSmall
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/farming/farming_20120804-0700a.mp3

http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/farming

Tim.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9419 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9419 Sat, 04 Aug 2012 12:35:54 +0100 GBP-Keith
Here is the scenario:
I have a 2.5 wind turbine and a number of other renewable technologies charging large battery banks. Some energy from some of my generators (hydro and some solar) is added to the batteries via simple chargers. However when the wind blows gusty (often with sunny weather) I occasionally get spikes up to 30volts or even slightly higher. This is OK to some degree as it helps equalize the batteries but I have found that it can (and is) damaging some of the chargers. The automatic (3 stage) chargers seem more vulnerable as they seem unable to keep up with the rapidly changing voltages.

I thought that some sort of blocking diode would be the answer but one charger manufacturer said that the charger will fail to see the batteries.

Any ideas please- all suggestions welcome.
Cheers, Keith]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9311 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9311 Sun, 08 Jul 2012 11:22:16 +0100 windy lamb Any thoughts?.

- I think my neighbours should be a bit more concerned than me because at least 6 of them are within 600m of it, 2 are 400m and I don't think turbulence will be their problem! :shocked:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8081 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8081 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:30:50 +0000 jamesingram
4kW south facing system in UK , simple install inc vat £10,000

estimated annual output 3,434 kWh/y

25 year life of system , grid electric with no service charge 14p kWh

25 x 3,434 = 85,850 kWh x 14p = £12, 019 ( £10,302 if 12p kWh grid electric with service charge )

So PV in the UK is cheaper than grid electric if you can use or store this energy , whether you get /grants/FITs or not

this doesn't take into account reduction in output of PV panels over time period ( 2-20% ), loss in potential alternative capital investment, grid electricity inflation, Pv system maintenance
and importantly ability to use and store all output .

Ok you lot , let me know where I've got it wrong :wink:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9300 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9300 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 22:41:32 +0100 mondage I was informed by the planners 12 months ago that my 45 cm parapet was not the the plane of the roof and therefore I would need planning permission for my 16 panels (2 Thermal and 16PV (4Kw)).

So upon finally deciding to embark on the pain of planning, imagine my glee when I discovered the new modifications to Permitted development for Wales (Sorry England)

Flat roofs can have panels up to 1 metre above the deck.

Hurrah! no planning required....

It was snuck under the radar on 18th June.

http://origin-www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2012/1346/made

Just thought the forum would like to know of the changes.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9281 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9281 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:28:01 +0100 stephenmooney https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9255 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9255 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:09:35 +0100 Joiner
http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/Documents/MSc_2006/ete.pdf]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9246 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9246 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:28:37 +0100 Joiner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MQaT9EbMDQ

:bigsmile:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9232 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9232 Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:37:30 +0100 tony
One large wind turbine, no hydro, some heat pumps, vast majority of electricity from fossil fuels, gas and oil prices rising fast.
Hybrid cars and busses, one electric car, less free parking,
Loads of wood burners, some larger wood and biomass installations in schools, businesses etc
Uptake of solar pv widespread but still only a tiny proportion.
Better insulation regulations for new buildings but this is not translating into as built results, poor air tightness,
Existing housing stock is poorly insulated, plenty of loft insulation going on, some cavity wall insulation, no floor insulation, no draught proofing or air sealing. Increase in energy poverty.
Waste recycling greatly improved
More interest in fruit and vegetable growing


What can we realistically expect to see by 2020?

No more wind, lots more solar pv, may be hydro on the river, the grid itself will be greener
We will see more hybrid busses and cars, more electric cars, probably more cycling hopefully more car sharing and park and rides. Petrol and diesel will be very expensive.
The vast majority of electricity will still be generated from fossil fuels, gas and oil prices will be rising faster still and shortages of gas and oil will be seen.
New build will slowly improve in line with CSH nothing dramatic
The bulk of the existing housing stock will still be poorly insulated, draughty; energy hogging and even more people will be in energy poverty. We will see virtually no uptake of the Green deal. There will be an increase of insulation levels in roofs, some external and internal insulation wall insulation will be seen but this will only scratch the surface of what is needed, also we will see more draught proofing but we are unlikely to see any floor insulation.
We will see Smart Metering and consequent load shifting. (no overall saving of energy)
Waste recycling continuing to improve, more energy generated from waste.
We will see increased use of wood and biomass but also fully justified increasing resistance to its use and a widespread degradation in air quality that will become a much bigger problem.
We will see more examples of low energy projects, although district heating has been mooted I do not think that we will see this apart from possibly in high rise flats and these probably would be better demolished in any case.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9221 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9221 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:26:31 +0100 EmmaG https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9209 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9209 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:27:36 +0100 Joiner
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/uk-see-cheaper-offshore-wind-2020-reports-103654499--sector.html]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9070 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9070 Mon, 14 May 2012 09:56:36 +0100 jms452
I was annoyed to see that if I want to change electricity supplier in future I also need to transfer my FiT provider to the new company.

http://www.npower.com/idc/groups/wcms_content/@wcms/@resi/documents/digitalassets/fit_information_booklet.pdf (p4).

