Thursday, December 15, 2011

Buying Diesel Generators - A Buyers Guide to Finding, Picking and Installing a Home Backup Generator

!: Buying Diesel Generators - A Buyers Guide to Finding, Picking and Installing a Home Backup Generator

Understand Your Generator Options

Power generators have two main components. A motor that burns fuel to supply power and a generator head that turns power into electricity. Together, the motor and the generator head comprise a standard generator. Generators come in two basic designs: standby generators and portable generators.

Portable generators:

Portable generators provide power in remote locations, such as construction sites, for short periods of time. In a pinch, they can also power essential equipment during a power outage. Portable generators tend to be smaller and less expensive than standby generators. They have built-in fuel tanks, which allow them to run anywhere, and standard power outlets that can plug into ordinary extension cords. Portable generators should never be run indoors as they can produce fumes that can cause serious health problems or death if used indoors.

Standby Generators

Standby generators offer anywhere from 7 kW to several hundred kW of power. They help offset the harmful effects of power outages.  Installed permanently as an emergency power source for your home, cottage or business, standby generators are hardwired to your home or building electrical system and often get fuel from built in larger fuel tanks able to run for longer periods of time. Safety features can prevent injuries as well as damage to your generator.

Quality standby generators will shut down if they lose oil pressure, overheat, or are being worked too hard.  Standby generators also have solid steel or aluminum enclosures, good mufflers to reduce noise, and be compliant with all relevant emissions regulations. Standby generators should be started up once a week and run for 15 minutes to "exercise" them - making sure they're ready when needed.

Fuel Types:

Generators can run on several different fuel types. Diesel, Gasoline, Liquid Propane and Natural Gas

Diesel Fuel Generators:

Diesel is a popular choice of fuel for larger, commercial generators. Diesel generators tend to be dependable and somewhat less expensive to operate than generators that run on natural gas or propane, today's diesels are very clean burning and do not smoke. Diesel fuel is also safer to store then gasoline and lasts longer.

Natural Gas and Propane Generators:

Standby generators can run on natural gas or propane. The standby generator connects to utility lines and draws fuel when necessary. Choose between natural gas generators and propane generators based on what's available in your area. Unlike diesel generators there is more maintenance involved in these. Natural Gas and Propane generators can be sensitive to both fuel pressure and volume, so high-quality connections are important.

Gasoline Generators:

Cheaper portable generators commonly run on gasoline and are considered gasoline generators. Gasoline can't be stored for very long, so consider a portable diesel generator if you intent to keep a portable generator around for emergencies.

Keeping your generator running cool:

Generators need an air cooling or have a liquid cooling system to prevent overheating. Like any motor, a generator motor creates quite a bit of heat, with faster generators producing more heat than slower generators. Generators made for the north American market operate at one of two speeds: 1800 RPM or 3600 RPM. 1800 RPM motors typically last longer and run quieter; 3600 RPM motors are smaller and lighter.

Air Cooled Generators

Air-cooled generators cost less than liquid-cooled generators, but produce more noise and are less efficient. Portable generators are almost always air-cooled, 3600 RPM models.

Liquid-cooled generators:

Standby generators 12 kW and larger typically run at 1800 RPM and use quiet, dependable, and effective liquid-cooled systems. Liquid-cooled generators typically cost more to purchase and maintain however will last far longer and are able to run full time.

Determine What Size Generator You Need:

The electricity created by a generator is measured in voltage and watts. When choosing a generator, first determine your specific voltage needs and then you can pick a generator model that supplies enough wattage for everything you want it to run.

Generator Voltage:

Voltage is a measure of the "pressure" of an electric current. In the U.S., standard household current is single phase, 120 volts. Most houses have 120/240v service, meaning they have two 120v circuits that combine to provide 240v for power-hungry appliances such as electric ranges, central air conditioning, and water pumps. Many small businesses use this 120/240v service and can take advantage of 120/240v generators. Larger businesses often have different power needs and use three-phase power, which better runs heavy-duty motors than residential-standard single-phase service. In the U.S., three-phase power usually produces 120/208 volts or 277/480 volts and you can find 120/208v generators and 277/480v generators that handle these common voltages. Know what voltages your business uses now so that you can find a generator to match.

Generator Wattage:

Wattage measures the "volume" of electricity a generator creates. Wattage requirements increase with each additional appliance or piece of equipment you need a generator to power. The smallest generators produce around 800 watts while large industrial generators can produce 500,000 watts (500 kilowatts, or kW) or more. Small businesses typically require generators that can produce 15 kW to 100 kW.

Before choosing a generator, particularly standby generators, you'll need to decide what equipment you want it to run. The "right" size electric generator provides just enough wattage to operate all your essential equipment. Common devices include refrigerators, freezers, security and access control systems, sump pumps, essential lights, electric gates or overhead doors, ejector pumps, well pumps, and septic systems. Keep in mind that every electronic device you add to the list will increase the wattage you need. While a single light bulb will only add 70 watts, a mid-sized central air conditioner can draw 4000 watts or more.

Limit your choices to those devices that are truly essential during a power outage and you'll keep your total costs down. Too few watts and you can overwork the electric generator, potentially damaging it and anything plugged into it. Too many watts and you'll waste money on the initial generator purchase and on fuel. Accurately determining the watts your equipment requires will help you get a generator that can meet your electrical demands without spending too much.

Discover how much wattage yoru devices require:

Always investigate the power needs of the devices your generator will need to support instead of estimating. Although you, or a seller, may be able to come up with a good guess as to what size generator your business or home might need, you should always total the wattage requirements of your devices before finalizing a buying decision. More is always better.

