In modern cities there is a high concentration of the population, which is supplied Electric Energy High Quality. And in rural areas, characterized by long air transmission lines, this issue has not been fully resolved.

The voltage supplied to buildings located at the remote ends of power lines is not only not stable, but can be turned off for various reasons.

In this situation, people are looking for alternative sources of electrical energy that are able to maintain normal power supply in the country and in a private house.

Our advice will help home master choose the most suitable type of generator, which is best suited to restore voltage during troubleshooting on the supply line or allow its power to be used for permanent power supply.

Brief information about the possibilities of a home power plant

The term "generator" refers to technical devices capable of generating electricity by converting some source energy into electricity. For example, in a car, it is created due to the mechanical rotation of the rotor inside the stator, and in a solar battery, as a result of irradiating sensitive photocells with sunlight.

Electric generators are produced in a wide range, perform various tasks of power supply. For right choice alternative energy source, it must be accurately analyzed according to its characteristics:

• maximum load power;
• types of electric current: constant or sinusoidal;
• parameters of consumers (resistive or reactive load) that affected the start-up and operation;
• duration of the working cycle;
• switching methods: manual or automatic mode;
• other specific operating conditions.

This means that one alternative energy source is able to autonomously provide electrical power not only a private house, but also the village, and the other one - can hardly cope with the power of consumers of one apartment. But their cost will differ by several orders of magnitude.

Minimum requirements for a domestic electricity source

Before choosing the simplest generator for the home, you should consider only the main devices that it should power, and select it according to their parameters. For example, if the electricity is out for only a few hours, then refrigerators and freezers can be excluded, because they are able to keep the cold during this period.

The minimum functions of a budgetary source of electrical energy can be provided by an ordinary car battery with a voltage of 12 volts of any power, but preferably increased. You can connect to it:

The battery will power these devices and gradually discharge. To recharge it, it is enough to use a generator removed from the car, the rotor of which can be turned by a bicycle simulator.

To this end, the rear wheel of the bicycle is simply hung on a stand, and a second chain is installed on one of its free sprockets, which will transmit torque from the pedals to the rotor. car generator.

You can use any other available method of transferring rotational energy, for example, by creating direct contact from the tire of the wheel directly to the tip of the rotor axle.

Due to such a simple design, it is convenient to exercise on an exercise bike and at the same time watch TV programs or use the Internet from a laptop or computer. In conditions of a lack of physical activity, this is a pretty good way to maintain health and at the same time save electricity for the home.

Overview of the features of alternative energy sources

Capabilities of Synchronous and Asynchronous Designs

A generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy works as follows:

• the rotor winding rotates inside magnetic field and current flows through it.
• its magnetic field through the magnetic circuit penetrates through the turns of the stator and induces a sinusoidal electric current in them.

Depending on the design features stator and rotor, their electromagnetic fields can rotate in the same way, as in synchronous structures, or - be shifted by the amount of slip in asynchronous ones.

Simple can be made with your own hands from ordinary induction motor. It just needs to be selected according to the electrical characteristics and, especially, the amount of power generated.

When choosing a generator design for a house in terms of power, it is taken into account that when starting any electric motors, load currents with aperiodic components occur in the power circuit. They can only be eliminated by a special one, which is still rarely used in practice.

Large amplitudes of normal engine start currents can drown out the operation of the generator asynchronous type. Therefore, when selecting it for loads of this inductive type, it is necessary to provide for a three-fold power reserve. And synchronous models do not need to create such a reserve.

On the basis of synchronous and asynchronous constructions work autonomous generators powered by internal combustion engines, as well as water and wind structures that perform power supply tasks in various ways.

Generators on internal combustion engines

Now it is not difficult for a home master to buy a similar factory model, focusing not only on the cost of fuel and construction, but also on the output price of producing one kilowatt hour of electricity. It is desirable to calculate this characteristic for all types of combustion engines.

Such alternative sources of electrical energy are created for continuous operation for several working hours. The smallest models, having a low weight, are capable of generating power less than 1 kW.

The simple design has heat dissipation due to natural air recirculation. After that, it requires a stop for cooling and maintenance.

On the front panel there are elementary controls and instruments for monitoring the operation of the gasoline engine and the electrical characteristics of the generator. They are necessary for visual observation of parameters by the operator.

The middle class of gas generators is capable of delivering power up to several kilowatts for the power supply of a private house.

Diesel generators

Alternative energy sources that run on diesel fuel are better adapted to long-term power supply to consumers. They may have a blowing system and separate functions that facilitate operation. Usually they are produced with increased power.

Diesel generators, like gasoline generators, produce an unpleasant exhaust of exhaust products of fuel combustion that is unpleasant for humans, and during operation they create noise that irritates the ear. Therefore, they require installation in remote areas and the installation of a system for venting gases from the house to the atmosphere.

gas generators

These alternative energy sources are powered by various types of natural gas, including methane. The output power, like that of diesel structures, can be from several kilowatts, which is quite enough to power an individual house.

