Do-it-yourself alternative energy for a private house. Alternative energy for the home - the main options for using modern energy sources

It would seem that there is only one point in an autonomous power supply system - this is when there is no power line near the house, and it is too expensive to pull your own line. However, many homeowners create their own electrical system even if they are already connected to the public system.

So what is the benefit of autonomous power supply?

Regardless. Your system will protect against power outages for various reasons. An autonomous system is also not immune from accidents and other troubles, but if you create duplicate devices, then the protection against accidents will reach a maximum.
In economy. Electricity supplied through a single system is expensive. Creating a stand-alone system is also not cheap, but many homeowners find that it pays off very quickly, and just as quickly becomes not only cheap, but also profitable.
In mobility. Autonomous system, built on several sources of electricity, allows you to quickly respond to the situation, remaining in the light in any situation.

Which source of autonomous power supply to choose

You can even get electricity from the stove. However, if we take into account the factor of time and effort, then only those sources that can work on their own can be seriously considered. For this reason, the most popular are the following ways to provide home electricity.

1. Liquid fuel generator

For example, they are available in a variety of options, but it is not advisable to use them as a permanent source of electricity in a residential building. The reason is:

high cost of fuel;
noise of the generator;
the presence of exhaust gases;
the need to allocate a separate room or shed for the generator.

Prices for liquid fuel generators start from 30 thousand rubles. However, the cheapness of the generated electricity is illusory, since it must be multiplied by the cost of fuel.

The photo shows a gas generator HONDA HG 5500 (SE) with a power of 4.0 kW, the price is 121 thousand rubles

Does not require attention and fuel. The only thing they need is intense light, and since nature does not regularly supply this fuel, powerful batteries. In the presence of the latter, in a climate with a large number of sunny days, it is quite possible to provide a house with electricity.

Prices for a set of solar power plants start at 130 thousand rubles. The payback is high, as some models can work thirty years without problems.

In the photo "Solar Dacha" with a capacity of 1.6 kW / 400Ah / 1000 W, the price is 160 thousand rubles per set

No less popular than solar panels. However, they are even more dependent on the vagaries of the weather, so relying only on this source of energy is not always possible.

The simplest wind turbines cost from 30 thousand rubles. They can be used for local power generation, but they cannot solve the problem of full power supply at home. More powerful wind generators to fully provide a home with electricity (from 3 kW) will cost 150 thousand and more.

A full-fledged wind generator with a capacity of 10 kW costs at least 500 thousand rubles. With an average household consumption of 250 kW per month and a price of 4 rubles / kW, such a windmill will pay off for more than 40 years

It requires a watercourse with a small difference in height to provide the effect of falling water. A small turbine is installed in the place of such a difference, and electricity will be supplied to your house constantly, and most importantly - for free. Under the mini hydroelectric power station, you can use a natural stream or river, or you can dig a small channel that passes through your site. However, such a hydroelectric power station will operate only in the warm season, then it will have to switch to other sources.

If you assemble a hydroelectric power plant for 3-5 kW from improvised materials, then the cost of the device will not exceed 20 thousand rubles

5. Alternative low power sources

This can also be included. In both cases, it is not necessary to count on a full-fledged power supply, but such sources are quite suitable for "dacha" needs.

findings

If electricity consumption does not exceed 3-5 kW / h, then it is most profitable to install a mini hydroelectric power station and get electricity almost free of charge. For regions where there are often sunny days, solar power plants with high efficiency are also relevant.
If you plan to consume from 10 kW / h, then there are no methods cheaper than connecting to the main power supply. If there is no connectivity, then make a combined system based on individual capabilities and conditions.

Green homestead: Not every home located in a suburban area or in a rural area can be connected to a gas supply system or to establish heating using a power supply.

Not every home located in a suburban area or in a rural area can be connected to a gas supply system or heat from a power source. There may be many reasons for this, among which one of the main ones is the ever-increasing costs of connecting, equipping and maintaining a heating system using natural gas. In such situations, the most rational way out is alternative heat sources for the home, which can be selected based on the specific conditions and location of the object.

Numerous heating technologies using various types of energy are offered as alternative heat sources, including those that nature itself gives people - energy, wind, earth, solar electricity, biofuels, as well as the energy of combustion of solid and liquid fuels that has become familiar.

When choosing alternative heating systems for a private house, one should take into account the specifics of local conditions, starting from the criteria for calculations:

Consider alternative methods of space heating and heating systems for private houses, used as an alternative to gas.

BIOFUEL BOILERS - AN ALTERNATIVE HEATING SOURCE FOR A PRIVATE HOUSE AND APARTMENT

Biofuel boilers are common alternative energy sources for a private house, which are distinguished by high quality workmanship. Biofuel in the form of briquettes and pellets from raw materials of plant origin (sawdust, shavings, lumber waste, sunflower husks) is an alternative heating that can serve as an ideal replacement for gas heating in a private house due to its high heat transfer, which can reach 6-8 thousand kcal / kg . A biofuel boiler is a universal heating device with high efficiency, equipped with an automatic control system, and can be successfully used for heating other types of solid fuels, including coal, firewood, coal briquettes.

Biofuel boilers, as alternative sources of heating for a private house, can be used not only for heating (single-circuit boilers), but also to provide hot water supply to premises - for this you can purchase a double-circuit boiler or add a second circuit with a boiler of the appropriate type (flow-through or storage) to an existing device ). A simple arrangement of biofuel boilers makes it possible to equip alternative heating at home with your own hands, thus saving part of the family budget.

HEAT PUMP SYSTEM - A GOOD OPTION

Considering alternative types of heating a private house, it is worth stopping at heat pumps that use the energy of natural heat sources, including ground and surface water, soil, and air. Depending on which alternative heat sources are used, heat pumps differ:

Structurally, the heat pump consists of the following components:

Freon, getting into the evaporator through the capillary hole, evaporates as a result of a sharp drop in pressure. The walls of the evaporator, heated by geothermal water, give off heat to the refrigerant. The compressor, sucking in and compressing the refrigerant, contributes to its heating to a temperature of up to 85-125 ° C, after which it pushes it into the condenser, giving off heat through the condenser to the heating circuit. The cooled refrigerant turns back into a liquid. The process is repeated until the room warms up to the set temperature. Having received a signal, the thermostat stops the operation of the heat pump and turns it on again when the temperature in the house drops to the appropriate mark.

If you managed to provide electricity in a private house with your own hands (or with the involvement of a master), installing a heat pump will help reduce heating costs compared to gas heating.

The advantages of heat pumps include:

Scheme of water heating using a heat pump

SOLAR COLLECTORS ARE A GREAT VIEW OF AN ALTERNATIVE

Modern heating of a private house can be provided by numerous alternative heating methods, among which the solar collector is one of the most effective. Unlike solar panels, where solar electricity is generated, solar collectors allow you to concentrate the thermal energy of the Sun and direct it to heat the coolant (water, oil, air, antifreeze, etc.). The coolant circulating in the collector is heated, after which the accumulated heat is transferred to the storage tank for subsequent consumption in the heating and hot water supply system.

INFRARED EMITTERS OWN HANDS

Heat sources - infrared emitters, referred to as eco heaters, are another option for heating rooms in a private house, office or workplace. The principle of operation of an infrared emitter is based on the transfer of thermal energy in the form of infrared radiation to objects that, when heated, give off directed heat to the air of the room, to the surrounding space in open areas, etc.

The most effective IR emitters, as alternative heating systems, are able to heat specific objects or parts of the premises. Thus, with an IR emitter it is possible to heat people working in the open air or in a specific part of the room. The use of infrared heaters creates savings on heating, allowing you to heat only the useful part of the space. According to the method of installation and fastening, heaters are wall, ceiling, floor, with a directional effect of infrared radiation.

HYDROGEN BOILERS - NANOMETHOD

Hydrogen boilers as effective alternative heating systems have appeared relatively recently. The hydrogen boiler, as a heat source, uses the thermal energy generated during the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, as a result of which H2O molecules are formed with the simultaneous release of a significant amount of heat (up to 40 ° C). The resulting heat is transferred to space heating.

ELECTRIC APPLIANCES ARE BETTER THAN GAS

Electric boilers as an alternative heating for a private house are the easiest way to find inexpensive ways to heat rooms. It is not difficult to choose an electric boiler, just look into the relevant catalogs, with the help of specialists, calculate the required power of the equipment corresponding to the volume of the premises.

Important: before installing an electric boiler, check the insulation resistance of the electrical wiring and its compliance with the power of the new equipment. To avoid power surges, you need a voltage stabilizer.

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To install electric boilers, a separate room is not required - even the most powerful of them are small in size. There is no need for powerful hoods and chimneys - this alternative home heating is fully compliant with environmental requirements. Alternative heating is a modern approach to energy. published

Electricity is an integral part of our life. Electric energy has firmly entered everyday life, and even when going on a trip or purchasing a house, a plot, in the most remote corner of our vast country, a person sets one of the first tasks that needs to be solved - providing himself with electricity.

For home

The owner of a country house, even in the case of a traditional power supply system, sometimes has a desire to reduce the cost of paying bills for consumed electrical energy.
Some developers create a completely autonomous system and become independent from electricity suppliers. Such a power supply system is especially relevant for remote places where there are no stationary power supply networks.
At present, thanks to the development of engineering and technology, installations that use alternative energy sources in their work, such as solar, wind, water and biofuel, have become widespread.
In the production of your electricity used to power your home, all of the above energy sources can be used.

Energy of sun

When choosing installations, the source of electrical energy, in which solar energy is, it is necessary to know the features of the location, which determine the number of sunny days per year.
Devices that convert solar energy into electrical energy are solar panels (batteries), which, depending on the required power, are combined into groups.
The panels consist of photocells placed in a common housing. The principle of operation is based on the properties of photocells to create a potential difference between their layers, when exposed to sunlight.