Call an electrician to measure wattage: A qualified electrician can use an ammeter (a device that measures electrical current) to determine exactly how much power each piece of equipment needs. Total the wattage the electrician measures for each device to get your baseline power needs.

Measure wattage yourself:

You could determine how many watts your equipment will draw on your own by doing some research. Most pieces of equipment list their power requirements in their instruction manuals or on their nameplates. The number you want to get to is watts, and as you may remember from high school physics, watts = volts x amps. Many devices list amps at a given voltage, so just do the multiplication to see how many watts they draw.

Electric motors use more power to start than they do to run, which means electronic appliances with significant moving parts - such as fans, pumps, compressors on refrigerators, and air conditions - can use up to three times as more electricity to start as they do to run continuously. Remember to factor in these startup requirements when determining how much wattage you need from a generator. Luckily, multiple devices rarely start up at exactly the same time so you'll only need to add enough power to your wattage needs for the device with the biggest startup requirements.

Figure out which equipment has the largest difference between running load and startup load. Then add that number to your total equipment running load to determine your overall wattage requirement. Plan on purchasing a generator rated for a capacity around 20% higher than your requirements. The additional capacity can help you avoid overworking your generator, gives you room to add a few small devices, and can help extend the lifespan of the generator.

Make sure you're comparing the rated capacity of various models, not maximum capacity. An electric generator can deliver its maximum capacity for no more than 30 minutes before starting to overheat. Rated capacity is the level of power a generator can deliver on an ongoing basis, usually around 90% of the maximum power.

Installing Your Generator

Get to know exactly what the installation of your generator will involve before committing to a purchase. Then choose qualified electrician if you are hooking it up directly to your home.

Standby generators wired into your business' electric system require proper installation to prevent generator failure or overheating, and damage to your existing wiring and equipment. Standby generators can be sensitive to both fuel pressure and volume, so high-quality connections are important.

Look at location:

If you plan to make a permanent hook up to your home or building the location of your existing electric service panel is important. The generator will sit outside but near your building, much like a central air conditioner, and for ease of installation, it's best if it can be positioned near the electric panel. The generator will need to be installed on a level surface - most commonly, a concrete pad but occasionally hard rubber.  If you are using a portable generator then it is not as important however should still be kept a few feet away from your home and never indoors or in a garage.

Transfer Switch:

To connect a generator to your existing electrical system, you'll need a separate device called an transfer switch. The transfer switch is an essential a safety system that prevents your generator from feeding electricity back to the neighborhood power grid. When the power goes out, the generator can be started up, and after a few seconds to let it stabilize, the transfer switch can be turned onto connect the generator to your home. When power comes on again you can turn the switch off and disconnect the generator and return your setup to normal. Some larger generators come with an automatic transfer switch that will sense a power failure, turn on the generator and switch itself on and off automatically. Installing a transfer switch may require local permits and always requires a professional electrician.

Consider installing a dedicated electrical sub-panel: In addition to the generator and transfer switch, you may want to invest in a dedicated electrical sub-panel, as well. Only your essential equipment is connected to the sub-panel, which is connected to the generator. That way, when power fails, your critical devices will get the emergency power without the risk of overworking your generator or having to turn off or unplug other equipment.  There are also devices available on the market now that will let you plug in directly to the hydro meter outside your home.

Large commercial big box stores may be able to offer generators as a side business as is some Liquidators however they can not service what they sell, carry no spare parts and do not have the expertise as a company dedicated to nothing but generators.

Generator Maintenance:

Well-maintained generators can last a long time. Diesel generators require the least amount of service and are the easiest to maintain. There are no spark plug to change, no carburetor to clean or ignition cables to ware out.

Generators no matter what type require regular oil changes. This is easy to do this yourself and should be done about every 100 hours.  The cost of oil is cheap in comparison to the extended life you give your generator by changing the oil often.  Remember generators often end up running non stop at high speeds for hours or days. Your care does not even get that much use.   Even if you do not use a generator for 3 months, change the oil anyway. Oil does go bad and break down over time.

Check air filters and fuel filters and replace as required.

There are plenty of generator service companies that can come and do the above for you as well as any repairs if needed however just make sure the dealer you purchase from carries spare parts and actually has them in stock.

Buying Diesel Generators with confidence

Hundreds of generators listed on the internet that will likely interest you. When trying to select the right generator, get to know exactly what you're buying, research the seller.  What his their history? Do a search on Google and see what comes up.

Know your purchase:

Many sellers put a lot of time into creating their listings, making an effort to ensure they include all the information buyers need. Carefully read the details in listings for the generators you consider buying and carefully review available photos.

Have all your questions answered? . If you still have questions after reading the listing and reviewing the photos, contact the seller using the ask seller a question.  Also request additional photos if you want to see the generator from a particular angle that isn't shown in the photos included in the listing. If the item really exists then the seller should have other photos.  If you have more questions than you can address in email, get the seller's phone number and give him/her a call. Some generator sellers even include their phone number so you can call them directly.

Get delivery details. Calculate and include delivery costs into your final price. For smaller items, look at the cost of shipping and insurance. For larger items, you may simply need to include the cost of driving across the city or state if the generator is close-by or it may mean working with a shipping company that can transport the generator from anywhere in the country.

Know your seller:

Just as important as researching your generator purchase is getting to know the seller. Take time to research the seller so that you can feel positive and secure about every transaction. Look for key things when evaluating a seller.

Good communication:

Once you've initiated communications with the seller, how is he/she communicating with you? Is the seller courteous and professional? Is the seller responsive? Once you bid on a big-ticket item, communicate with the seller.


