Hybrid power generation systems can combine solar, wind, battery and generator power to keep your island hideaway running around the clock and around the year. In many parts of the world, the peak operating conditions for solar and wind power occur at different times of the day or even during different seasons, so a hybrid system is more likely to deliver electricity when you need it. Reserve power (up to three days worth) can be stored in battery banks and a diesel or gasoline generator can be added to the system for those rare island days when there is neither wind nor sunshine.The diagram to the right, from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) site shows a simplified Hybrid design.

Hybrid systems are designed to be operated “off the grid” (i.e. not connected to a commercial power distribution system) which makes them ideal for stand-alone operation. Sophisticated electronic controllers manage the multiple power sources and monitor the status of the batteries. If the reserve runs low, the controller automatically starts the generator to supply power and charge the battery bank.

The EERE Web site at http://www.eere.energy.gov/ provides a wealth of information about alternative energy sources, including information on hybrid solar lighting (HSL) - a new technology that harnesses the sun by collecting sunlight and routing it through fiber optic cables where it is combined with electric light in special hybrid light fixtures to provide interior lighting. The Department of Energy estimates that HSL systems will deliver an equivalent amount of light for about 25% of the cost of a completely electric solution.

After the “Green Revolution” of the past few years, most tech-savvy people scarcely bat an eye when confronted with solar devices that do everything from charge an MP3 player to power an electric toothbrush. Although wind power has been harnessed for centuries, personal-use products that employ turbines are far less common on the market. However, a surprising number of applications are now being found for this easily-obtained and eco-friendly energy source.

In a sleek and sophisticated case, the HYmini portable wind charger is little device that can be strapped on to a bicycle or car (or even your upper arm!) to collect enough wind energy to charge your cell phone, music player and other small electronics. It comes with multiple adaptors and even a solar panel in case there is not enough wind to provide a charge. At less than US $60, they are not only attractive and futuristic, but highly affordable.

http://www.hymini.com/eshop/index.html

At just US $199, the revolutionary Motorwave mini-turbines are a unique-looking and very cool little series of turbines that sit in a line perched atop your home, generating power even at wind speeds of just two miles an hour. Lightweight and easily installed, these turbines are a perfect match for remote living- and their flat design and small size reduces the chance of birds or detritus getting caught.

http://www.motorwavegroup.com/new/motorwind/index.html

 While many personal wind-powered products are not yet commercially available, the future looks very promising for this green technology. Ideal for island life, the pretty “Wing” personal windmill is a sail-like turbine intended for use when camping or in remote locations. Portable, foldable and easy to set up, the Wing resembles a beach umbrella when closed, and can generate enough energy to power a mini-fridge, computer and portable devices, and keep most basic needs satisfied. The winner of the coveted INDEX:AWARD for sustainable technologies, this is a product that’s sure to find broad market appeal when launched.

http://www.indexaward.dk/2007/default.asp?id=706&show=nomination&nominationid=182

Leave it to Switzerland to come up with an ultra-efficient means of independently producing clean energy and enough drinking water for 6,000 people in Africa- per day.

Developed and patented by Ardeo AG in St. Gallen, Switzerland, the Mobile Cube is a modular power and water plant. Producing zero emissions and compact enough to be set up within an hour, the Mobile Cube combines solar and wind energy, requiring no fuel and incurring minimal maintenance costs. Read more »

Alternative modes of energy production have been slow to catch on for some, largely due to the perceived expense. What would you say, though, if you were told you could save anywhere between US$500-800 per year in electricity costs, just by having a windmill on your property?

Introducing the SkyStream 3.7, a new evolution in Residential Power Appliance (RPA) technology. Developed by Southwest Windpower in Flagstaff, Arizona and available in North American grid, marine and battery charging versions, the SkyStream 3.7 is a lightweight, fully integrated power generation system capable of efficiently providing 40-90% of your home’s energy requirements. The towers come in a variety of heights ranging from 34 feet to 70 feet, with broad rotors 12 feet in diameter. Notably, SkyStream is the first of its kind, so well-designed that it can produce usable energy even with very low prevailing winds. On a private island, where winds are likely to be significantly accelerated due to offshore conditions, something like this on your property could be the only source of energy you’ll ever need- an expense that can pay for itself in less than four years. Read more »

Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into more useful forms, usually electricity, using wind turbines. Most modern wind power is generated in the form of electricity by converting the rotation of turbine blades into electrical current by means of an electrical generator. Wind turbines range from small four hundred watt generators for residential use (Image 1) to several megawatt machines (Image 2) for wind farms. Small scale turbines are available that are approximately 7 feet (2 m) in diameter and produce 900 watts. Units are lightweight, e.g. 16 kilograms (35 lbs), allowing rapid response to wind gusts and are easy to mount, much like a television antenna.

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