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342 comments on DrumBeat: June 13, 2007

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OuttaControl on June 13, 2007 - 12:28pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

"...I can run the electric stove off our PV system... "

Really? I haven't spent a ton of time on PV calculations but I do know that electric resistance takes a LOT of electrical energy. How big is your PV system?

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Todd on June 13, 2007 - 2:25pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

OC,

The system is 3.6kW which isn't huge. The thing to remember is that no one is going to crank all the burners up to high and turn on the oven when they can.

In our case, we run the jars through the dishwasher and leave them there so they stay hot. (And, if you've missed it in my other posts, I run a 40 gallon electric HWH on the PV everyday the sun is out.) Then we have one small pot simmering for the jar lids which takes hardly any juice.

We use a big burner for the hot water bath or pressure canner. Again, there is no need to turn the burner up to high. The thing to remember is that burners cycle. In other words, the temp control is not like the burner was on a rheostat by rather it pulls a mimimal load of juice and them periodically calls for more juice, maybe 2-3k, for maybe 10 or so seconds. Therefore, the PV system isn't being challenged for any prolonged periods.

Finally, we almost always use the grid for canning since it's sort of set and forget. I was refering to using PV were it the only choice. And, I'll tell you, it would beat the heck out of having to use the wood cook stove on a hot day!

Todd

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CrystalRadio on June 13, 2007 - 5:58pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

the dishwasher? ... I take it you have no children?

Also as far as a wood stove on a hot day, have you not heard of the Russian summer kitchen (all out doors), or even noticed the intrusive barbecue. Actually I envy your PV system, my remarks are from jealousy there and as well, from the sound of it, the dependable Sun you have.

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Gilgamesh on June 13, 2007 - 7:40pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

dishwashers are wastes of money, electricity, and water.

get your kids to do that, or both you and your significant other can get it done right after dinner, 5 mins tops with both working on it.

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CrystalRadio on June 13, 2007 - 8:08pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Thanks Gilgamesh, for a while I thought I was the only crank about dishwashers and dishwashing. I actually enjoy dish washing, not drying though, air dry is best anyway and cleaner. Also when you have a headache it's better than all analgesics, with the possible exception of Demerol. ;>)

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Swede on June 13, 2007 - 11:09pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

A hint. If you use paper assiets, which you can throw away after dinner, you don´t have to dish at all.

And of cource onetime use plastic knifes and forks.

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Todd on June 13, 2007 - 10:32pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Actually, it is kids who are the energy suck - we chose to never have any. As far as my case, it is run off the PV system in the afternoon. The water is solar heated. It uses 6 gallons a load which is once or twice a week. My experience is it is more energy efficient than hand washing. But, suit your self.

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wizofaus on June 14, 2007 - 5:49am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I'm not sure about the 'water' bit...dishwashers have been shown to use less water than handwashing.... although it's not clear whether any water required in the manufacture & disposal of the dishwater, as well as that required to cool the power generation plants is included.

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john milton on June 13, 2007 - 4:47pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

A standard "Stove circuit" in a North American breaker panel is 40 Amps @ 240 Volts = 9.6 kw, there are a few 30 amp stoves available (= 7.2 kw) , used mostly in mobile homes or old houses with 60 amp electrical services but they are getting hard to find and are more expensive than the larger ones.

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