Buying Diesel Generators - A Buyers Guide to Finding, Picking and Installing a Home Backup Generator

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Saturday, December 10, 2011

SHURflo 2088-422-444 2.8 Classic Series Potable Water Pump

!: Best Prices SHURflo 2088-422-444 2.8 Classic Series Potable Water Pump best


Rate : | Price : $69.48 | Post Date : Dec 10, 2011 23:59:27
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Shurflo potable water pumps are designed and constructed to deliver high performance, reliability and serviceability. These potable water self-priming pumps employ three independent pumping chambers to lift water up to 12 feet. They provide smooth flow and operate quietly. All Shurflo pumps have a built-in check valve that is rated to 200 PSI which prevents backflow into the tank, and contain an adjustable switch. This water pump can even run dry without damage! Comes wtih a 2 year limited warranty, and can be mounted in any position. UL, CSA and IAPMO apply to some models.

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Whirlpool Tubs - An Overview of Parts and Materials

!: Whirlpool Tubs - An Overview of Parts and Materials

A whirlpool tub is an excellent choice for people looking to massage sore joints and muscles. As a first-time buyer, it's important to become familiar with the major components of a whirlpool tub (jets, motors, pumps, switches and wiring) so you can make an informed purchase decision. The tub finish is also important, not only for complementing your bathroom decor but also for durability. Let's take a closer look at parts and materials.

Jets: Jets move water throughout the tub. Whirlpools may use air jets, water jets, or a combination. Air jets use a larger number of smaller openings, while water jets have a smaller number of larger openings. Air and water jets offer comparable performance, although air jets are preferable if you will be using aromatherapy salts and oils.

Motors: The motor operates the pump and may be single-speed induction, multispeed induction or brush-style. Induction motors are more durable, while multispeed motors offer greater control. Installing the motor away from the tub will help to reduce noise.

Pumps: The pump pushes water through the jets and is installed in a separate part of the bathroom or located behind a panel at one end of the tub. Pumps range from 1/2 hp to 2 hp or higher. Multiple speeds offer a wider range of message options. To facilitate maintenance, the pump should be located in an easily accessible area.

Finish: The tub finish not only provides a stylish appearance but also protects the tub from scratches and dents. Finishes come in different materials, including gel coatings and enamels.

Wiring: The wiring connects the motor and heater to the tub. The motor and heater will require separate 120V circuits with a ground fault interrupter.

Switches: The switch activates the pump. For safety reasons, electric switches must be located away from the tub to prevent shocks. Air switches are nonelectric, however, and may be located on the tub. Timers may be required.


Whirlpool Tubs - An Overview of Parts and Materials

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Inflatable Mattress Review: Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed

!: Inflatable Mattress Review: Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed

Queen Air Mattress Review

Elevated for convenience and comfort, the Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed with Built-In Electric Pump is one of the most popular and affordable queen sized air beds available. With many of the competing features of the more expensive inflatable beds, this mattress beats them hands down on price and comfort. With its built-in electric pump and amazing height (22 inches from the floor), its obvious why it has more than 500 reviews and a four-star rating on Amazon! Customers have used this mattress as permanent beds, guest beds and even during camping outings, and enjoyed the comfort and convenience this quality queen air mattress has to offer. The price range of this air bed is very reasonable, making it appealing to a wide variety of consumers.

Air Bed Dimensions

Height has become the focal point of many people's search for the perfect air bed. Many people have physical conditions like knee and back problems, which prevent them from bending over onto air mattresses that are lower to the ground. The Intex Raised Downy stands 22 inches from the ground. This feature makes it effortless to get in our out of the bed. In total, this is a true queen size air mattress, with a height of 22 inches, a width of 60 inches, and a length of 80 inches. These dimensions allow a perfect fit for queen size bedding.

Inflatable Mattress Construction

This Intex queen bed has a dual air chamber construction, which provides extra firmness and support while sleeping. These air chambers function in the same manner as a traditional mattress and box spring, with the upper chamber functioning as the mattress and the lower chamber as the box spring. In fact, the mattress is constructed from 15 gauge vinyl beams on the top and 16 gauge beams on the sides and bottom for sturdiness and strength. The vinyl is easily cleaned with a simple soap and water solution. The top of the air bed is covered with a quality tested, waterproof rayon-flocked material. This material provides a plush comfort not found in other air beds that use a vinyl top surface. Finally, there are indentations on the sides of the bed to help grip fitted queen sheets. Not many air mattresses provide this feature!

Portable Air Mattress Inflation / Deflation

The high powered built-in 120V AC electric air pump, which is recessed into the mattress, provides the means to easily inflate and deflate the mattress within 5 minutes. The controls are located at the head of the bed. There is a storage area to place the electric cord once you are done inflating the mattress. The customer reviews clearly state how easy it is to activate this self-inflating portable mattress. A simple turn of the dial clockwise to inflate, or counter-clockwise to deflate, actives the built-in motor pump. Now you don't have to worry about misplacing the pump, or lugging it out every time you need to add a little air to top off the air mattress for firmness.


Inflatable Mattress Review: Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Photovoltaic (PV) Solar & Wind Electricity Generation in Spain - A Personal Experience

!: Photovoltaic (PV) Solar & Wind Electricity Generation in Spain - A Personal Experience

Before we installed our system, I looked everywhere for tips and knowledge that would help us avoid making the wrong choices. Three years of misery have gone by before we have a reasonable working system. We live in Spain. There is a grant for installation of off-grid power which means battery-backed electrical systems. The type of solar panels that heat your water are quite different and we can consider those on another day.

