A RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM
APPROACH FOR THE PROBLEMS
OF DEEP GULCH VALLEY
Jennifer Marrs
Jennifer Marrs
P.O. Box 123
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Jennifer.Marrs@oit.edu
June 2, 2009
Jessamyn Schnackenberg, WRI 227 Instructor
Oregon Institute of Technology, Semon Hall 115
3201 Campus Drive
Klamath Falls, OR
Dear Ms. Schnackenberg,
Enclosed is my final technical report, complete with appendices. The residents of Deep
Gulch Valley, located in the community of Hyampom, California (of which I am a part) are
in need of a complete renewable energy system that will produce enough power to meet
the residents’ needs.
This report is an equipment approach to renewable energy to replace the residents’
dependency on a generator. The renewable energy system will use windpower,
waterpower, and solarpower to make a complete power system. The most important step
before buying any equipment is to update, upgrade, and revamp the homes to make it as
energy efficient as possible. Once this is done, the residents of Deep Gulch Valley will be
able to purchase the equipment from a local power dealer, Shasta Green Power.
I enjoyed your experience and the patience you showed me throughout the Spring term.
Thank you for your time and encouragement in writing my final report. I am confident that
the skills you have taught me this term will be useful throughout my academic and
professional career. I would also like to thank Cristina Negoita for her help and advice in
every step of the way through my technical report. Without her guidance and support, I
would have been lost.
The residents of Deep Gulch Valley will be able to purchase wind, solar, and water power
applications to make a complete power system that will meet their needs. A complete
renewable power system for the residents will consist of a Pelton water wheel, SGP20 wind
turbine, and individual solar upgrades. With these changes the residents of Deep Gulch
Valley will be able to run an agricultural business as well as their residence.
I would appreciate any feedback you could give me, even if it isn’t always positive.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Marrs
A Renewable Energy
System Approach for
the Problems of Deep
Gulch Valley
Residents of Deep Gulch Valley
General Mail
Hyampom, CA 96046
http://www.hyampom.com/
Jennifer Marrs
P.O. Box 123
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
6/2/2009
Table of Contents
List Of Illustrations .......................................................................................................... 1
Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3
History ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Before Choosing a Power System....................................................................................... 5
Making Electricity ............................................................................................................. 7
Deep-Cycle Batteries for the Battery Bank ......................................................... 10
Local Dealer for Power System ....................................................................................... 11
Purchasing the Appropriate Wind Turbine ............................................................. 11
Noise and Animal Impact............................................................................................. 13
Selecting the Wind Turbine ...................................................................................... 14
Purchasing the Appropriate Solarpower System .................................................. 14
Purchasing the Appropriate Waterpower System .................................................. 15
Tax Incentives ........................................................................................................................ 17
Conclusions .............................................................................................................................. 17
Recommendation for Deep Gulch Valley Residents ................................................. 18
Works Cited .............................................................................................................................. 20
Appendix A:
Wind Power Classification ................................................................... 21
i
Appendix B:
Aviation Migration .................................................................................. 23
Appendix C:
Specifications for Wind Turbine SGP20......................................... 25
Appendix D:
Web Addresses ............................................................................................. 29
ii
List Of Illustrations
Figure 1: Off-grid system. ........................................................................................................... 8
Figure 2: Swept area of a wind turbine.................................................................................. 12
Figure 3: Micro-water power station ..................................................................................... 17
1
Abstract
Residents of Deep Gulch, Valley located in Hyampom, California, live
completely off the power-grid. This small community wants to find additional
renewable energy to sustain an agricultural business and residence, by
replacing its dependency on generators.
The foremost important aspect of a renewable energy system is making
the system energy efficient. Once this is completed, purchasing deep-cycle
batteries to store energy is then required.
Residents should consider animal, and noise when installing the model
SGP20, which has low wind requirements and a great federal rebate. Solar
panels will need to be upgraded on an individual resident base, since each
solar system is different. A Pelton Wheel, for Deep Gulch Valley, is the best
choice for a water wheel.
2
A Renewable Energy System
Approach for the Problems of
Deep Gulch Valley
Introduction
This report is an equipment evaluation of the best power systems
available to meet an off-grid power load (power needed to run farm/ranch and
residence). A power system for the purpose of this report represents
windpower, solarpower, waterpower, and a generator backup.
In northern California, there is a small town called Hyampom with a
population of approximately 1500 people. Just outside of Hyampom on St.
John’s Road live the residents of Deep Gulch Valley (DGV) who are currently
living off the power grid (no electrical power from the power company).