I will probably find that they aren’t the best deal when our already low usage drops and I would like to avoid reams of paperwork every time I want to change electricity company.

I don’t really fancy transferring to utilities warehouse for a strings attached short term sweetener.

I have spoken to good energy who I saw mentioned positively on other forums and they seemed helpful and don’t restrict me from changing electricity supplier but admitted it could take 9 weeks for me to get the cash after submitting meter reading! Is this normal?

Any recommendations (you can whisper if you feel more comfortable).

Thanks

John]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9174 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9174 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:18:01 +0100 tony https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9176 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9176 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:03:16 +0100 Joiner https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7560 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7560 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:23:35 +0100 pauler
Or will the MCS figures show a completely different story....:wink:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8491 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8491 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:48:11 +0000 Triassic
http://roadtoendeavour.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/polar_project_array.jpg

and if you want to learn more

http://roadtoendeavour.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/different-views/]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7926 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7926 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:47:45 +0100 tony
the cost was about 600k,

Archimedes screw turbine - grid linked -- had to get an abstraction licence even though there was an an existing working mill there and no water gets abstracted.

Pays for itself in 9 years!!!

Then profit all the way into the future

Why are these things more prevalent???? Especially if they generate that much electricity and are so hugely economic?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9098 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9098 Sun, 20 May 2012 16:46:38 +0100 ianandbecca
I am left with the penstock, running past my house, with no turbine at the bottom, what a waste.

Is there anyone out there that would be interested in supplying a turbine

I have 12m head, 180mm penstock running 130m to turbine house, with a few bends. It is capable of supplying 40l/sec, when the burn is at average flow.The company that built my last one measured the pressure at the bottom of the pipe, it was 1 bar. They thought a small crossflow was what I needed.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9084 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9084 Thu, 17 May 2012 13:33:49 +0100 davidfreeborough
Hopefully this draft standard will encourage some informed debate & be re-written in a way that encourages innovation in both component & system design. If it goes ahead unchallenged, it will probably have a negative effect on the development of efficient, low cost, integrated systems for new build or retrofit.

If you have any views then you might like to comment on the current draft:

http://drafts.bsigroup.com/

Search for BS5918 & you should find "Draft BS 5918 Solar heating systems for domestic hot water – Code of practice".

You need to register to leave comments, but registration is free & quick.

David]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8352 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8352 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:25:45 +0000 mzthomps
Luckily I have a letter from the solar installer which referred to a 10 year warranty on those panels, which they are following up on with Filsolar (albeit Filsolar rather slow to respond).

Apparently this is common. Anyone else had problems with Filsolar kit or flat panels?

Thanks,

Mark]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9082 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9082 Wed, 16 May 2012 22:28:08 +0100 alexsmb
We have started putting up monthly turbine production stats too. Look at the tab at the top right.

The more people that join the more useful the information in the statistics, and the forum, will be.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9050 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9050 Tue, 08 May 2012 18:46:03 +0100 tony https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9049 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9049 Tue, 08 May 2012 15:21:29 +0100 tony
After I wrote to T5 about this they now mostly only run escalators on demand

But for up escalators all the work of lifting people is at an energy cost, if there were down escalators (not the case in question) almost all the energy could be reclaimed.

But if there were more down escalators than up ones then energy could be generated free of charge form the general public :swingin:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9020 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9020 Thu, 03 May 2012 16:02:19 +0100 gavstamp https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9016 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9016 Wed, 02 May 2012 23:04:24 +0100 tony
The top level has risen by 600mm but the lower level by 1.6m meaning that the head is one meter less!

:sad:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8769 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8769 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:55:55 +0000 GBP-Keith
I have been thinking of some sort of blocking diode but I'm betting it won't be that simple.

I want to run a few small resistive loads during sunshine periods on simple timers but I don't want the grid to feed them if the sun goes behind a cloud.