There is quite a lot of help on the web for those seeking "normal" electric power when they live, as we do, miles away from any mains electric transmission line. But that help tends to be specific to, say, windmills or PV panels, rather than covering the whole layout and most of the articles are from the USA. Firstly, relevant only to Spain, there is a grant "subvencíon" from Prosol, in Andalucía, a government sponsored agency. The grant was, in 2007, for 40% of your solar panel (PV) cost, it has dopped in 2009 to around 30% and you now need two sources of "green" energy for instance solar panels and a wind turbine.

These things matter, our total expenditure on stand-alone electricity has been around €24,000 of which €8,000 has come back by way of government subsidy grant. So, if you live in Spain (or anywhere where there is a government subsidy) number one on you priority list is to be absolutely 100% sure that your supplier qualifies for the grant. Although we eventually got ours, it took three years of legal battles and our supplier has now gone out of business. Our neighbours (our nearest but they are 3km away) were much smarter, they only paid the (same) installer 60% of the installation price and said they would pay the difference when their government grant came through (it hasn´t).

OK, so you are smarter than us and you have tied your supplier down to a really tight contract which gives you your power but throws the burden of reclaiming the government grants onto them. What are you going to order in the way of off-grid electric power? Obviously, this depends on where you live. If you don´t live somewhere with a resonable sunshine record, forget PV. Here in the sunniest part of Southern Spain (and we´ve had a horrid winter) we get around 12 kilowatt hours per sunny day from our 2kw array of solar panels. What does this mean? This means that we have 12 x 170w panels on our roof which generate (in perfect conditions) just over 2kw of power which goes into our batteries. The actual power that they produce depends on the amount of sunlight, the heat of the panels (they produce less electricity when they heat up, which they naturally do in the sunshine), and the length of the day. So, in winter the panels are cold, the day is short and the sun can be dazzling. In summer the panels are hot, the sun is out for ages and the quality of light is often less good - hazy.

We alter the angle of the panels in the Spring and Autumn because this gives us an extra 7% or 150 watts of power by pointing the panels more towards trajectory of the sun. In the winter, the sun is low on the horizon, in the summer it goes almost right overhead. The angle we use is 25º in summer and 45º in winter. The panels MUST point due (not magnetic) South. Amazingly, the amount of power produced in a day in the summer or the winter is about the same.

The difference is that in the winter we don´t use much power, only for lighting and the normal household machines. In summer the swimming pool pump is on for four to six hours a day and this really strains the system. I will come onto batteries, inverters, charge controllers etc. later but I want a reader to understand what they can achieve with a €20,000 spend on solar PV and wind electric.

When we first looked into this whole matter, there were numerous blogs and websites that told us that we had to save every ounce of energy or we would not be able to live a normal life. The reality is that we run the washing machine (but not tumble dryer), the dish washer, the steam iron, the fridge-freezer, the electric toaster, the Magimix, the breadmaker, the microwave, the de-humidifyer, the water pressure pump and (the worst culprit) the swimming pool pump. So we live a normal life and we have no electricity from the grid.

When we looked into the concept to begin with, websites told us that we couldn´t have fridges or freezers or any form of electric-guzzler. Just not true, you can use your hair dryer because it´s only on for 10 minutes and the big baddie is the swimming pool pump which consumes the same amount but is on for hours. To sum up, for an outlay of €16k (after the grant), you can have an electric system better than the mains (at least in Spain where it is forever failing and "browning out"). Here in Andalucia, the average electric bill is €250 every two months to include Winter Heating and Summer Cooling. This adds up to around €1,500 a year, none of which is payable for a PV system. This seems a realistic payback timescale to me of 10 to 12 years (or shorter if the price of electricity increases).

Before you buy, just be certain of all your costs. Your installer will be going through the normal wholesale channels in Spain and you will be paying retail prices. Some items are so much cheaper from the UK that, grant or not, you have to buy them there and get them couriered to Spain. ALWAYS check prices on eBay before you buy anything.

Batteries. Assuming you have a largeish installation you will either be running a 24v or 48v system. Which to choose? We have 48v which means 24 x 2v batteries. A 24v system which had the same battery capacity would have 12 batteries of 2v but with each battery double the size. Why would you choose one over the other? Well, my opinion is that 48v is more elegant but there again there is more kit available for 24v. How on Earth can you understand this? A four cylinder car engine is perfectly good but an eight cylinder is better, although more expensive. I don´t think it matters massively which you choose, 48v will cost you a little more so if you´re on a budget go 24v but the difference isn´t huge.

Batteries. What is the only important thing about batteries? That they are NEVER discharged beyond their nominal value. So, we have 24 x 2 volt batteries making a nominal 48 volts. These batteries will actually charge up to around 60 volts, depending on temperature. This "overcharging" is called "absorbing" and cleans the lead plates. After a couple of hours the charge controller will drop the voltage to around 54 volts which is called floating. If your batteries discharge lower than their nominal value, 48 volts in our case, they will be ruined, meaning that they will never be able to store a full charge again. Please understand this it is the most important fact in all your solar power installation, if you learn nothing else from this, please remember to NEVER let your batteries discharge below thier nominal voltage. Halve all the figures for a 24v system.

Batteries need to be topped up with distilled water, nothing else. So, as long as you never let them fall below their nominal voltage, don´t worry about anything other than keeping them topped up and keeping the connections well greased to keep out the oxygen which might corrode them. When there is no sun and no wind and you need to top them up, you will have to use a generator. Normally, you would have a large enough battery bank to survive three days without sun but during those three days you do not use the swimming pool pump, the washing machine, your hairdryer etc. You can still use the lighting and a few luxuries like the TV but common sense tells you that the more you take out of your batteries the sooner they get close to 48 volts and then you have to act.