This study is in response to DGV residents’ interest in a renewable
energy system to generate enough power to sustain agricultural business and
their residential power needs. After reading this report, the people of DGV will
be able to decide which renewable power sources to add to their current energy
grid to make a working power system that meets their power needs.
Being a member of this community, it is my goal along with my
neighbors to be part of an energy-independent community.
3
In order to choose the appropriate power system for DGV, several aspects
will need to be addressed:
o Economic benefits
o Generator backup
o Battery banks
o Storage of excess power
o Environmental impact
o Viability (Deep Gulch Valley)
o Waterpower, sunpower, windpower

Costs of equipment
o Tax rebates
4
History
Deep Gulch Valley residents are currently completely off the power grid.
The residents are currently using several different applications such as
waterpower, solarpower, and a generator to meet their electricity needs. The
power is collected from the water and sun then converted with an inverter to
produce usable electricity. Generators are used as backup or used in the
winter months to bring the batteries up to usable levels.
DGV would like to find renewable energy sources to make a complete
power system that will replace its dependency on the generators and provide an
alternative resource of energy. The residents will require updates to their water
and solar systems as well as to the generators to make enough power to
sustain them. The current supply of off-grid energy isn’t sufficient for
continuous yearly use.
Before Choosing a Power System
It is extremely important to understand that energy efficiency is much
more important than energy generation for the DGV off-grid power system.
This means that all updates, installation, and conversions to an energy efficient
lifestyle must be met before DGV invests in energy-generating equipment.
Conserving energy and doing more with less is not only good for the planet but
5
will keep the size and costs of the renewable energy power station within
reasonable limits (Kemp, 2005).
DGV residents live in older homes that need to be updated to be energy
efficient. The first step in achieving this is to get a home assessment by a
professional or to visit http://www.energyguide.com to get help identifying
problem areas. Several of the upgrades can be done during weekends with
little construction knowledge. Upgrading outdated appliances to more powerefficient models is among one of the challenges that can be tackled. There are,
however, some upgrades that should be left to professionals and will add to the
current budget (Kemp, 2005). These can range from installing new walls,
redoing exterior walls, and various projects.
An energy efficient off-grid house has many of the same components as a
regular house; however, it uses 10 times less electricity than the average house
(Kemp, 2005). The homes in DGV use wood stoves for heat, which will reduce
the heavy energy load that heating places on power systems.
6
Making Electricity
In order to have a functioning off-grid home, the electricity to be supplied
must be in the form of 120/240 v (volts) alternating current (VAC) through a
device called an inverter (electrical conversion of low-voltage electricity to a
battery bank of 120/240 VAC). Figure 1 on the following page demonstrates
how the off-grid power system relies on solarpower, windpower, and
waterpower to charge a battery bank. There is also generator backup power if
one application needs repair or updating. The battery bank then takes the
energy and converts it into usable power with the inverter. Next it distributes
that energy to the house or, if there is extra, to an alternate water heater
(Kemp, 2005).
7
Figure 1: Off-grid system.
This power system relies on renewable energy from the sun, wind, and water.
Source: Kemp, (2005). The Renewable Energy Handbook: A Guide to Rural Independence, Off-Grid and
Sustainable Living.
8
Generator Backup: Keeping the Battery Bank Fully Charged
Off-the-grid power systems collect energy from the wind, sun, or water
(renewable source) then convert it into electricity. The energy is then stored in
a battery bank. When DGV residents need energy to power appliances, the
energy is released from the batteries and converted into an alternate current
and fed to the appliances.
The residents of DGV should invest in a generator backup in case the
renewable system needs to be repaired. The best choice is to have a generator
that runs on propane and automatically turns on if the battery power runs low.
Propane is the best solution for a generator, since hauling gasoline and diesel
is too burdensome for some residents. The residents of DGV would need to
add on to their existing propane line for the propane generator. This generator
shouldn’t add much more expense to the propane bill as it will only be used as
a backup.
If an automatic generator is bought and installed, an important
consideration is that routine maintenance will still need to be conducted to
maintain proper operation. A digital controller feature can be an added
expense to purchasing a generator, however; it will save money by alerting the
owner of a variety of faults (Sindlear, 2009).
A generator should not be an afterthought for the renewable energy
system. It should instead be thought of as an extension of the power system
9
that can supply the full charging level of the inverter. A good generator will
produce 2,500 watts of continuous power (Sindlear, 2009).