I also don't know how the grid connected inverters would cope - I am assuming any blocking diode would prevent them seeing the grid and they would go off

Clearly an unusual ask but I need to look for a solution.

Any and all suggestions gladly accepted.

Thanks, Keith]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8262 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8262 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:29:04 +0000 mzthomps The inverter is regularly reporting a grid fault and cutting out for 600 secs resulting in very little overall generation. This appears to be more prevalent when it is generating above 1kw. I have noticed that it always seams to be operating at an AC of 251 to 253V - to the top end of the DNO tolerance of 253V.
After a forced reboot (I turned off the AC, DC and then switched back on), it restarts OK for a while, but I have managed to capture it operating at 255V - which is I guess the reason why it is cutting out?

Others in the area with solar pv don't have a problem (or maybe they don't understand what they are looking at to know?) I don't have sufficient kit to carryout any analysis on the true grid voltage.

Inverter is a Schuco SB2500HF-30. System is 2.5kwp. Fitted by SolarTech.

Haven't been able to have a sensible conversation with installer yet. I guess they are maxed out the FIT deadline. I'm loath to raise it with the DNO until SolarTech have discounted a problem with the inverter.

Any ideas what could be causing the problem? Thanks.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9000 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9000 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:59:16 +0100 RobinB
http://inhabitat.com/moss-table-by-biophotovoltaics-generates-electricity-through-photosynthesis/]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7974 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7974 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:21:12 +0100 SteveZ
Does anyone have in-depth knowledge of the process of slow and/or fast pyrolysis? It seems to be a good technique of dealing with most of the organic rubbish which finds its way into landfill or the incinerator.

Before the flood of comments about reduce, reuse and recycle come in, I would like to say that I agree that is the best way but, in the real world, we need a better way to dispose of the rubbish in the near future.

In pyrolysis, the organic rubbish is ground small and dried to remove most of the water content, then is heated in an oxygen deprived atmosphere. This produces gas, oil and a solid char. The proportion of each can be adjusted by changing the conditions and is also dependent on the raw material. The gas produced can be used to heat the process plant in a closed loop and any excess modified separately into liquid fuel. The oil can be used as is or refined into diesel fuel. As the exhaust gases are recirculated into the plant there are no or very few emissions from the plant. The char is, according to the trial results, a very effective slow release fertiliser and soil improver.

I don't think pyrolysis plants are available off the shelf yet and the technique is not fully sorted, but it seems to offer such possibilities that I am surprised (or suspicious) that there is not more publicity about it.

if it all sounds too good to be true, then maybe we could dig a little deeper and see if this is one which is actually as good as it sounds]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6877 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6877 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:14:37 +0000 david
The first would drill holes through the slates, fix brackets to the rafters and fit rails to the brackets. The holes in the slates would be covered with a small piece of lead. The fixings would leak, the slates would be cracked or broken, it would be impossible to fix the brackets securely without breaking slates and the array would rattle in a wind. The second is more conscious of the fact that a roof is designed to keep water out but both had no method to use to decide how many fixings were necessary. The site is very exposed.
When the panels are fittted the fixings are invisible and difficult to repair.

I searched the net for an approved system for use on slate roofs but found none.
I spoke to Building Control, pointing out that PV panels could blow off and be very dangerous, that the integrity of slate roofs was damaged by drilling holes in slates. I asked if there was a BBA accredited system. While they understood the problem they could not advise me.

Fitting PV panels to a slated roof could be a disaster, the roof could be ruined, the panels could come off and injure someone. It could cost more than the system was worth to repair the roof.
Is there a BBA accredited system for mounting to slates?

I have designed a bracket and flashings which will not leak but how many fixings per area of panel are required and how strong do they have to be? Could I use my brackets without BBA? Who knows?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8657 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8657 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:05:05 +0000 katys
The windspeed is 5.6m/s at 10m for our grid ref, although may be higher as we're positioned towards the top of the hill, close to a small commercial windfarm (possibly soon to be a huge one if they get planning permission).

I'd be grateful for any thoughts/experience on whether the KW6 is any good (looks very similar to the previous Proven one) or alternative recommendations, ideally MCS approved. Given the proposed cut in FITs I guess we need to make a decision quickly.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8928 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8928 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:20:14 +0100 budbecks
Ok i have a old rad and can make a box similar to the one described here

http://www.diydata.com/projects/solarpanel/solar_collector.php

All i want to be able to do is heat 1 rad from the "solar collector". Both rads are about the same size, if anything the rad indoors is slightly larger.