Generators are dirty and noisy and consume expensive petrol or diesel so the less you use them the better. However, the biggest cost of a generator is the machine itself. A proper generator is powered by a multi-cylinder water cooled engine and will cost you around €5,000 new. Correctly serviced, this should last you a lifetime. At the other end of the scale are little, Chinese made, single cylinder, air cooled engines. We paid €2,000 for our first diesel one with electric start and sound-proofed box and we are on our third which cost less than €200 and is the most basic I could find. However much you pay for these "cheap" generators, do not expect them to last 500 hours, even if you change the oil every 100 hours and clean the air filter every 50 hours. That is why we buy the cheapest possible.

NEVER lend your generator to anyone else. The reason that they want to borrow yours is that they have broken theirs and they will return yours in the same state. When they return it, it might appear to work but they will have altered the speed at which the engine runs and this alters the output voltage of the generator. The generator is often wired into your inverter (see below) which is the single most expensive piece of kit in your whole system.

If the voltage coming out of your generator is too high it will blow up your inverter, which cost us €5,000, and the guarantee will not be valid unless you are really lucky, as we were, twice! So, my recommendation to you is not to wire the generator into your inverter but to use a stand-alone battery charger. Ours was designed to recharge a fork-lift truck so it knows to turn itself off when the batteries are full, although I can't imagine anyone using a generator for that long.

The inverter turns your DC battery-stored electricity into AC voltage at 230v (or 120v in the USA) which means that ordinary machines that you buy in the high-street shops will work. If your generator is wired into your inverter the mains type power produced by the generator can be diverted into the house when not powering the batteries and, in our instance, this caused endless small power surges as the inverter switched our electric supply between generator and battery, another reason to use a stand-alone battery charger. The inverter is a large and very heavy box because, other than some delicate and complicated electronics, it contains a coil that actually converts your battery power to mains-type electricity. As stated above, it can be really expensive and for this reason some people use more than one. Two small ones are far cheaper than one large one but we opted for a single one that produces 5kw continuous (with a maximum load of 10kw) on the basis that 5kw is represented by the diswasher, washing machine and swimming pool pump running together so you don't want the whole system to overload when the fridge cuts in. Ours is produced by Mastervolt in Holland and they are such a joy to deal with, thank you Mastervolt. However, many people have a small inverter for the lighting circuit and a larger one for the ring-main.

When our inverter went wrong last time, I installed a 48v computer UPS (uninterruptable power suppy) in its place until it returned. This cost me (second hand and without the battery, I've got batteries) less than €100 and produced around 2.5kw of perfect power. Luckily, I don't really have to think about it but if I was starting over I might well have a bank of UPSs rather than a single inverter, however you would need to wire the house differently as you cannot mix the AC current from different sources.

The next most important piece of kit (other than the panels) is your charge controller. Here, I can recommend the Outback MX60 (one of only three names that I will recommend to you in this article). The Outback takes the power from the solar panels and uses it to charge the batteries. The MX60 is limited to 60 Amps output power (unless you read the manual and work out how to get it up to 70) and volts x amps = watts (power). Therefore in a 48v system power output from the MX60 is twice what it is in a 24v system, and this could be another deciding factor for you in choice of voltage as for a 2kw panel array you would need two MX60s if you are on 24v. There are three really clever features on the MX60, which is configurable for 12, 24 or 48v output. Firstly, it will take a much higher input voltage than its output voltage (but only up to 130v maximum). This means that we have linked three 24v solar panels in series to produce a nominal 72v output and an effective output much higher, ours has peaked at 118v. The higher the voltage, the less power is lost in the wires beween the panels and the batteries. As we have 12 panels, there are four sets of three with the four sets linked in paralel. Then the MX60 benefits from MPPT, maximum power point tracking, which wrings a little more power from those expensive solar panels. Lastly, the MX60 comes with an optional external thermometer which attaches to a battery and it therefore alters the charging of your battery bank to optimise it for temperature, thus extending the life of your batteries.

Solar panels are a commodity and they are the only things backed by a long guarantee. The Spanish government insists that they should be guaranteed to produce 80% of their rated output after 25 years. The first set that we got were branded Suntaics, a German company who are among the least helpful people you could ever come across. These panels went wrong within six months as connecting wires within them melted. My recommendation is to pay a little more and get a really well known brand from a company that will be around in 25 years to honour their guarantee. Since installing ours into a frame that hinges at the bottom to allow us to change the angle at different times of the year, I need at least one other strong man to help me raise or lower them. My recommendation would be to mount the frame on a central pipe, like a scaffold tube, which could be rotated to change the angle and would require very little effort compared to physically lifting the set of six panels which are fitted in a single frame.

Solar panels give off electricity, called photovoltaic or PV, when they receive light and they can be wired together in series, as seen above, to produce higher voltage. I know this may sound a little simple, but you can only charge your 48 volt battery if you are inputting more than 48 volts. And remember that in its "absorbing" stage, your battery might get up to 60 volts before settling down and "floating" at 54 volts or so (this changes with the temperature and with the type of battery). Therefore, you can't charge a 48 volt battery from a single 24 volt solar panel, you need at least two wired together. Just to confuse you further, a 24v solar panel will produce up to 40v or more depending of temerature and amount of sunlight! This concept is vital when we consider the windmill.

We only have a windmill to qualify for the grant. Having said that, we wouldn't be without it now. It was cheap and manufactured by FuturEnergy from the UK who are extremely helpful. You can get the whole thing from eBay for less than £1,000, windmill, charge controller, stop switch and dump loads for something that outputs a nominal 1kw (our solar panels are rated at 2kw but rarely produce more than 1750w because they produce less as they heat up). The FuturEnergy windmill outputs a nominal 48v, another plus for choosing a 48v system.