Renewable energy systems will require the use of wind, sun, water, and a
generator backup to generate enough power during variable or intermittent
durations (dark days or when there is too much or not enough wind).
Deep-Cycle Batteries for the Battery Bank
There are many batteries to choose from for DGV residents’ battery bank
needs. The best choice is deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries. The deep-cycle
batteries will last up to 20 years with a minimum of care. These batteries can
be recycled (with the local vendor, who will give a credit for the battery cores)
when new ones need to be installed (Kemp, 2005).
The battery bank is where the energy is stored before handing it back as
usable power. The battery bank is a critical part of the renewable power
system. An adequate off-ground storage shield may need to be built or
updated to hold several battery banks. Not only will this protect DGV residents
investment, but having a well-built storage shield that will last as long as the
batteries will mean less work down the line. The batteries are an important
aspect since this is where all the collected energy will be stored.
10
Local Dealer for Power System
Shasta Green Power (SGP), located in Cottonwood, California is the local
renewable energy dealer for DGV. SGP can help with designing a power system
from scratch or help update an existing system. They will even help with
finding the right tax incentive/rebate that fits DGV’s needs. This will
significantly reduce the cost of a new power system or updating an existing
renewable power system.
Purchasing the Appropriate Wind Turbine
The residents of DGV should use a swept area* to determine which is the ideal
wind turbine (Bartmann & Fink, 2009). This is the true figure to measure wind
instead of being fooled by the manufacturer’s per year output, which is the
maximum sustained output that can be produced by the wind turbine.
Area in square feet of the rotor. pi x Radius² = Area Swept by the Blades. The
larger the swept area the more kilowatt per hour (Kwh) can be made per
month. See figure 2 on the following page.
*
11
Figure 2: Swept area of a wind turbine
Source: Mariah Technologies (2009) Mariahtech.com
This manufacturer’s output is rarely achieved for long periods of time, making
it a misleading figure.
Measuring the average wind speed of the DGV area would take lots of
time and money, even though it is very beneficial, and wouldn’t be needed at
this time. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (www.NREL.gov) has
12
wind speed data for St. John’s Road (see Appendix A) (Alliance for Sustainable
Energy, 2009). DGV wind speed ranges from 0-5.7 mph, which are poor to
good wind conditions to run a wind turbine.
Noise and Animal Impact
A larger swept area means a larger turbine, which in turn will produce
more energy output per month. Although large turbines make less noise than
smaller models, all wind turbines make some noise no matter what model is
purchased. The wind turbine has “whooshing” blades, and the hum of the
alternator can be compared to someone riding a bicycle. Wind turbines will
always make some noise; however, the advantages outweigh this disadvantage.
DGV residents should invest in a heavier, slower spinning, larger, more
expensive wind turbine which does not make as much noise (Bartmann &
Fink, 2009). DGV residents have several acres and will install their wind
turbine far enough away that what little noise it does make will not make a
difference.
Birds and bats are very rarely affected by micro-wind turbines, with most
deaths occurring with large industrial wind turbines. The majority of avian
deaths are caused by buildings and windows (Bartmann & Fink, 2009). One of
the cautions DGV residents should be aware of when installing a wind turbine
is the avian migration patterns (see Appendix B). The Association of Fish and
13
Wildlife Agencies (http://www.fishwildlife.org) has existing guidelines for siting
a windpower station that should be reviewed before installing a wind turbine in
DGV (Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 2009).
Selecting the Wind Turbine
Shasta Green Power (SGP) has micro wind turbine model SGP20, which
has a 10-meter diameter rotor blade and a start up speed of 2.5 miles per hour
and includes a 60-foot monopole. This is the best choice for DGV residents.
The SGP20 is rated at 20 kilowatts of power and has a 15-year lifetime. It
costs $54,590.00 with a California rebate of $43,650.00, making the grand
total only $10,940.00 to purchase (Souder, 2009). Refer to Appendix C for
more specifics on SGP20 model.
Purchasing the Appropriate Solarpower System
Solar cells (called solar cells, solar panels, or Photovoltaic (PV) cells)
convert sunlight into usable electricity (Kreith & Goswami, 2007).
A caution when buying solar panels is that manufacturers rate the solar
panels on ideal sunshine conditions, which rarely happen. It is wise to de-rate
the power output by 20-40% to get a more accurate output rate. The standard
14
warranty for solar panels is 20 years or more. The residents of DGV should be
aware to always read the fine print--sometimes there are limited liability
warranties that could jeopardize the original warranty (Kemp, 2005).
