Home power generation!
Early in 2006, I was talking with a friend of mine named Leo about interesting new technology. Often we ramble in that type of discussion because truthfully, we're both pretty big technological geeks. Both Leo and I have an innate sense of restlessness when it comes to education, both striving for more knowledge. Leo, on one hand likes to delve into new concepts, learn the basics, and move on to the next idea. I, on the other hand, like to find something truly interesting and understand everything there is about the topic. My infatuation with exhausting topics until there is no more to learn has been largely supported and amplified by my fiancee, Rose. She too has an addictive personality, and we often find ourselves obsessively researching and debating topics ad nauseam.
One of the topics that we had both been tossing around for a little while was home power generation. To me, the concept is facinating for several reasons. The idea of being completely dependant on electricity to function is something I have come to accept (being an electrical engineer, this is not overly surprising!) over the past few years. This became evident when I moved into my new house recently, and wanted to order a pizza but couldn't because our internet connection was not provided yet. However, I had until recently resigned to the fact that I would have to rely on utility companies to keep my addiction supported.
Then, one day Leo and I decided to change the way we perceived electrical power. As an electrical engineer, with a Masters degree in electric motors, rotating machines and electric power generation, I had a very solid understanding of electricity. However, it became disturbingly apparant to me that I was only taking other peoples work verbatim, using previously developed principles and concepts. So I decided to take matters into my own hands...
The goal: to generate my own electricity. The possiblities:
- Solar Power
- Thermal Power
- Tidal Power
- Renewable resource combustion
- Wind Power
- etc...
Solar and thermal rely too heavily on chemistry and thermodynamics, areas that I have little theoretical or practical experience in. Tidal power is more pertinent to my expertise, but I do not have ready access to tidal mechanisms (living in south central Ontario). Other renewable sources of energy require heavy investment into technology and research, and take a significant ammount of time investment. Based on my background in rotating machines, wind power seemed the obvious entry point. Thus, I entered into the world of wind power...