[Hidden-tech] Backup power

[Matt Lampiasi]

Interesting, i never considered bio diesel for fueling generators, 
agreed that generator is probably the most affordable way likely.

Jean,
if you get yourself a kill-a-watt meter (very handy thing to have 
around) you can plugin any device and see how much power it uses in 
realtime and cumulatively. This is wicked easy to use and can help you 
add up how many watt hours your essential items need. then you just 
multiply how many watt hours the device uses times how many hours per 
day (then times how many days you want without power). you can support 
CET a local nonprofit by buying the kill-a-watt through their energy 
federation storefront, this link gives you a discount of 10% too: 
http://www.cetonline.org/Storefront/storefront.htm
this is the cheapest price anywhere: 
http://www.ambientweather.com/tdp4400.html (although i have no idea who 
they are, amazon sells these too)

You could go on the power ratings on the devices but this will likely 
vary a lot compared to actual power usage thats measured. Once you find 
out this stuff as Robert mentions then you can size your power 
generating capacity. If you decide solar i can give you some ballparks, 
though this is not what i do for work, and if you were prepared to lay 
out at least a few thousand on solar, a dealer would help you with all 
this. (New England Solar Electric and PV2 are two local ones I know of).

I can also mention from experience that most computers (and things like 
routers/cable modems) do run fine on the cheap modified sine wave ac 
inverters found in computer stores. some things do NOT (most things with 
motors and ac radios)


Robert Heller wrote:
> A *large* pile of deep-cycle batteries and a (large) DC-AC inverter is
> possible. 2112KVAHr is a huge pile of batteries, though. You would need
> a way to charge the batteries as well -- this could include solar
> (photo-voltaic) or a windmill.  A fuel cell system is also possible (I
> believe GE makes fuel cells that 'burn' propane or natural gas). 
> Neither are particularly cheap (once you add up all of the pieces). A
> generator is probably the most cost effective way to keep your
> household running for several days during a power failure.
> It is possible to get a *diesel* generator and burn bio-diesel (this is
> a little more environmentally friendly).  
>   

-- 
Thanks,

Matt Lampiasi, President
413-303-9167 or http://florenceit.net
Florence I.T. - A Community I.T. shop.