Wolf-Kim
Lovin' The Homestead
Okay, so I know the very, VERY basics of energy and it's creation. I know that you can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
I've always thought that waterwheels are beautiful. I hope to one day own land with a large creek or some other source of moving water. So I thought, if I wanted a waterwheel and to be "off the grid" as much as possible, why not make it a source of energy?
Anyone know where I could find some "blueprints" or information on using a waterwheel for energy. If not a link, anybody know how to make this come into existance?
I know that the water makes the waterwheel turn and then through a series of cranks(the name evades me, toothed wheels) it transfers the energy to an axle. What to connect to the end of the axle to convert the mechanic energy(the spinning) to electrical energy?
Also, if I were to have something like this, can you connect multiple energy sources into the same grid? Say, I have the waterwheel, a mini windturbine and solar power panels. I can add all these into the same grid and still be connected to the public power system as a backup?
We want to eventually end up in southern Virginia, so I think wind power is unlikely, but I'll have to do my research. Although, hydropower and solar power are a definate possibility. Any thoughts would be great!
-Kim
I've always thought that waterwheels are beautiful. I hope to one day own land with a large creek or some other source of moving water. So I thought, if I wanted a waterwheel and to be "off the grid" as much as possible, why not make it a source of energy?
Anyone know where I could find some "blueprints" or information on using a waterwheel for energy. If not a link, anybody know how to make this come into existance?
I know that the water makes the waterwheel turn and then through a series of cranks(the name evades me, toothed wheels) it transfers the energy to an axle. What to connect to the end of the axle to convert the mechanic energy(the spinning) to electrical energy?
Also, if I were to have something like this, can you connect multiple energy sources into the same grid? Say, I have the waterwheel, a mini windturbine and solar power panels. I can add all these into the same grid and still be connected to the public power system as a backup?
We want to eventually end up in southern Virginia, so I think wind power is unlikely, but I'll have to do my research. Although, hydropower and solar power are a definate possibility. Any thoughts would be great!
-Kim