Solar panels are the main element of solar power plants, which, in addition to them, include the following elements:

Rechargeable battery (battery pack) - which is the storage of electrical energy.
The controller is an electronic device responsible for the process of charging and discharging the battery.
An inverter is also an electronic device that converts the direct electric current accumulated in the battery into an alternating current with a voltage of 220 V.
Protective devices and automation devices, as well as connecting wires.

As additional equipment, to increase the efficiency of solar power plants, solar trackers are used - devices that allow you to determine the position of panels in space, in accordance with the location of the sun.

Wind energy

When choosing an alternative energy source, which will be the wind, it is also necessary to know what kind of winds and what strength are blowing at the place where the equipment is installed.
Wind generators are devices that convert wind energy into electrical energy. These technical devices differ in power, performance, installation conditions and design, on which all the previously listed indicators depend.

Wind generators are:

With a horizontal axis of rotation - the axis of the rotor and the leading axis are parallel to the ground surface.
There are single-blade, two-blade, three-blade and many-blade, with up to 50 blades.
With a vertical axis of rotation - the axis of rotation is located vertically with respect to the surface of the earth. These devices differ in technical design: Savounis rotor, Darrieus rotor, helicoid rotor, multi-blade rotor and orthogonal rotor.
Wind generator - sail.

All listed devices have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice is always up to the user, which can be made based on selection criteria and individual needs.

water energy

Living outside the city and having a small river, stream or other body of water nearby, you can use the energy of water in order to get your electricity.
In this case, it is necessary to build an individual micro hydroelectric power station.
Equipment for such installations is available in various capacities, and even a small stream is able to meet the needs of the house for electrical energy.

Micro-HPPs are spilled on:

Type: dam, diversion, dam-derivation and free-flow.
Operating principle: waterwheel principle, daisy-chain design, using the Darrieus rotor and using the propeller principle.
Capacities of installations and conditions of installation of equipment.

Each type of micro-hydro power plant and the principle of its operation have their pros and cons, which
determine the choice of equipment and the possibility of using it in a particular
specific case.

biofuel

Living side by side with wildlife, it is always possible to build a biofuel plant. Biofuels can be: solid, liquid and gaseous.

Solid fuel (ordinary firewood) and liquid fuel, which requires special equipment for production, should not be considered as sources of electrical energy, but gaseous fuel can.

Gaseous biofuel is a biogas obtained from the fermentation of substances of plant or animal origin, which are always available in the household.
The fermentation process takes place under the influence of bacteria in a hermetically sealed container. The gas obtained in this way is sent for combustion. When gas is burned, enough steam is generated in the steam generator to rotate a steam turbine connected to an electric generator that generates electricity.

earth energy

On the territory of our country, there are places where activity continues in the deep layers of our planet (on the surface of the earth). In such regions, as an alternative source of electrical energy, you can use the energy of the earth.

Depending on the source that gives off its heat, such energy is divided into:

Petrothermal - the source of energy is the layers of the earth, which have a high temperature;
Hydrothermal - the source of energy is groundwater.

The energy of the earth, in the form of steam, is supplied to a steam turbine, which is connected to an electric generator that produces electricity.

In the case of individual use, only the direct action method is possible, when the steam comes directly from the surface of the earth.

Other options, not direct and mixed methods, can only be used for industrial methods of energy processing.

All the options discussed above for using alternative energy sources for the production of their own electricity are available to users when the necessary conditions for their operation are created.

To create independent power supply systems, it is better to use several alternative energy sources at the same time in order to compensate for the possible difficulties of each method of generating electricity separately.

Quite widely, with autonomous power supply to houses, a wind generator + solar power plant is used.

For an apartment

In the event of a desire to create an independent power supply system for a single apartment, in an apartment building, it is impossible to use such sources as: biofuel, earth energy, water energy, and wind energy, it is also difficult to use.

The only source of energy that you can use to get your own electricity, in a separate apartment, without creating inconvenience for neighbors, is the use of solar energy.

The industry produces sets of solar power plants of low power, which can be placed in an apartment. Solar panels, in this case, are placed on the roof of an apartment building or the outer facade, if placed on the south side of the house.

A set of a solar power plant, not of high power, consists of the same elements as in the power supply of the house, the difference is only in the number of solar panels and batteries.

Options for giving

If it is necessary to create an independent power supply for the dacha, the option of using a solar power plant is also the most acceptable. In this case, with the seasonal nature of the use of equipment, it is possible to mothball the devices or take them out of operation, for a period when there is no need for operation.

The option of building a wind generator is also quite affordable and justified. Because after incurring some one-time financial expenses, in the future, depending on the need, you can receive your own electricity.