The "solar collector" is outside about 7 meters away from the internal rad. All the pipes will be super insulated using 32mm wall 15mm armaflex. It can be pumped using a heat stat and pump or failing that just gravity.

Could anybody show me the simplist way to plumb this in ?

Could i literally connect each rad up, the solar being lower to allow to rise ? possibly adding a vent to the rad ?

Any help would be great]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8934 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8934 Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:52:38 +0100 Brianwilson http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/apr/13/green-deal-save-homeowners-money]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8939 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8939 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:38:41 +0100 tony
I like it, we would then have access to cheap green volcanic electricity.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8885 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8885 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:00:05 +0100 ro83llis
I'm currently writing a dissertation on Heat Pumps in the UK and would greatly appreciate it if you could help me out by filling out my questionnaire and providing feedback.

If anybody would be happy to also discuss their experiences with Heat Pumps please let me know.

Here is the link to the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/heatpumpquestionnaire


Please note this is for my dissertation and not for general release and not for any commercial interests.
All responses are anonymous.

Your participation is greatly appreciated! If you have any further comments please leave them here.


Many Thanks
Rob]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5287 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5287 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:46:26 +0000 wertert Really been round the houses during the last few weeks, thinking about using some green technology in our new house. We are part way through a refurb and my fafing about is now starting to delay the project !

We've binned the woodburner-connected-to-the-cylinder idea because it was relatively complex and, if i’m honest, we probably will only light it at the weekends etc. Overall I don’t think it will really make that much difference to our heating costs / carbon footprint.

So I’ve been considering Solar panels. We’re using a dual coil cylinder like this

http://www.santon.co.uk/292.htm

plan is for a 300L tank.

We would use the second coil for the connection to the solar panels on the roof. These are the things that I am currenty worrying about.

1) My experience of megaflows is once you draw off, for example, a bath full of hot water cold water rushes in and cools the remaining hot water down. You try and top up the bath after 10 mins and you just get luke warm. So if I’ve got a lovely tank of hot water heated via my solar panels during the day and someone has a shower at 5pm we will will probably end up with a tank full of water too cool to use for anything else without firing up the boiler.

2) 300L is too large and to heat this with solar panels I will need to buy panels I don’t really need. Tank supports the following ( 2 adults + 4 children ).

En suite bathroom (2 x baths a day) + 2 sinks
Another Bathroom ( 1 x bath a day ) + 1 sinks
Kitchen sink
Utility room sink
WC sink.

This is only half the house BTW.

So i’m thinking 300L is overkill. Maybe 200L/250L would be a better fit ? I normally think bigger is better but
If 1) is true then it is doubley daft to heat 300L before cooling it down after using just 60L on a bath.
Any advice would be excellent as I’ve really got to move forward and I’m meeting the plumber on Thursday. He already thinks i’m insane...which is partially right actually.

Thanks

Jeff]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8030 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8030 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:55:12 +0100 CWatters
Yesterday an Italian, a Mr Rossi, claimed to demo a LENR (aka cold fusion) reactor producing several hundred kW for many hours. The demo wasn't intended to prove anything to the world at large but was intended to convince a "secret" paying customer.

http://pesn.com/2011/10/28/9501940_1_MW_E-Cat_Test_Successful/

Quotes:

"It ran for 5.5 hours producing 470 kW"

"That's half the rated capacity, but it is still a major accomplishment.. "

"Radiation measurements were taken by Dr. Bianchini David, from the University of Bologna. He said no extraneous radiation was detected at any time emanating from the reaction chambers,.."

"Rossi has been very picky about who he lets in; Enrico Billi, a nuclear physicist and friend of Rossi's, who is presently living in China and helping to open doors there for this technology; Professor Christos Stremmenos, from the University of Bologna, who told me all about his theory of how the technology works; Pierre Clauzon, nuclear engineering professor from France, who told me about several theoretical physicists trying to understand cold fusion in general and the E-Cat in particular; Uzikova Irina, a nuclear plant designer from Russia; Stefan Heglesson, representing a Swedish interest in the technology; Loris Ferrari, Associate Professor of Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Bologna.."

"Probably the biggest opening for skeptics will be the continually running genset that is probably rated for 500 kW"

My comments:

Still can't decide if this is a scam or not. It's certainly not been proved beyond reasonable doubt but some very credible people have seen this and other demonstrations and they appear convinced. Time will tell.]]>