So when it blows a gale, normally when the sun is not shining, we don't have to use the generator to charge the batteries. However, most of the time, the windmill is useless because the voltage it produces depends on the speed at which it is turning (I only found this out by disconnecting it from the batteries which you are not meant to do). If the batteries are normally at around 49 to 50 volts at night or when there is no sun, which is a "comfortable" level, then the windmill cannot charge them unless it is producing more than 49 volts. I haven't measured the wind speed at which this happens but it is only when there is so much wind that it is uncomfortable being outside - I know that that is subjective but is important that you don't think you're going to get a constant source of electricity unless you live in a very windy place. Comparing the windmill's input with other people's experiences, I would say that it is very useful but you would never get to float the batteries from it, even if you had 48 hours of constant 25mph wind, whereas a couple of sunny days will easily float the batteries. Better to rely on the windmill as something that might avoid you having to use the generator on a day without sun.

I had the tower for the windmill made at the local blacksmith's of which there are plenty in Spain. It consists of one and a bit scaffold tubes welded together to form a 7.5 metre pole on a hinged base and supported by 5mm steel wires from four steel plates bolted to a concrete base. At first, there was only one wire from each plate to the top of the scaffold tube but the pipe would definitely have buckled without a second wire to support it half way up and keep it rigid.

How to give a summary of our three year adventure in alternative energy in Spain? The first piece of advice is to trust no one, our original installer has gone out of business and didn't know what they were doing anyway. The more you learn yourself, the less likely you are to make a costly mistake. Now that it is all over, I would not choose the option of installing a serious on-demand diesel generator which seemed the better way for a long time. However, I would do without the government grant and would buy all the items that I need (other than the batteries which really need to be delivered to you from the factory) from eBay and fit them myself. This would save more money than the grant provided and, although electricity is very dangerous and I recommend you use a qualified electrician to connect up your system, the whole concept is very easy and just takes a little common sense. Fear of the unknown leads us to consult an 'expert' and, while undoubtedly there are well qualified off-grid engineers out there somewhere, neither we nor our neighbours have found one yet and we have consulted many 'experts'.


Photovoltaic (PV) Solar & Wind Electricity Generation in Spain - A Personal Experience

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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Thermo Scientific Barnstead D0603 120V Low Water Level Pump Protector For E-Pure Type 1 Water Purification System

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Brand : Thermo Scientific | Rate : | Price : $580.00
Post Date : Nov 01, 2011 13:39:22 | Usually ships in 24 hours

This Thermo Scientific Barnstead 120V low water level pump protector is made for use with the E-Pure Type 1 water purification system. If feeding your E-Pure from a storage reservoir, it is recommended that a low water pump protector be added to the E-Pure system. This will ensure that the pump is protected in the event the reservoir does not have a sufficient quantity of water to satisfy the requirements of the system. It is adaptable to most storage reservoirs, providing a 1/2 inch NPT connection is available. Includes a 6 foot (1.8m) cord which plugs directly into the E-Pure. Power: 120V. Requires 1/2 inch NPT connection. Barnstead #: D0603.

  • Power: 120V
  • Made for use with the E-Pure Type 1 water purification system
  • Alerts the E-Pure of an inadequate feed water condition when fed from a reservoir
  • Requires 1/2 inch NPT connection
  • Includes a 6 foot (1.8m) cord

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

FOR SALE OVERLOOKING ELEGANT HOUSE IN MARIA LUISA ESTATE PARK, CEBU CITY

This is a 2 year old, elegant well-maintained house and lot overlooking the gentle hills and lush green mountains. This is located in a prestigious Ma Luisa Estate Park, enjpying the lifestyle of a premier Subdivision and the convenient location of being at the doorstep of Cebu City. Maria Luisa Estate Park is a prime residential area encompassing 200 hectares. Set amidst the scenic mountains and valleys of Banilad and bordered by the Busay and Talamban hills. This development is the only remaining high end Subdivision closest to the city. HOUSE FEATURES: -3 bedrooms (could be a 4 bedroom) -3 servants quarters -4 toilets (3 bathrooms) -Overlooking valley and mountain view -120V/240V whole house system (no need for 120V transformers) -300Amp Main Electrical Panel with separate Generator LoadPanel -Aircons in bedrooms and living room -Dishwasher -Range hoods (exhaust ventilators) in both kitchens -Energy efficient point of service Instant hot water heaters -Thermostat controlled attic fan -High water pressure supply (120psi) -High pressure polypropylene PPR water pipes -Whole house water softener -Automatic sprinklers -Lower humidity due to higher elevation (no need for aircon) -Remote control sliding gate -2 car garage with extra parking and driveway to back ofhouse -Wading pool (1200 gallons) -Centralized LPG gas (50kg tanks outside) -Attic storage -Stainless steel gutters -Vinyl soffits -Window tinting in high sun areas -Walk-in Closet in master bedroom -Glass block wall ...

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Sump Pumps And Your Basement

!: Sump Pumps And Your Basement

The job of your sump pump is to prevent flooding in the basement of your home. Most basements have what's called a sump pit designed to be a collection point for water that seeps in. Under normal situations, a sump pump removes this water accumulation from your basement without incident.

It is widely believed that the invention of the sump pump was first used in the north east of the United States - New England or the Great Lakes area - used to eliminate the problem of basement flooding. Modern sump pumps are usually included in new homes built including a basement. And by adding this type of flood prevention equipment to older homes, homeowners can often see their insurance rates lowered significantly.