The option of using the “wind generator + solar power plant” scheme is also relevant in this case, and allows you to create a completely autonomous and reliable power supply scheme.

How to DIY

The sets of equipment that were written about above are quite expensive, so creative people with engineering ingenuity sometimes have thoughts about how to make this or that device with their own hands.

In order to make a unit capable of producing electrical energy using alternative energy sources, it is necessary:

Have basic knowledge in electrical engineering and electrical networks;
Possess skills in working with manual mechanical and electric tools;
Be able to work with a soldering iron;
To have free time and, most importantly, the desire to create your own device that can generate electricity.

If, as a source of energy, you choose the sun's rays, then you need to make a receiving panel - a solar battery. To do this, you can go in several ways, these are:

Purchase photocells and connect them in a certain way (performed by soldering). Make a panel case, in accordance with the dimensions of the assembled receiver, in which to place the photocells.
With this manufacturing option, it is possible to manufacture a fairly efficient device that can provide electrical energy to a small cottage that is not used for a long time.
With a low load power, when you need to charge a cell phone or other electronic device, you can make a solar panel from used diodes or transistors.

Wind generator from a room fan

The simplest wind generator can be made from a conventional household fan.
This will require a small generator from automotive equipment or an engine-generator, which must be mounted on a room fan rack. To do this, you can use any plastic container, inside which the converting device is placed. On top of this, a diode bridge is placed in the container, to which wires are connected, which are brought out to the outer surface of the container.

Fan blades are put on the generator (motor-generator) shaft, and a shank is attached to the plastic container, which can be made from improvised materials (plastic, plywood, plexiglass, etc.).

The entire assembled structure is placed on the fan rack; for this, you can use a piece of plastic or other light pipe with a diameter slightly smaller than the hole in the rack. This will allow the structure to rotate around its axis, depending on the direction of the wind.

The fastening of parts and assemblies is checked, if necessary, they are strengthened. The load is connected to the output wires. The device is ready to work.

Own electricity and own water

Living outside the city, and having a small river or stream near your house or cottage, you can always provide yourself not only with water, but also with your own electricity.
Of course, you can purchase a set of micro-hydroelectric power stations, which are quite widely represented on the domestic market, but you can make a similar device with your own hands.
The design can be simple or complex, it all depends on the need for electrical energy, as well as on the type of reservoir, i.e. the ability of water to create pressure in a given direction.

To make the simplest design, you will need a car generator, a bicycle or other wheel, a pair of pulleys of different diameters or sprockets, as well as a metal profile (corner), which is available.

A metal profile is used to make the wheel and generator mounting structure. The wheel can be placed parallel or perpendicular to the plane of the water, it depends on the type of reservoir. Blades made of metal, plastic, plywood or other material are attached to the wheel. A pulley (asterisk) of a larger diameter is attached to the wheel axle.

The generator is mounted, a pulley (asterisk) of a smaller diameter is attached to its shaft. The pulleys are connected by a belt drive, sprockets - by a chain. Wires are connected to the terminals of the generator. The wheel is placed in water. The installation is ready to go.

Features of installation and operation of autonomous sources

In order to install an alternative source of electrical energy on your suburban area, cottage or apartment, you do not need to obtain any permits and approvals. It is the right of each user to determine for himself how to provide himself and his loved ones with electricity.

However, when building devices with high power, it is necessary to take into account factors affecting the environment and neighboring neighbors.

So when using:

Solar energy - when placing a large number of solar panels, significant areas will be required, and therefore, it may be necessary to draw up documents for additional land plots.
Wind energy - it must be borne in mind that wind generators, during operation, make noise, which can negatively affect others.
Water energy - in the case of a dam, a certain amount of land is decommissioned, which must be taken into account during construction.
Biofuels - in the production of the gaseous form of this energy source, smell, is a constant component of the production process. This must be taken into account when creating this method of generating electrical energy.

In addition to the fact that there are no prohibitions on the installation of equipment that produces electrical energy using alternative sources, there is also a law according to which every citizen who has installed equipment with a capacity of up to 30.0 kW and receives excess electrical energy that he himself does not can use - has the right to sell it to third-party consumers. This right is called the "Green Tariff".

— the opportunity to forget forever about the need to pay large bills for electricity, gas or heat supply. With the right approach to resolving the issue, you can provide the farm with everything you need and even sell the "surplus" to a neighbor, while receiving a stable income. Against this background, many questions arise:

What can be used as an energy source?
How efficient are solar panels?
What are the types of solar collectors, and what are their features?
What are the subtleties of wind turbines and heat pumps?
Can biogas plants be used at home and how do they work?

There are plenty of alternative energy sources today. It remains to determine the appropriate option.

General provisions

Almost everything around us is a source of energy to some extent. A person can use the bright rays of the sun, the power of the wind, the energy of the earth or water. The main difficulty is extracting the existing potential of nature in our own interests. With a competent approach to the implementation of the project with the help of alternative energy sources, it is possible to “get” everything necessary for a private house - heat, electricity, gas and warm water.