DGV residents will need a moderate solar panel system to sustain their
needs throughout the years. This means that a wire system of 24-48 volt
batteries and an inverter with a maximum peak output of 4,000 Watts will suit
their needs.
The average daily peak sun-hours for Hyampom, can range from 2.5
hours in the winter to 5.6 hours in the summer. By using a sun tracker, solar
panels will increase their overall energy production by 25-40%. Sun trackers
do not require anything to run, but should be aligned regularly with the sun’s
rays throughout the seasons. If the DGV residents use large sun trackers, they
will be able to purchase fewer and larger panels.
Since DGV residents have different solar systems currently the best
solution to upgrade is to contact the local dealer at Shasta Green Power to get
an estimate of what each individual’s needs are.
Purchasing the Appropriate Waterpower System
The residents of DGV have access to a creek, spring, or water source
that, with a little work, can be used for waterpower. As long as the water
15
source doesn’t dry up during the year, it can be used. There are several types
of waterpower systems that would work; however, the best choice for this
community would be the Pelton Wheel.
The Pelton Wheel is a series of cups attached to a hub. When the water
is focused toward the cups, it forces the turbine to spin. This process is what
makes the power that will be stored in the battery banks.
Micro waterpower is the least used renewable energy source, even
thought it usually puts out the most reliable power (if there is a creek or
reliable water supply). There are many advantages of using micro-hydro
power, such as that it charges the batteries 24 hours a day (Spence, 2009).
Figure 3 on the following page demonstrates how a water power system
works.
16
Figure 3: Micro-water power station
Source: Spence (2009). Green-Trust.org
Tax Incentives
There are tax incentives at the state and federal levels for energy efficient
applications (appliances) or installing renewable energy. The incentives can
come in several different forms, such as deductions from taxes or credit against
tax liability.
Tax credits can be applied to the initial purchase, investment technology,
ongoing consumption of said technology, or construction of covered technology
(Kreith & Goswami, 2007).
DGV residents should visit the Database of State Incentives for
Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) (http://www.dsireusa.org/) in order to find
tax incentives at the state and federal levels that will meet their personal needs
when upgrading their renewable power system. California offers personal tax
rebates, property taxes, rebates, grants, loans, and production incentives.
Conclusions
17
The rule of thumb for saving money on energy is “for every dollar you put
into energy efficiency, you reduce electrical generation capital costs by between
three and five dollars” (Kemp, 2005). Investing in renewable energy is a costly
adventure, and being energy efficient will reduce purchasing costs.
DGV residents will need to make several upgrades to their homes before
purchasing any new power equipment. Not only will this save them money
down the line, but it will also make each house more energy efficient.
Deep Cycle batteries may need to be moved to a better storage site even
upgraded. A battery bank is very important because it is where all the energy
will be stored for 20 years or more.
Recommendation for Deep Gulch Valley Residents
The community members of DGV will need to update and upgrade their
homes in order to be as energy efficient as possible. Being energy efficient will
reduce the money spent on expensive equipment. After all updates are made,
then deep-cycle batteries can be purchased (or upgraded) as needed and
housed in a well vented above ground storage unit.
For a complete renewable system the members of DGV will need to
purchase the following power units. Model SGP20 wind turbine, has a huge
rebate and will only cost $10,940.00 from Shasta Green Power (the local
18
dealer). This turbine comes with its own sixty foot pool, which should be
installed by professionals.
DGV residents already have a solar system in place; however the
residents should contact the local dealer (Shasta Green Power) to upgrade the
current solar power unit.
The most reliable energy source is micro-waterpower. The Pelton Wheel
is the best suitable choice for waterpower.
19
Works Cited
Alliance for Sustainable Energy. (2009, May 15). Wind Research. Retrieved May 16, 2009,
from National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy: http://www.nrel.gov/
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. (2009). Programs; Existing Wind Power Siting
Guidelines. Retrieved may 2, 2009, from Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies:
http://www.fishwildlife.org/index.html
Bartmann, D., & Fink, D. (2009). Homebrew Wind Power: A hands-on guide to harnessing
the wind. Masonville, CO: Buckville Publications LLC.
Kemp, W. H. (2005). The Renewable Energy Handbook: A guide to Rural Independence,
Off-Grid and Sustainable Living. Tamworth, Ontario Canada: Aztext Press.
Kreith, F., & Goswami, D. Y. (2007). Handbook of energy efficiency and renewable
energy. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Mariah Technologies. (2009). Comparison Analisis. Retrieved May 2009, from Mariah
Technologies: http://mariahtech.com
Sindlear, A. (2009, June/July). Engine Generator Basics. Home Power , pp. 96-102.