Devices of the middle power class already incorporate an automation system that uses the mode automatic start reserve - AVR, which promptly restores power to the house in the event of a power failure on the main power line.

Compared to diesel counterparts of equal power, gas generators are less noisy, and the emitted combustion products are not highly toxic.

Gas generators are often produced in a modular container design, which allows them to be installed close to a residential building. When connected to a gas supply system or a special tank, regularly refueled, they are able to work as sources of constant power supply.

Combined type generators

Depending on the design, these alternative energy sources are capable of running on various types fuel. Most often they use combinations of gas with gasoline or diesel fuel.

Combined type generators have the advantages of gas structures and at the same time, their engine is able to run on other types of fuel.

The listed generator devices are given with a minimum set of power supply functions that an owner of a private house or cottage may need. More powerful designs in each class are capable of performing increased tasks, operating as an autonomous power plant.

Natural Energy Generators

A home master may be interested in the designs of alternative energy sources that work due to:

• gusts of wind;
• water currents;
• exposure to sunlight.

Wind generators

Pretty tempting offers to use wind energy often end in disappointment.

There are many reasons for this, because such alternative energy sources at first glance have a simple design, but in fact they require accurate engineering calculations and analysis of meteorological features of the area.

Many attempts to make a wind generator with their own hands end in failure due to:

• the difficulties of creating an efficient wind wheel device with aerodynamic propeller blades, which has long been used in aircraft construction;
• difficulties in accounting for changing wind speeds;
• the location of the rotating parts at a height away from the residential building;
• providing a rigid and durable mast structure that can reliably withstand hurricane loads.

Manufacturers of wind turbines standardize their products for different climatic conditions, offer all kinds of technical solutions for power, various ways installations up to easy installation on the roof of the building. However, this may result in the loosening of the building elements of the walls and roof, the formation of cracks in them.

Homemade hydroelectric power plants

Alternative sources of electrical energy that use the power of the water flow are the easiest to do with your own hands.

They can be powered by a small stream, as seen in the photo, or a more powerful stream of a river directed at them.

The hydroelectric power plant shown below was assembled by the hands of several craftsmen. It supplies free electricity to 30 houses in the countryside.

For such structures, one can use asynchronous electric motors switched to generator mode. They are installed on permanently mounted equipment, as shown in the photo above, or on floating stations.

Hydroelectric enthusiasts create their devices different types, using them in the most unexpected places, for example, faecal streams of sewage treatment plants.

The disadvantages of such structures:

1. the obligatory presence of a water flow capable of turning the water wheel;
2. freezing of reservoirs during frosts.

In order not to lose electricity from a hydroelectric power plant in winter, there are designs of water wheels located at the bottom of the river. They are designed for year-round power supply.

Solar panels and stations

If the initial designs of solar batteries were developed only for spacecraft, now they are mass-produced for domestic use.

Solar panels work in different devices. They are used to power small appliances as an autonomous source and powerful power plants.

To create a home solar station, you must use:

• solar panels that generate direct current;
• controller that receives and distributes battery power to:
• accumulators serving as accumulators;
• direct current consumers;
• an inverter that changes the signal shape to pure sine and increases its voltage to 220/380 volts.

All these devices must be matched in terms of power, technical specifications and loads.

When choosing any design of an alternative energy source for power supply to a summer house and a house, do not forget about the elementary. Be sure to use automatic safety devices.

The practical implementation of the principles of autonomous power supply for a house and farm equipment using the example of a wind generator and a solar power plant can be seen in the MicroArt video.

The inefficient operation of domestic power lines has long been the number one problem. This is especially true in rural areas where undervoltage and constant power outages have become the norm. But as they say, the problems of drowning people are their problems, which they themselves must solve. This is how it turns out in life, because alternative energy sources for a private house are the only right solution that solves problems with electricity.

They have to be installed in private homes, sometimes even completely refusing to consume electricity centrally. True, modern alternative sources of electricity, as they say, are not without sin. That is, each method of replacing power lines has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we will understand this issue thoroughly, having considered ready-made solutions.

Types of alternative electricity

The consumer is always faced with a choice based on the question, which is better? And this plan implies, firstly, the cost of acquiring a new type of source of electricity, and secondly, how long this device will work. That is, will it be profitable, will the whole idea pay off, and if it pays off, then after what period of time? Let's just say saving Money no one has canceled yet.

As you can see, there are enough questions and problems here, because do-it-yourself electricity is not only a serious matter, but also quite expensive.

Electric generator

Let's start with this installation, as with the simplest. Its simplicity lies in the fact that you need to purchase an electric generator, install it in a secure enclosed space that will comply with fire safety regulations. Next, connect the electrical network of a private house to it, fill liquid fuel(gasoline or diesel fuel) and turn it on. After that, electricity appears in your house, which depends only on the presence of fuel in the generator tank. If you think it over automatic system fuel supply, then you get a small thermal power plant, which will require a minimum presence from you.

