Energy Toolbox
Some locations are suited to different types of renewable energy by virtue of where they are, and some are not.
Often it is not too difficult to discover whether, for example, there is enough water flowing in a small river or stream for a viable hydro power project, or if there is enough land to grow biomass fuel for a district heating scheme or liquid biofuel plant.
However, often it is useful to make reasonable estimates of what potential may be available before contracting work to consultants and project managers if for no other reason than to help the community focus on the projects which are most likely to be effective.
Over the course of the next few months the People's Power Station will be developing community energy calculation tools and hosting them on this page ready to be downloaded and used.
Toolbox
These 'Tools' are designed to be both helpful and fun, though in some cases they may turn out to be more fun. Please note that the tools are simplified, and should not be relied upon as an accurate source of data, but rather as a guide.
1. Wind Power: The first tool is is to help you to make a first estimate of how much a wind turbine might generate for you. All you need to know are the mean annual wind speed for the turbine site and the blade diameter of the proposed machine. Perhaps you already have a wind turbine and would like to check your performance against the results of this spreadsheet? Instructions are found within the file.
2. Photovoltaic: This tool is on its way. It will be a simple tool to estimate the amount of space needed and electricity generated for different sized PV systems. It will incorporate a range of different types of PV modules and a description of how systems work.
3. Hydro Power: A simplified tool for assessing the potential of a hydro power scheme.