Sump pumps come in two basic types. The submersible type and the pedestal type. The pedestal type pump is designed with the motor located above the sump pit for maintenance accessibility. It is more visible, which could be an issue if your basement is decorated.

The submersible sump pump is just that - completely submersed in the sump pit. The insides are completely sealed off to prevent electrical problems, but it's a little hard to gain access to in the event of a failure - with standing water.

Required in every sump pump is a check valve - a one way water valve. It allows water to flow from the pump and through the drainage pipes, while preventing the water from siphoning back into the basement. A cover is also recommended to keep small critters like children from plugging the pipes as they flow through.

Only normal 120v household power is required in most installations. Unfortunately, under emergency conditions, normal household power is not available. A battery backup power system consists of a regular automobile battery, and a power generator does quite well in this situation too.

A regular maintenance schedule of for or five years is recommended to keep your basement sump pump in dependable condition for years. Sand and dirt should be removed from the sump pit. Otherwise The life of components like the check valve could be unduly shortened, allowing water to flow into your basement.

To clean the sump pump, always unplug the system first, and scoop sediments from the pit. You can also use a wet/dry shop vac for this part of the job. Finally, test the system by reconnecting any pipes removed, fill the pit with some water and make sure everything works as expected.


Sump Pumps And Your Basement

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

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Friday, April 1, 2011

Cole-Parmer 1/2 HP Turbine Pump Recirculating Chiller, 120V/60Hz

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Brand : POLYSCIENCE | Rate : | Price :
Post Date : Apr 02, 2011 04:16:27 | Usually ships in 2-3 weeks


  • PolyScience temperature-controlled recirculators
  • Sealable reservoir
  • Type: Chillers
  • Capacity (Liters): 4.2L
  • Temp control: PID
  • Temp range: -10 to 40°C (14 to 104°F)
  • Temp stability: ±0.5°C
  • Temp setting: Pt RTD
  • Cooling capacity (at 0° C): 750
  • Cooling capacity (at 10° C): 1100
  • Cooling capacity (at 20° C): 1700
  • Max head (Max head at 0 flow): 100 psi
  • Wetted materials: copper, brass, PVC nylon, polypropylene, and vinyl
  • Compressor hp: 1/2
  • Pump type: turbine
  • Refrigerant: R-134a
  • Reservoir capacity: 1.1 gal (4.2 L)
  • Max flow rate (Liters/min): 13.25 L/min
  • Power (VAC): 120
  • Power (Hz): 60
  • Power (Amps): 13.2
  • Display: 3-digit LED, 1/2"H (0.1°C resolution)
  • Brand: POLYSCIENCE
  • Manufacturer number: 6560T11C120C
  • Part Number: AO-12930-78
  • Package Quantity: EACH

More Specification..!!

Cole-Parmer 1/2 HP Turbine Pump Recirculating Chiller, 120V/60Hz

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Sunday, March 27, 2011

7400 International CXT - The Ultimate Expedition Vehicle - 4x4 Camper lane swap UNICAT

Amerigo International - www.unicat.net This is the ultimate family Expedition Vehicle. It provides a level of functional improvement, range, security, reliability, luxury and space. UNICAT offers the chassis built in 7400 the factory regularly extended or crew cab 4x4 or 6x6 configurations. Four body sizes are available - 193 "205" 217 "and 228". Wheelbase of 177 "183" 193 "195" 213 "226" 232 "244" and 250 offered. "All bodies are available in all cab configurations.dimensions impact of changes in kitchens, bathrooms and seating areas. Straight-back models can be mounted near the bike racks. Upgraded Cab Cab - Leather and wood trim, extra insulation SS extinguisher on the floor on the driver's seat left side of the seat - adjustable air suspension front of the cab's rear suspension air bag power windows and type complete control doors w Education Instrumentation & Cobra CB radio Alpine CDA-9857 AM FM XM CD iPod stereo system, Garmin 7500 w / rear camera and timeFax Chassis International 7400 4x4 Extended Cab - Total length 372, width 98, height 144 total weight of 33,000 pounds, GCVWR - £ 80000 213 Wheelbase (5410 mm), taxi-to-axle 112, axle-by-frame frame 75 £ rails steel heat treated alloy 120,000 psi, 10.866 X 3.622 X 0.433 (276 mm x 92 mm x 11.1 mm) from 50 states DT570, 310 hp, 950 Nm of torque @ 1200 rpm rpm, # 2 bell housing 8 mpg @ 60 mph Chassis batteries 2 x 210 Ah AGM Marine Automatic Supplemental UI 90A charge controller for the heating of the engine block Phillips120v/1250w ...

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Thinking of buying an electric heater to wall

!: Thinking of buying an electric heater to wall

Looking to buy an electric heater to the wall, but do not know were to start. Here is a simple guide to help buyers to get the right purchase decision

Buyers Guide

If you want to buy an electric heater to the wall, for a new job (not replacing an old heating), there are several things to note.

1. Sizing of heating power
2. Voltage - basic guidelines
3. Noise Heater
4. Thermostat / timer
5. The grid
6. HeatingLocation
7. vs surface mounting depth
8. Feature on = Use or avoid.

1. Heating size (how big the room, warm)
The first and most important is: "How big is the room with warmth" The resistance must be sized so that it can be the coldest night of room heat. The quick rule of thumb for home in the last 20 years to build, or more houses are being renovated with more insulation and new windows and doors of 10 watts per square meter for the ceiling8 'or less, or 1.25 watts per cubic meter for ceilings over 9'

These small rooms:
10'W x 15'L = square footage = 150 (Standard 7 to 8 meters high ceiling)
Watts per square meter = 10 to 12 watts (10 watts to use new windows)
150 ft ² x 10 watts = 1,500 watt heater (choose a heating 1,500 to 2,000 watts)

This larger space:
25 'x 15'L = square footage = 375 (Standard 7 to 8 meters high ceiling)
Watts per square meter = 10 to 12 watts (new windows use 10Watt)
375 m² x 10 Watt = 3750 Watt Heater (select an 4,000-watt heater)
Always give yourself a safety factor by averaging.