Alternative energy is available to everyone. It does not require much experience or special talents. With the knowledge of a certain algorithm, all manipulations can be done by hand, without the involvement of specialists.

The options are:

Converting wind power into electrical energy. This is easy to implement with a wind generator.
The use of the sun's rays to generate electricity or heat water. In the second case, it is possible to create a low-temperature heating system.
Use of biogas devices. With their help, it is possible to obtain gas from the manure of poultry or animals.
Connection of heat pumps that provide a comfortable temperature in the house. Heating in this case is produced by the heat of the main natural elements - earth, water and air.

Alternative energy sources open up new perspectives in solving any issues related to the arrangement of a comfortable life. The difficulty is that to provide the house with everything you need, you will need large investments. The best option is to use the possibilities of alternative energy without disconnecting from the general network of gas, water or electricity. With this approach, it is possible to save the family budget, recoup the costs of introducing new technology into life and provide a backup in case of force majeure.

Solar energy: general provisions

Energy surrounds us everywhere, and one of its main sources is the sun and its radiation. To get the most out of your fire disc, you can use one of the following devices:

. With the help of such devices it is possible to obtain an electric current.
. These devices are designed to heat water, which is subsequently supplied to the house with the help of pumps.

There is a misconception that the use of solar energy is possible only in regions with a southern climate, where warm weather prevails. In fact, bright rays are enough to produce electricity, and the season does not matter. Practice shows that solar batteries do their job well in winter. The only difference is the amount of energy produced (it is slightly higher in summer).

How to determine that the use of the sun as an alternative energy source will be relevant? Here it is worth focusing on the number of sunny days per year. The more of them, the better.

Installing such a device allows you to once and for all solve the issue of electricity for the home, forgetting about unplanned outages, irregular voltage levels, as well as the need to pay large sums for the kilowatts used. The device is based on photoelectric converters, which are produced using special minerals. The latter are activated by the rays of the sun and generate electricity.

If the main task is to supply power to a private house, silicon-type photoconverters are enough. Structurally, they are of two types:

Monocrystalline. In this case, one crystal is used. The advantages of such a converter include a decent efficiency (13-25%), as well as an increased resource. The downside is that the cost of such products is quite high.
Polycrystalline- more affordable converters, which are based on a large number of crystals. Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting a lower efficiency (at the level of 9-15%), as well as frequent breakdowns.

How to make a solar battery yourself?

Self-assembly of an alternative energy source will require several silicon photovoltaic cells, which can be ordered in China at an affordable price. The total number of purchased elements depends on the required power (average 5-7 kW).

Use metal corners or planks of wood to assemble the frame. Then mount the substrate, which can be of two types:

Transparent (here it is worth using organic or ordinary glass). This option is suitable for cases where the battery is installed on the window.
Opaque - a cover, which can be used as a sheet of plywood, painted white on top. This method is relevant for mounting an alternative source on the roof of the house.

Combine all the elements into one circuit using a soldering iron. The connection scheme is in parallel. If the conductors are already soldered to the plates, this is only a plus, but the cost of purchasing such products will be higher. Otherwise, do the work yourself.
Ensure the tightness of the finished solar battery. To solve this problem, epoxy resin or a special EVA film is suitable. When performing work, make sure that there are no layers of air on the surface. Otherwise, battery performance will be reduced in these areas. If such bubbles were found during the inspection, expel them immediately.

If the solar panel is installed on the roof, and plywood is used as a substrate, painting the surface white is mandatory. This is necessary to protect the silicon cells from overheating. Everything is simple here. The temperature range of working devices is from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius. Going beyond these limits leads to a quick breakdown of expensive parts. In extreme heat, the surface can reach temperatures above +50 degrees Celsius, which poses a risk to the silicon wafer. White color protects from sunlight and prevents overheating of the surface.

Alternative energy sources do a great job of heating air or water for a home. Solar collectors are useful here, in which warm liquid can be sent to a heating unit or a tap. For a central heating system, this option is not suitable, but just right for creating warm floors. This recommendation is due to the low outlet water temperature.

The main task in the arrangement of the system is the possibility of redundancy - the transition to another heat source (boiler or boiler). Such foresight will avoid problems when the weather conditions worsen.

