Objective
In conjunction with the bunkhouse project, I want to get the ranch on a footing where it can:
1) Greatly reduce the amount of energy consumed
2) Provide a practical level of energy independence in the case that there is a disruption to the energy grid
Steps
The first step is to understand how best to conserve energy. The cheapest energy available is through the savings that can be realized through conserving energy. The second step is to build an energy generation capability that will “turn the meter backwards” some of the time but will still benefit from the electrical grid and the availability of fuels. The final stage is to develop the storage capacity to provide for energy independence in a scaled back lifestyle.
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The Audit was done by August Haze in March 2010. The full report is attached
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The Plan - 4/9/10
I'd like to integrate the key suggestions from the Audit into the construction this summer.
While I appreciate August exploring the impact of a Net-Zero alternative, that isn't a direction that I want to go. Rather, I would like to have the option that he suggested - to support a modified net-zero case in which only critical electrical circuits and minimal heating are provided.
- 1) I would like to integrate the heating systems between the main house and the bunk house. This should include both the hot water and house heating. The system will be based on the recommendations of a 10-12 4'x10' panel SWH array on the bunkhouse with propane backup. We'll use insulated piping to run between the two buildings with a single system intended to support both buildings. This will include:
- a) boiler upgrade
- b) hot water heater upgrade - should this be on demand?
- c) pipe insulation for main and bunk houses
- d) Zones will probably be redefined and can be corrected then. It may also make sense to have programmable controllers
- 2) Dan has already modified the bunkhouse plans per the suggestions regarding orientation, window size and type. I would like to make sure that the everything planned before we start
- 3) Main house projects
- a) insulate the floor above the crawl space - easy and big impact
- b) control DHW recirculation pump - easy to do
- c) gable glazing - replace 3 large gable windows with efficient smaller window surrounded by insulated walls (bathroom, bedroom & guest room)
- d) crawl space exhaust fan and moisture barrier if needed - let's see about this
- 4) Electrical project
- a) lay out main & bunk house circuits such that critical and non-critical circuits are identified (and isolated - in other words, no optional elements on critical circuits)
- 1) Critical circuits include septic pumps, heaters, freezer, etc. - that are not large power consumers
- b) install a 5 to 7 kW solar array (probably a 5kW)
- c) integrate and install a battery bank capable of supporting critical circuits for 3 days (as August suggested)
The Costs:
See the attached sheet of associated expenses for the project.