In addition, electric generators are reliable and convenient installations that work almost forever if they are properly operated. But there is one moment. There are two types of generators currently on the market:

• Petrol.
• Diesel.

Which is better? Let's just say, if you need an alternative source of energy that will be used constantly, then choose diesel. If for temporary use, then gasoline. And that is not all. The diesel electric generator has large overall dimensions, compared to gasoline, it is very noisy during operation and emits a huge amount of smoke and exhaust gases. Plus, it's more expensive.

Gas generators have recently appeared on the market that can operate on both natural gas and liquefied gas. A good option, environmentally friendly, does not require a special room for installation. You can connect to one generator, for example, several at once gas cylinders, which will be automatically connected to the installation.

Alternative to hydrocarbon fuel

Among the three types of electric generators, gas is the best and most efficient. But the cost of fuel (liquid or gaseous) is not a cheap pleasure, so you should think about how to produce fuel on your own, investing a minimum of money in it. For example, biogas, which can be obtained from biomass.

By the way, alternative types of energy, which today are called biological, can replace almost all alternative sources of electricity. For example:

• Biogas is obtained by fermenting manure, bird droppings, agricultural waste, and so on. The main thing is to install equipment that is used to capture methane.
• From garbage, for example, in landfills, the so-called cellulose standard is extracted. Or, as experts call it, landfill gas.

Attention! Scientists have already calculated that if you recycle all the landfills in the world, you can get up to 84 billion liters of landfill fuel, which can be used to generate electricity.

• From soybeans and rapeseed, or rather, from their seeds, fats are produced, from which biosolar fuel can be obtained.
• from beets, sugar cane, corn can be produced biostandard (biogasoline).
• Scientists have proven that ordinary algae can accumulate solar energy.

That is, there is a large number scientific developments that provide alternative forms of energy. And many of them have already received practical use. For example, the IBGU-1 installation, with the help of which up to twelve cubic meters of biogas can be obtained from manure per day. Domestic farmers have appreciated the work of scientists, so this equipment is sold out quickly.

Wind turbines

In those regions where wind is always available (coastal areas, mountainous, steppe), the best option for an alternative source of electric current is a wind generator. In America, these installations are used almost everywhere. True, they are not cheap, it is with their help that you can solve the problem of lack of electricity.

The principle of obtaining current here is quite simple. The wind presses on the blades, which rotate the rotor of the electric generator. The latter produces an electric current. That is, the installation uses the principle of transformation mechanical energy into electrical. Most importantly, wind turbines operate with minimal wind gusts, over 2 m/s. If the speed is not lower than 8 m / s, then the generator can be connected directly to the house.

The most vulnerable part of the equipment is the battery, which accumulates electricity. It quickly breaks down, and costs 25% of the price of the entire installation. Therefore, this option is alternative energy It is best to use not for accumulation, but for consumption. Therefore, most often wind generators are connected directly to heating and hot water systems. By the way, justified and excellent way out.

Heat pumps

The next option from the “alternative types of energy” category is energy from the bowels of the earth. For a private home - this is ideal. It is simple, efficient and economical. To do this, a well is drilled on the site near the house (the deeper, the better), where a heat pump is installed.

Groundwater always has a positive temperature. When this water is cooled by a pump, energy is released, which has to be used. But some may have a question, how does the pump work, because it also requires electrical energy? Everything is correct, but this installation has a certain ratio of energy consumed and released, which is in such a relationship - 1:6. So there is efficiency.

Solar panels

Alternative electricity from the sun is rarely used in private housing construction. It's all about the high cost of solar cells that are installed in batteries. Hence the high cost of the entire installation. Although it should be noted that this is a promising direction that cannot be abandoned. After all, every year for one square meter 1000 kW of energy falls on the earth's surface. Imagine how much humanity is losing. If compared with other types of fuel, then this is 100 m³ of gas or 100 liters of diesel fuel.

Of course, it is still expensive to get electric current in this way. But heating water like this is very cheap. That is why solar collectors are so in demand today among residents of suburban villages.

Sea water

Do not discount the ebb and flow of the sea. Here is a huge store of energy, which has long been used by the inhabitants of coastal regions for their own benefit. Let's start with the fact that water is almost 900 times denser than air, so a small movement of it makes the turbines spin. Of course, such a structure is beyond the power of the owner of a private house, so you should not dwell on it. But for information, take this into account. Moreover, we are considering alternative forms of energy.

Conclusion on the topic

So, a small overview was made on the topic - alternative energy of a private house. As you can see, there are many options today. But which one to choose, everyone decides, as always, for himself. Here it is important to correctly approach the operating conditions, take into account the region, climatic conditions, and so on. Maybe even consider a variant in which it would be possible to combine some alternative energy sources for the home, to make them interchangeable.

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