Cubic Foot is a rule of thumb,
Room size 10 'H x 15'W 12'LW = 1800 cubic m
1800 cubic meters x 1.25 Ft (constant) = 2250
This room will need a minimum of 2250 watts of heat

Please visit the page table for more details if you want a real "heat load" to search for a software called "Manual J" online or contact an architect or mechanicalEngineering

2. Voltage
Your knowledge, and with the right tension on the right to know the top as one of the most important thing to understand before you buy and electric heater to the wall. electric wall heaters come in 120 and 240 volts. Some electric wall heaters only come to 120 volts, and some only come to the 240th Most of the houses in the United States have both 120V and 240V house there, if you have an electric stove, range, dryer or water heater in your home all running at 240Tension. A wall heating standard 120 volt to 500 to 1,500 watts, a space between (50-150 square foot room) if you have an area larger heat can be 150 m² is necessary to have a 240-volt heating. A wall heating system comes standard with 240 volts to 4,800 watts in 1000, a rate of (100 to 480 m² room) can heat.

A common site in the purchase and / or installation of a stove to the wall with the voltage wrong, if you happen to install the heating pe voltage wrong bad things.

- 120V to 240VThe heating is to give you the performance.
- 240V to 120V heater will void the warranty and the burning of the heater.

If you are unsure about your power you want to discuss an electrician. We carry almost all heating systems can be seen on the line and dispatch the same day if in stock, so that you can get much faster

(FYI Notes):
- 110 Volt, 115 Volt, 120 Volt, 125 Volt
- (All four strains with the work itself heater)
- 220 volt, 230 volt, 240, 250 voltVolt
- (All four strains with the work itself heater)
- NOT the same 208 volts to 240 volts - is very different

3. Noise
All fan forced wall heaters to make noise. I tell customers the most expensive heating wall to be quiet in his footsteps on the phone while browsing on our website (this rule does not apply to our commercial boilers, when the grating CFM then 100), so as the interior quality. If the noise is not a problemeach radiator within adequate power and voltage parameters to work.

4. The grid
I know this is subjective, is an important part of the purchasing process, the appearance of the furnace is located. Each radiator is made, we WH9815 Broan with a metal grid with a powder coated finish. If you have any questions about the color of a particular heating do not hesitate to contact us

5. Thermostat
The control of a wall heating can be done with an internal thermostat or wall.Some models have the option of one or the other, while some have only added the option to own or simply wall ... If you are unsure, call or e-mail

The built-in thermostat is on the outside of the heater installed. It works just like a wall heater in a clockwise direction, the device is turned on and set the desired temperature. wanted to rotate clockwise the desired temperature is lower and if all the way to the leftThe apparatus.

Wall thermostats are not available in all boilers for those who want to offer is how it works. A wall thermostat is usually mounted on the opposite side of the room. A power supply 120V or 240-volt wall behind the stove sheetrock drawn. The temperature of the heating again, turn the knob clockwise to your desired temperature.

When you use a thermostat on the wall with this wall heater be sure that the inside wall on a path, ideallyfront of the windows. Avoid areas drafts, direct sunlight, heaters and other appliances, electronics and put out heat like a Computer or television can. Make sure you put them behind a shelf and not too close to the images, which reflects the flow of air from the thermostat sensors.

6. Heating, located in room
Find a place on an inside wall near the outer wall. Make sure you avoid all the obstacles such as a chair or sofa, or hanging objects such as curtains. Using a close to the wall can beAvoid cutting into your wall insulation. The idea is to heat the cold wall of the room first and the rest will fall into line.

FYI notes:
The factories to recommend that the heater should be mounted at least 8 "from ground, 8" questions bordering on a wall, and if you're high when mounted at least 8 "from the roof by 3 feet of furniture to be ... If you have some position installation (s), please consult your local code inspector or city for the final answer

7. Absorbedvs surface mounting
- Built-in simply means that a hole in the wall of sheet rock.
- Based on a wall of bricks or blocks, instead of the stove to the wall mounting.

8. Feature to look for or avoid.
- Previous field include - Find It - All heaters are boxing again but sometimes it can be ordered separately. The container off the strength to touch the inner wall and insulation. It is also a violation of the code.
- Thermostatoperational areas - Locate it - some people want to run the heat lost to the temperature to keep water pipes from freezing. If the interval between 50 and 90 F, the heater is not up to 40 F, no matter how low the thermostat.
- Summer Fan Switch - Avoid - This is used for creating commercial applications, does this mean that the fans turn but the heater remains off.
- Heavy Duty Grille - Avoid - Another commercial application building, the greater the distanceTransport is the more likely that someone smashing the radiator grille of the heater to the wall. If you have a hotel Dolly roll around your house you do not need more than likely that the additional cost of a heavy duty front grill.
- Do not tamper-resistant integrated thermostat - Another creation of commercial applications, this is in office buildings, banks, front apses used.


Thinking of buying an electric heater to wall

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Intex 110 - 120 Volt AC Quick-fill Electric Pump

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Rate : | Price : $12.99 | Post Date : Mar 23, 2011 05:40:07
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110 - 120 Volt AC Quick-fill Electric Pump

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Monday, March 21, 2011

Maytag gas mounted disorder yard # 12

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