Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • Replies 33 replies
  • Subscribers 40 subscribers
  • Views 1325 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in

UK Power Network resilience?

kfh

Sitting in the candle light as a result of a power outage caused by the current storm. SP Energy networks outage map shows most of North Wales having problems as well as a large area around Glasgow. My area problem is showing as a probable fix by 03:00 tomorrow and my Brother in Law 20 miles away in North Wales is showing 18:00 tomorrow. 

While I have a gas hob and a multi fuel stove he has oil CH, no fire  and is about 1000 ft ASL which is a bit colder and windier. 

When we have made the move to all electric will the resilience  of the network be improved especially as we are told we can expect more stormy weather with global warming?

Just wondering, as being an old codger I will probably not be around to see, freeze? Slight smile

Parents

  • Current events underline my long held view that most rural and outer suburban homes should be equipped a NON ELECTRIC means of heating at least one room to at least 20 degrees, for at least two weeks without any re-supply.

    That's given me a thought ... if I could strap a Stirling engine or somesuch to my log burner to generate a few hundred watts of electricity, together with a few kWh of battery (standard tech these days), I'd have sufficient space heating, hot water and electricity to run the house normally quite independently of both the gas and electricity supplies, as long as the logs lasted (which could be quite a few weeks).

       - Andy.

  • in reply to AJJewsbury

    It is certainly possible to generate electricity from a wood burning stove, by use of a Stirling engine or a peltier effect generator, but I feel you may be over optimistic as to how much power can be produced thus.

    I have a peltier effect generator on my wood burner, at produces about 2 amps at 12 volts, enough for a couple of 12 volt LED lamps, a small battery is required or the voltage varies too much.

    Philips used to make a small Stirling engine generator, known as the "bungalow set" it burned paraffin in an efficient pressurised burner similar to a Primus stove or a blow lamp. Output was 200 watts at mains voltage. Commonly used to power a tv set, and available to rent from TV rental shops.

    These had two advantages over a small petrol engine, firstly no ignition sparks to cause interference, and secondly no toxic exhaust fumes, this allowed use indoors.  Other uses included battery charging, or powering fluorescent lights. I am showing my age by admitting to having used one.

  • in reply to AJJewsbury

    heat to electricity is not new but it's not easy to get a lot of power Over the years various folk have had a go. This webpage has a history of gas powered radios for example.
    www.douglas-self.com/.../thermoelectric.htm

    mike

Reply Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines