Homestead mailing list

[Bill Jones <billj AT harborside.com>]

EarthNSky wrote:

> If I lived out in the open like that, I would definitely try to make use 
> of that wind, and maybe solar, too...
>
> B
>
>  
I can't resist telling folks more about my new water system.  The other 
day I realized that I can make it perfectly seamless with my existing 
electric well pump.  The next time the need arises to spend $500 on 
another one of the Man's delicate impeller pumps, I'll switch to my own 
system.

The basic pumping unit, if you recall, is just a cylinder with a pair of 
one-way valves attached to the bottom.  Compressed air is injected into 
the top.  Today I'm working on the very simple control circuit that 
senses when the pump chamber is empty, and turns off the flow of air 
through a solenoid valve long enough for the chamber to refill.

The other day I realized that with one more (< $30) solenoid valve, this 
one controlled by my existing pressure switch, the whole system can be 
as automatic as it is now.  This valve would serve as the master control 
valve that turns on air from the compressor.

So even if I just go out and buy a small compressor, which I can use for 
many other purposes, the whole cost won't be over $300.  The pump with 
its one-way valves is about $80, two solenoid valves are about $60 (but 
my buddy Orlando has an abundance of solenoid valves salvaged from old 
mills), I've spent under $30 on transistors and relays and such, and the 
compressor is around $100.  I guess I also need a long air hose too.  
The only things to remember are that the compressor has to match or 
exceed the pressure output of my present pump, and its power rating has 
to be match or exceed it as well.

Here's the best part of all.  If I rig up my own T-connector (possibly 
requiring some one-way valves) so that air from a separate, wind-powered 
compressor (any old piston engine with one good cylinder will do) is 
injected into the storage tank of the electric one, then it won't come 
on as long as there's enough wind blowing.  So it's possible to smoothly 
make the transition from the grid to home power.  If you just can't put 
air back into the compressor tank, it may be necessary to have one's own 
"receiver" tank.

It's really funny how things come together.  If I had never moved here 
and seen Orlando's pneumatic-controlled sawmill, or if I'd never studied 
electronics, I probably wouldn't have the confidence to put it all together.

Bill
S. Oregon coast