Solar collectors are available in three types. Let's consider each of them in more detail:

Plastic(flat) - collectors, which consist of two panels (transparent and black), combined in one housing. A copper pipeline is installed between them, bending in the form of a “snake” to cover the maximum area. The lower (black) panel is heated by sunlight, after which the heat is transferred to the copper tubes.
1. The only advantage of the design is the ease of execution, but its efficiency is low. An alternative heat source is suitable for heating water in a shower or pool. In the latter case, the liquid is driven through a closed cycle using a pump.
2. The disadvantage of the design is low productivity, because it takes time and several devices to heat a large volume of water.
Air- the most scarce collectors in Russia. The device is simple and efficient. The downside is that it takes up a lot of space to install and configure. Structurally, the air type of the device is similar to a flat collector, because there are also transparent and black panels. The difference is that they do not heat water, but air, which is sent into the house with the help of a fan. At first glance, this design seems ineffective, but with its help it is possible to warm up a small room during the year. For this, one alternative source of energy is enough - the sun. The device can be used to heat animal sheds, a country house or a garage.
Tubular- collectors, which consist of a group of tubes (coaxial or vacuum). Water flows through them, which warms up and is fed into the house. A mandatory component of the design is a storage container, where the water is heated.
1. One of the elements of the system is a pump that circulates the fluid. It can also be powered by solar panels. The disadvantage of the system is the need to purchase a one-piece structure, because it will not work to do it yourself. Buying a device is also not always possible due to the too high price. Of the advantages, it is worth highlighting the efficiency and the ability to heat the entire house.

The sun is an alternative source of energy that, when used correctly, is capable of miracles. With its help, it is possible to obtain electricity and heat. It remains only to select the equipment and implement the plan.

Another renewable source is wind, which is almost always present. There are periods of complete calm, but very rarely. It is interesting that the power of the wind was used by our ancestors - for example, in the same mills for making flour. At the present stage, this alternative energy source can be used to generate electricity. To cover the needs of the house, you will need:

A generator with blades attached to it.
A tower that is mounted in a special place (where windy weather prevails to a greater extent).
Accumulative battery, as well as an electrical energy transmission system.

How to make a wind generator yourself?

First, a tower is built, for which any material (wood, metal, brick, etc.) can be used. The next step is to purchase a battery, and then proceed to prepare the generator. The latter can also be purchased, but if you have an old engine on hand, it is easy to make it yourself. "Source material" for alteration can be taken from a washing machine, drill or other devices. You will also need epoxy resin, magnets (preferably neodymium type), as well as a lathe.

Make markings on the rotor for the subsequent installation of magnets, which must be equidistant.
Turn the rotor of the selected engine, creating special recesses in this way. Make sure that the bottom of the recess is slightly tilted.
In prepared places, install magnets with liquid nails, and then fill them with epoxy.
Use sandpaper to bring the surface to the ideal.
Fasten the collector brushes, then assemble and test the operation of the wind generator.

The advantage of such installations lies in increased efficiency. The disadvantage is that the final power depends on many nuances:

The correct assembly of the generator.
Wind speeds.
The efficiency of removing the potential difference with the help of brushes.
Reliability of contacts and other factors.

Heating with heat pumps

Unlike the devices discussed above, heat pumps use the full range of alternative sources, namely water, air and earth (except for the sun). The necessary heat can be obtained even in cold weather (albeit in a smaller amount). In practice, this is enough to heat the house.

The main advantage of heat pumps is efficiency. The most advanced devices, taking only 1 kW of energy, give off up to 5-6 kW of heat.

The pumps are equipped with the following elements - three circuits (internal and two external), condenser, compressor and evaporator. The principle of operation is as follows:

Water passes through the primary circuit and takes away heat (from air, earth or water). At this stage, it is possible to reach a temperature of 5-6 degrees Celsius.
In the second (internal circuit) there is another coolant that has a lower boiling point (0 degrees Celsius). After heating, the liquid evaporates, and the resulting vapor is sent to the compressor. There it is subjected to compression to the maximum pressure. At this moment, a large amount of heat is released, which ensures that the working fluid is heated up to 35-65 degrees Celsius.
The resulting heat is transferred to the liquid in the third circuit, which performs the function of heating.
The remaining vapors, the temperature of which gradually decreases, are condensed and then sent to the evaporator. After that, the cycle repeats.

The possibilities of the heating circuit are best used to create underfloor heating, which is due to the optimal temperature regime for solving such a problem. If you use radiators, you will need a large number of sections, which is very disadvantageous.

The subtleties of the use of thermal energy

If we consider alternative sources in relation to heat production, the greatest difficulty is the arrangement of the primary circuit. It is he who takes on the task of assembling thermal energy. Large areas may be required for best results.

There are four types of circuits in total:

Thermal fields. Their peculiarity lies in burying pipes to a great depth to which the earth does not freeze through. This design is efficient, but for its implementation it is necessary to carry out a large complex of earthworks.
Heat from the air. This mechanism is known thanks to a conventional air conditioner, the principle of which is very similar. Interestingly, even in the cold, such devices are able to "extract" heat. The main thing is that the temperature outside is not lower than 15 degrees below zero.
Pipes in the water. The design feature lies in the annular form of execution and the presence of a coolant inside. The type of reservoir doesn't matter. It could be a lake or a river. The main thing is the presence of sufficient depth to exclude complete freezing. To increase efficiency, it is allowed to use pumps that will pump heat out of the reservoir. To implement such a plan, it will be necessary to assemble a system of pipes, tie a load to it and flood it. The only downside is the risk of accidental damage.
Application of geothermal temperatures. The principle of operation is simple. First, several wells are drilled to a certain depth, after which a circuit with a working fluid is lowered into it. This option is good because it does not need a lot of space. But there is also a drawback. Drilling is carried out to a great depth, and today such services are far from free.

Heat pumps have one common disadvantage - the high cost and complexity of the assembly of the structure. In order to save some work, you can do it yourself, without the involvement of specialists, but the total costs are still high. The advantage is in the durability of the finished system.

Application of biogas plants

Many focus on the use of natural alternative sources. But energy can also be obtained artificially, for example, using biogas plants. These devices will make it possible to "extract" gas for the house from manure - the waste products of chickens, pigs and other domestic animals. With the help of a special apparatus, it is possible to obtain a certain volume of gas, which is purified and can be used for its intended purpose (for cooking, feeding the boiler and other needs). The remaining elements after processing are used as fertilizer.

How it works? After collecting the feces and putting them in a certain place, the fermentation process starts. Poultry or livestock waste will do to get the gas you need, but the latter option is the most efficient.

To speed up the fermentation process, a special environment is created that does not imply oxygen access. This means that the waste is in a completely sealed container. Also, to activate the process, the composition is mixed, for which agitators with electric drives are mounted. In the simplest devices, control can be manual.

Gas is formed due to two types of bacteria:

Mesophilic (active at 30-40 degrees Celsius).
Thermophilic - are connected to the process when it reaches 42-53 degrees Celsius.

The second variant of bacteria is more productive. From one liter of the area of the source material, up to 4-4.5 liters of gas are obtained. The downside is that you have to maintain a high temperature in the installation, and this is costly.

Structurally, a biogas apparatus is a container with a stirrer. The simplest option is a barrel with a lid and a stirrer. From above, a conclusion is made for connecting a hose. It is through it that the gas is sent to a separate container. With this embodiment, a lot of gas will not be obtained, but it will be enough for cooking.

Prospects will be greater if a special bunker is equipped. There are two types:

Underground.
Elevated.

The underground bunker is made using reinforced concrete. The tank is divided into a number of compartments, and the walls are separated from the ground with the help of thermal insulation. The processing process takes 12-30 days. Manure is supplied through a special loading hopper, and on the other hand, a hatch is made for unloading the processed component. The fifth part of the cavity remains free - it is here that gas is collected, which is then discharged through a special tube. Before being supplied to the consumer, natural fuel is cleaned by passing through a water seal with water.

The use of alternative energy sources is a great way to provide everything you need for a comfortable stay in your home. The main difficulty lies in finding money for the initial investment and the desire to realize the idea.

In an environment where energy prices are constantly rising, the owners of private houses are more likely to think about alternative energy sources. Some homeowners do not have the ability to connect to the mains at all due to the high cost of installation work. Engineers, and craftsmen along with them, paid attention to what nature itself gives humanity and created a number of devices that you can make yourself to renew energy resources. The video will show the best practices in action.

Biogas is an environmentally friendly type of fuel. It is used in the same way as natural gas. The production technology is based on the vital activity of anaerobic bacteria. Waste is placed in a container, in the process of decomposition of biological materials, gases are released: methane and hydrogen sulfide with an admixture of carbon dioxide.

This technology is actively used in China and on livestock farms in America. In order to receive continuous biogas at home, you need to have a farm or access to a free source of manure.

biowaste generator

For the construction of such an installation, you will need a sealed container with a built-in auger for mixing, a gas outlet, a neck for loading waste and a fitting for unloading waste. The design must be perfectly sealed. If the gas is not taken off constantly, then it will be necessary to install a safety valve to relieve excess pressure so that the “roof” of the tank does not blow off. The procedure is the following.

We choose a place for arranging the container. Select the size based on the amount of waste available. For effective work, it is advisable to fill it by two thirds. The tank can be metal or reinforced concrete. A large amount of biogas cannot be obtained from a small tank. 100 cubic meters of gas will come out of a ton of waste.
To speed up the process of bacteria, heating of the contents will be required. It can be done in several ways: place a coil connected to the heating system under the tank or install heating elements.
Anaerobic microorganisms are found in the raw material itself, at a certain temperature they become active. An automatic device in water-heating boilers will turn on the heating when a new batch arrives and turn it off when the waste reaches the set temperature.
The resulting gas can be converted into electricity through a gas power generator.

Advice. Waste waste is used as compost fertilizer for garden beds.

Energy from the wind

Our ancestors have long learned to use wind energy for their needs. In principle, since then the design has not changed much. Only the millstone was replaced by a generator drive that converts the energy of the rotating blades into electricity.

To make a generator, you will need the following parts:

generator. Some use the motor from the washing machine, slightly transforming the rotor;
multiplier;
battery and its charge controller;
voltage transformer.

wind generator

There are many schemes for homemade wind turbines. All of them are completed on the same principle.

