News:

Welcome to the 'Renewable Energy Forum' - Here you can ask any questions you like to a large panel of industry professionals and like-minded enthusiasts. Or simply search the forum for existing answers to your questions, and chat freely with your peers in our friendly community.

Main Menu
Menu

Show posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.

Show posts Menu

Messages - JamesH

#46
General / UK to lose 0.5GW of capacity in the new year
November 29, 2015, 12:16:06 AM
The Wylfa nuclear power station in Angelsey will cease operation in January 2016 and no new site will be generating until 2020 at the earliest.

It may only be 0.5 GW, but the grid was already close to capacity as some point this year. Do you think we will see through 2016 without any blackouts?
#47
[quote author=Zarostulus link=topic=134.msg381#msg381 date=1448625882]
I'd never heard of that either, thanks for the clarification. To be honest, I wouldn't be too put out by a turbine in my back yard at all  ;)
[/quote]

I wouldn't even be against one literally in my back yard, I think I'd earn quite a bit of rent for it :D
#48
In terms of £/Mwh when compared to coal and other forms of electricity generation. I assume pretty low as there is no fuel cost involved, but I'd appreciate if someone could give me a rough estimate.
#49
Green Roofs / Re: What can you grow on a green roof?
November 28, 2015, 01:45:54 PM
I'm not sure if soil depth is the main issue, but wouldn't roots potentially damage the underlying roof?  It really depends on just how deep the soil is to be able to say what you could grow.
#50
The reliability isn't so much one of unpredictability, as it's more predictable than wind. But the fact you have guarenteed downtime for approximately half the day. Wind energy can be stabalised if you spread turbines out across the network, but at midnight the entire collective solar output will be 0.
#51
I did, and I even had some nosy person give me hassle about it. Claiming that it was still illegal and that he was going to report me to Thames Water. That's one downside of living on a fairly busy street.
#52
Rainwater Harvesting / Re: Rainwater for toilet flushing
November 27, 2015, 12:27:46 PM
I don't think it would even be that hard for older buildings, just one more pipe coming down from the gutter to a tank, then to the cistern. Maybe there are things I haven't considered but it doesn't seem too much hassle.
#53
General / Re: Hydrogen Storage
November 27, 2015, 12:25:46 PM
I've heard that hydrogen is difficult to store, so I think the actual storage technology itself will have to develop before it becomes an integral part of the UK power generating infrastructure.
#54
I've seen a few projects, especially people trying to live off grid. I wondered if anyone here had had a little fun trying to hook up an exercise bike to a generator? It's something I'd like to do, even if it isn't that practical.
#55
General Discussion / Re: How did you come across REH?
November 27, 2015, 12:21:59 PM
[quote author=St Rhenium link=topic=131.msg263#msg263 date=1448396569]
I just came across this website today while going on a YouTube video spree about futurism. One thing led to another, and soon I was on a Wikipedia article for green roofs, so I Googled that some more, and here I am now :D
[/quote]

Used to be a bit of an enthusiast. Google'd "UK renewable energy forum" and this was the top result :P
#56
It doesn't have to be, it just makes it a lot easier and cheaper.

I believe even households have made use of this before, so it's definately possible, you just have to dig a little deeper (literally).
#57
General / Does anyone make a profit from feed in?
November 27, 2015, 12:19:14 PM
I know that some people with micro-generation in the home use very little energy. This makes me wonder how many people have an annual electricty bill of £0 and actually make a consistent profit.
#58
I personally don't see it happening. the 22.5GW mosnter is China will probably remain the largest in my opinion. I don't see Egypt/Brazil damming up the Nile or Amzon, and that's probably the only way it could be exceeded.

What do you think?
#59
Heat Pumps / Re: How do heat pumps work?
November 27, 2015, 11:52:11 AM
I'm not exactly sure so take this with a pinch of salt. I believe heat pumps work in a similar way to refrigerators. I know they basically move heat rather than generate it, but by what process I'm not sure.
#60
That depends what quality you are looking for and how low your budget is. Applying sealant is always best, but you can also use a rug going under doors if you're looking to reduce draughts between rooms.

Also something I've noticed for my rear door is that using just the key to lock it, the door is not fully pressed against the frame, butwhen you bolt it shut the draught goes completely.