Energy
[an error occurred while processing this directive]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.