The frame is being assembled.
The swivel is installed. Blades and a generator are mounted behind it.
Mount a side shovel with a spring coupler.
The generator with a propeller is attached to the frame, then it is installed on the frame.
Connect and connect to the swivel assembly.
Install the current collector. Connect it to a generator. The wires lead to the battery.

Advice. The number of blades will depend on the diameter of the propeller, as well as the amount of electricity generated.

Heat pump

To get energy from the depths of the earth, it will be necessary to build a fairly complex device that will allow you to receive alternative energy from groundwater, the soil itself or from the air. Most often, such devices are used for space heating. In fact, the unit is a large refrigeration chamber, which, when the environment cools, converts energy and releases it in the form of heat with high potential. Components of the system:

External and internal contour with freon.
Evaporator.
Compressor.
Capacitor.

Heat pump operation diagram

The collector can be installed vertically if the area of the site does not allow a horizontal installation. Several deep wells are drilled and a contour is lowered into them. Horizontally it is placed in the ground to a depth of one and a half meters. If the house is located on the shore of a reservoir, the heat exchanger is laid in the water.
The compressor can be taken from the air conditioner. The condenser is made from a 120 l tank. A copper coil is inserted into the tank, freon will circulate through it, and the water from the heating system will begin to warm up.

The evaporator is made from a plastic barrel with a volume of more than 130 liters. Another coil is inserted into this tank, its combination with the previous one will be carried out through the compressor. The evaporator pipe is made from a sewer pipe trim. Through the branch pipe, the flow of water from the reservoir is regulated.

The evaporator is lowered into the reservoir. Water, flowing around it, induces the evaporation of freon. The gas rises into the condenser and gives off heat to the water that surrounds the coil. The coolant circulates in the heating system, heating the room.

Advice. The temperature of the water of the reservoir does not matter, only its constant presence is important.

Solar energy into electricity

Solar panels were first made for spacecraft. The device is based on the ability of photons to create an electric current. There are a lot of variations in the design of solar panels and every year they are improved. There are two ways to make a solar battery yourself:

Method number 1. Buy ready-made photocells, assemble a chain from them and cover the structure with a transparent material. You need to work with extreme caution, all elements are very fragile. Each photocell is marked in Volt-Amps. Calculating the required number of cells to collect the battery of the required power will not be very difficult. The sequence of work is as follows:

for the manufacture of the case you need a sheet of plywood. Wooden slats are nailed along the perimeter;
ventilation holes are drilled in the plywood sheet;
a fiberboard sheet with a soldered chain of photocells is placed inside;
performance is checked;
plexiglass is screwed onto the rails.

Solar panels

Method number 2 requires knowledge of electrical engineering. The electrical circuit is assembled from D223B diodes. Solder them in rows sequentially. Placed in a case covered with a transparent material.

Photocells are of two types:

Monocrystalline plates have an efficiency of 13% and will last a quarter of a century. They work flawlessly only in sunny weather.
Polycrystalline ones have a lower efficiency, their service life is only 10 years, but the power does not drop when it is cloudy. Panel area 10 sq. m. is capable of producing 1 kW of energy. When placed on the roof, it is worth considering the total weight of the structure.

Ready batteries are placed on the sunniest side. The panel must be equipped with the ability to adjust the inclination of the angle with respect to the Sun. The vertical position is set during snowfalls so that the battery does not fail.

The solar panel can be used with or without a battery. During the day, consume the energy of the solar battery, and at night - the battery. Or use solar energy during the day, and at night - from the central power supply network.

Homemade hydroelectric power plant

If there is a stream or reservoir with a dam on the site, an additional source of alternative electricity will be a self-made hydroelectric power station. The device is based on a water wheel, and the power will depend on the speed of the water flow. Materials for the manufacture of a generator and a wheel can be taken from a car, and scraps of a corner and metal can be found in any household. In addition, you will need a piece of copper wire, plywood, polystyrene resin and neodymium magnets. Work sequence:

The wheel is made from 11 inch wheels. Blades are made from a steel pipe (we cut the pipe lengthwise into 4 parts). You will need 16 blades. The discs are pulled together with bolts, the gap between them is 10 inches. Blades are welded.
The nozzle is made according to the width of the wheel. It is made from scrap metal, bent to size and joined by welding. The nozzle is adjusted in height. This will regulate the water flow.
The axle is welded.
The wheel is mounted on the axle.
The winding is made, the coils are poured with resin - the stator is ready. We collect the generator. A template is made from plywood. Install magnets.
The generator is protected by a metal wing from water splashes.
The wheel, axle and fasteners with a nozzle are coated with paint to protect the metal from corrosion and aesthetic pleasure.
Adjusting the nozzle achieves the greatest power.

Homemade devices do not require large capital investments and produce energy for free. If you combine several types of alternative sources, then such a step will significantly reduce energy costs. To assemble the unit, you only need skillful hands and a clear head.

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