Souder, D. (2009). Wind Products. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from Shasta Green Power:
http://shastagreenpower.com
Spence, S. (2009). Hydroelectric Power - Water power - micro hydro systems. Retrieved
05 20, 2009, from Green-Trust.org: http://www.green-trust.org/wordpress/
20
Appendix A:
Wind Power Classification
Wind Power
SOURCE: (Alliance for Sustainable Energy, 2009)
21
WIND SPEEDS FOR ST. JOHN’S ROAD. DGV RESIDENTS ARE IN THE FAIR TO GOOD WIND CATEGORY.
22
Appendix B:
Aviation Migration
Aviation Migration Map
Source: http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/major-global-bird-migration-routes-to-the-arctic
23
Source: http://ca.audubon.org/maps/pdf/Fall_River_Valley_Area.pdf
24
Appendix C:
Specifications for Wind Turbine SGP20
Data specs for SGP20
1. Application
The wind power generator is an equipment to convert wind energy into electric power which is changed into storage battery
group. It can be widely used in rich wind areas but without normal energy supply from any power system .It is capable of
providing power for lighting, TV, telecommunication equipment and so on.
2. Structure and Main performance
The unit is mainly composed of wind rotor, permanent magnet generator, tail vane, stand, electric controller, storage
batteries, electric inverter, electric cable, etc. (Fig1)
3. Main technical performances
Rotor Diameter (m)
10.0
Material and number of the blades
Rated power/maximum power
FRB*3pcs
20/28kw
Rated wind speed (m/s)
11
Startup wind speed (m/s)
2.5
Working wind speed (m/s)
3~25
Survived wind speed
50
Rated rotate speed(r/min)
180
Working voltage
DC240V/360V/480V
Generator style
Three phase, permanent magnet
Charging method
Constant voltage current saving
Speed regulation method
Yaw+ Auto brake
Weight
1496kg
Tower height (m)
18
Suggested battery capacity
12V/200HA Deep cycle battery 80pcs
Life time
15years
25
4. Application principles
4.1 The wind turbine should be installed in an open and flat area without barriers nearby.
26
4.2 Off-grid wind turbine generating electric power is charged to the batteries group. When there is no wind, it consumes the
electricity from the battery group. Therefore, after discharging, the batteries should be recharged timely, especially
for lead-acid batteries. During the working, over discharging, over charging or after over discharging, the batteries
cannot be recharged timely, the working life of the batteries will be reduced in above conditions. So, the users
should regulate the consuming capacity of the electricity according to local wind condition and the electricity capacity
generated by the wind generator.
4.3 After passing full wave bridge rectification, the 3-phase AC electricity generated by wind generator is output with DC
power, usually are DC24V, 36V, 48V, 120V. The voltage of the battery group should be equal to the DC voltage of
the wind generator (after rectification).
4.4 The input DC voltage of the matched inverter should be equal with working voltage of the wind generator (after
rectification).
5. The maintenance of the wind generator
The products are divided into two kinds: common product and high quality product (no maintenance), the common product need
following maintenances regularly.
5.1 Checking, cleaning and lubricating all rotating parts one time per year.
27
5.2 Before rain season, cleaning outside and paint antirust grease on the surface of all fixed connecting parts once a year.
5.3 Lubricating and maintenance bearing of generator one time per operating year.
5.4 Cleaning, rust removing and painting all exposed parts one time per every two years.
The maintenance of high quality product (AAA)
a. Exposed parts are made by stainless steel or have passed special long time effective rust-protection treatment, so the outside of those
parts don’t need maintenance.
b. The generator has adopted high grade bearings and high grade lithium grease, the bearings need to be checked after operating for 5
years, if it is necessary, add some grease to the bearings.
Source: (Souder, 2009)
28
Appendix D:
Web Addresses
Energy Guide: Smart choices for being more energy efficient, including the
best updates for the home.
http://www.energyguide.com
Shasta Green Power: Local renewable energy dealer. Cottonwood, California.
http://shastagreenpower.com
State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE): A database for
incentives to purchase renewable energy.
http://www.dsireusa.org/
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies: Guidelines for installing and
siting windpower station in California.
http://www.fishwildlife.org/agency_science_Siting_wind.html
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Information, tests, results, data
from the nation’s renewable energy lab for wind speeds on St. John’s Road.
www.NREL.gov
29