SteamyTea

I have the Tarot cards out and the chimpanzee is dealing.

For a light hearted view on the market place. Note what an investment really is. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0435p0k

The real problem is that even if the logs/pellets/chippings are at the correct moisture, the stove fitted correctly and used right, they still pollute like hell. I think that message is not getting across.

And when it don't smell, it ain't right either (I am allergic to fish).

Not easily as far as I know. Was the main reason for the MCS system. The only way I know of is to contact a power company and see if they want to buy some, then pay your tax on it.

As far as I know you can export to the grid without a MCS certificate. You need to contact your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) who should be able to advice on what paper work is needed (every PV, wind/water turbine, diesel generation system is logged with them). You will also need to use certified equipment to automatically disconnect in case of a fault.

One of the things that the report highlighted is that it is not just a problem for neighbours (or from neighbours). Even using an approved stove the pollutants may be staying in your own house. " Press-Kristensen has been measuring that pollution inside homes in Copenhagen. In three out of seven tests done so far, he has found very high levels. In one home with a modern log-burning stove, he found particulate levels several times higher than the highest ever recorded outdoors there (see diagram, above). " And why would people collect timber when the weather is wet and cold. Surely the idea is to get it when the weather is warm and dry and dry/store it until it is needed.

I tend to agree. There are some almost generic abbreviated terms is common use, PV, ST and DHW. But when we get to component level, it gets messy.

At that price, buy two.

Welcome John There are some of us on here that are interested in very low energy usage housing, domestic generation technologies and making things as easy as possible. Sometimes it can get good fun. We try hard to only criticise an idea, not the person, but things sometimes stray, especially if a car get mentioned. So were are you based?

I seem to remember that the Barratt problem was really a site problem. The 'builders' were tearing the vapour barrier and not repairing it. Hard to stop things like that. Down here there is quite a large TF company, the production manager said to me. "we make them to a 3mm tolerance, then the plumbers come along and drill a fxxxing hole though the wall'.

Most of the new builds down here seem to be timber frame, so maybe it is a regional thing. Or the Cornish are just a bit more advanced.

Are there any other self builders on the island, ask around and see if any have an old shipping container. Then add some value to it by putting in a small kitchen, bog (as you say up there), maybe something from a boat, and some storage racks. Sell it on to the next self builder or rent it out.

Were they designed by an architect

Thinking about 'different' construction methods, why don't we build the internal walls out block, they have good sound proofing, are good to hang things on and will not affect the thermal properties. Then build the outside walls out of timber frame, clad in whatever you like. And where you have two TF panels meet, why don't we glue and nail a strip of thin ply over the joints to make then airtight.

Probably not, many still remember the Barratt Homes fiasco back in the late 1980's. (Edit: early 80's as this 2003 article shows: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/3316998/On-the-level-timber-tommyrot.html) I am not sure how the public can be convinced that a newer building method is better. And you only have to have once serious failure to tarnish them all. A friend of mine from the USA had never heard of the expression 'as safe as bricks and mortar', and she worked at an architects in New Hampshire (was bought up by a Texan and they all had to wear snake skin boots).

I am sure with a bit of thought and planning, brick or stone slip panels could be made in a factory, transported to site, craned into place and fixed easily. No good for a small builder as they would hate paying for a crane and will convince themselves that working in mud and rain they are 'doing the job cheaper'.

My new rate is now 20p/kWh I think. EDF has pushed the price up 8% on average, but for my usage (sub 4,000 kWh/year), they are as competitive as anyone. Just as an example, if I go away for a few days and the cylinder cools to about 30°C, it only takes half and hour with the top immersion (3kW) to heat up a baths worth. So if you set the thermostats right, and someone does take a very long shower, there will almost be enough put back in for the next one.

Basically what I did. 150mm of insulation and a 3 kW heater probably only needs 4mm2 cable, and that is probably what you would use anyway to reduce voltage drop.

I think any DC route is going to be troublesome. An extreme example would be the creation of hydrogen and oxygen in the cylinder. I know Scotland wants to join the space race, by Cornwall is much better suited to it. (https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25897-spaceport-uk-locations-for-launch-sites-unveiled/) One has to be careful when designing a system not to get carried away. We have gone from about a £1000 DIY system (my idea) To a £2000 plus system (Nick's idea) To a £4000 plus system (Terry's idea) (all figures are bad estimates to make me look good )

The immersion is not a problem, just needs uprated wiring to it. Easy to check: http://myelectrical.com/tools/cable-sizing-calculator As an example

Out of context to your last comment, but worth remembering just how cheap E7 is really. Even if it goes up 25%, it will still only be 10p/kWh for a cheap to install and maintain system. So if you need 10 kWh for all the DHW (including standing losses), it would still only be £1/day. Sometimes the law of diminishing returns comes into play.

May have to set up a thread in Koffins Korner about this. I just get the feeling that there should be an easy and cheap way to monitor airflow.

Just don't do it. I worked with this stuff 30 years ago and the risks where known about then. Have you thought of secondary insulation around a thermal store/DHW cylinder.

How easy would it be to make a 'hot wire' mass flow meter to work with a RPI. They are only a warmed thermistor, a Wheatstone Bridge and a temperature sensor. So there would need to be an AD in there somewhere (or use an RC circuit for timing). Just thinking if they could be made cheap enough, one could be fitted in each duct and then adjust till all the numbers are right. Got to be better than running around the house all the time (and up in the loft).