Hi Guys and Gals
New to this forum, I have been researching solar and alternative energy storage for some time.
Recently decided to make a start on getting off grid. Well the storage of hot water is pretty simple, so need power only for those other pesky stuff. Trouble is more stuff more battery storage needed. So instead I have been whittling down the need for those big abtteries.
Recently I realised water as ice has as much energy storage capacity as lithium ion batteries 90wh/kg. Well that was a bolt from out of the blue. Since I also realised back in the bad old days before compressors ice blocks where used succesfully. Also realised refridgeration is the most important device to keep working in the house, on those long hot days.
Result, a simple project for all.
My initial calculation go like this
DOMESTIC EXAMPLE
So want to cool a refridgerator for 2 days with a block of ice.
Typical refrigerators are 600W and run for 50% of the time.
So 600 * 24 * 2 * 0.5 Whr = 14400 Whr
weight of ice = 14400 / 92.995 = 154.847 Kg
or (1cc = 1 gm and 1000cc = 1 liter) 154847 cc = 154.85 liters
154846 cc = 53.7 cm per side
How big a panel
need to freeze 2 days of ice in 6 hours
14400 Whr / 6 Hr = 2400W panel
So I would go for 3 KwHr panel, and a compressor that size to boot.
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while the size seems big, rememeber insulation is cheap, ice can be bank of blue freezer blocks.
If there is space on top of the fridge, put it there, cut a few holes.
Only problem is some electronics to turn the compressor of the ice block bank on when the sun is shinning enough.
After approaching a couple of autralian companies to give the idea away, non have responded.
Not even Energy Matters.
Oh well now every one has the concept.
cheers
Alanj