Sunday, January 25, 2015

Subseries summarized in one post

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This one will go into the General section list (first item in list on the far left side), as it is a new subseries.

There has to be a grand scheme to organize all subsystems into one large system.  Thus, this post will be working on that project, as we stitch together the off-the-grid project into one master plan.

Here's a list of the subsystems so far, and where I stand on each in terms of posts.

Water:  It has been decided not to produce water on site.  It will require too much power.  The current system envisaged will involve some water recycling and a reverse osmosis system.  The water will be trucked in, as much as 100 gallons at a time.  Perhaps more, if circumstances require.

Power:  It is beginning to look like a bare bones system.  The current iteration has perhaps up to 2 kilowatt hour battery capacity, but without dehumidifiers, this system can be pared down further, and thus, made cheaper.  It could be dropped down to (3) solar panels, (6) 42 amp hour batteries, and other equipment that wouldn't cost that much because it won't have powerful motors that have to be started up.  This leaves climate control as the biggest power consumer.  Here's a method for generator hot water without electricity.  In order to minimize that, we consider the construction subsystem below:

Construction:  Housing is going to be contained within the van.  A "coffin" type setup will provide the room for bedding and will require not too much power for climate control.  As for living space during waking hours?  Haven't gotten to that one yet.  The idea during winter months may be to bundle up.  In the summer, there's going to be a swamp cooler type set up.  These ideas should limit energy use, as energy is going to be in short supply.

Food:  This goes back to the very beginning, when I watched a video on how to make a small greenhouse.  That hasn't gotten much further.  With the current plan, I hope to grow potatoes, raise chickens, and raise some veggies in that greenhouse.  All of this will require water, so my water requirements may increase.  It has also occurred to me to grow earthworms and sell the castings for cash, as I am going to need cash.  Here's a better way to make a greenhouse, which may double as a shed.

Waste and Sewage:  This will be handled with a composting toilet.  A septic tank will use too much water, and water is scarce.  This subsystem has no additional posts as of yet.



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