We Need House Wind Turbines

[VegasWayne]

Geothermal is solar only in the very long run. The source of the heat is primarily from radioactive decay within the mantle and core of the earth. Since the elements that are decaying were created in ancient supernovas they could be considered solar.

Nevada is one of the best locations for geothermal power. There are at least nine currently operating geothermal power plants generating electricity in the northern part of the state. In southern Nevada the powers that be want to force solar on the population. There is a large solar facility near Boulder City and another is proposed for area 26 at the Nevada test site. We are subsidizing these inefficient solar plants with higher electric bills. I wouldn't want to work at area 26, it was previously used to test nuclear rocket engines and the effect of radioactivity on desert environments.

 

[Couch Potato]

Geothermal is solar only in the very long run. The source of the heat is primarily from radioactive decay within the mantle and core of the earth. Since the elements that are decaying were created in ancient supernovas they could be considered solar.

Nevada is one of the best locations for geothermal power. There are at least nine currently operating geothermal power plants generating electricity in the northern part of the state. In southern Nevada the powers that be want to force solar on the population. There is a large solar facility near Boulder City and another is proposed for area 26 at the Nevada test site. We are subsidizing these inefficient solar plants with higher electric bills. I wouldn't want to work at area 26, it was previously used to test nuclear rocket engines and the effect of radioactivity on desert environments.

While the scientific accuracy of your first paragraph is dubious at best, there is no arguing heat within the earth is the most under utilized energy available.

 

[Mr Rex]

I've already ordered a wind turbine with solar panels on the fins. I'm just wondering what to do when its dark and the wind ain't blowing? I hear you can power a clock with a potato, I guess I'll store a few kilowatts in the old tater sack, for those times when the solar/windmill ain't printing money.

 

[Marty Boone]

Bloom Energy Fuel Cell Technology appears to be gaining in popularity. Several Large Companies have already had them installed and the energy $avings is real. The company hopes to be able to provide residential sized units within the next 8 years. Check it Out.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/22/the-bloom-box-a-power-plant-for-the-home-video/

 

[Couch Potato]

Bloom Energy Fuel Cell Technology appears to be gaining in popularity. Several Large Companies have already had them installed and the energy $avings is real. The company hopes to be able to provide residential sized units within the next 8 years. Check it Out.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/22/the-bloom-box-a-power-plant-for-the-home-video/

I agree Solid Oxide Fuel Cells are a promising technology. The BlueGen from Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited of Australia household unit is already making inroads in the marketplaces of Japan and Europe. Converting natural gas into electricity while heating water as a side benefit ought to do quite well in the United States as long as the cost of the unit continues to decline.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If you can get one for $3000, AND nat gas (one of the required sources, oxygen being the other - priced it lately?) prices stay LOW...then potentially this may work. But there is no free energy...OTOH, a windmill like the OP suggests runs about $20K in any reasonable size and IF you don't have a tornado or high wind, and IF it don't catch fire, and IF it lasts 10 years, it might break even selling electricity at wholesale rates back into the grid.

Far more bang for the buck is avialable with conservation of energy, geothermal heat pump, and proper engineering of a dwelling insulation and cooling system.

Major cold /hot areas? Attic fans, drop down stairs, corners, fireplaces, vents, and any gas appliance is less efficient and has higher energy losses surrounding the vent pipes, etc.

 

[Couch Potato]

Terrel, the BluGen unit pulls the needed oxygen from the surrounding air. The inputs are electricity for startup, water, and fuel source. Although natural gas is probably the best fuel choice, it is designed to work with a variety of fuels. You are correct about "no free energy," but this system address several of the concerns over present technologies. With a 60% efficiency rate and the potential to utilize some portion of that 40% lost to heat for other household needs, the positive potential impact is substantial. Not surprisingly electric utilities are quite ambivalent about the technology.

 

[Couch Potato]

I think this fits in this thread quite nicely.