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John's Editorial #8
Should We All Be More Concerned about CO2?
Is Carbon Dioxide increasing too rapidly in Earth's atmosphere? Some scientists have evidence that atmospheric CO2 levels have shifted widely in the ancient past, perhaps coinciding with species extinction. But in the relatively recent past (last 50K years) CO2 remained relatively constant. An electrical engineer would observe that the complex eco-servo control system has been in tight regulation during the age of mammals. For example, whenever there has been an increase in  CO2 or N emissions from Earth's internal furnaces, plant life has flourished. And during those 50K years the flaura-fauna servo system has maintained the atmosphere at a constant mix.

The question remains: will the eco-servo stay in regulation as man starts to overpopulate the planet? One of the conditions for any robust servo mechanism is that all of its variable magnitudes and rates remain within limits. That should tell our children what they have to do: keep their civilization's requirements within limits. Some of these limits are: (1) oxygen consumption rate (2) nitrate production rate (3) carbon dioxide production rate, and ultimately, (4)solar energy consumption rate.

Ultimate Limit: Earth's Albedo.
Today, solar (including wind) energy is just starting to be exploited. The solar energy potential is incredible and we should take full advantage of it. Don't hold back; secondary problems due to solar energy proliferation are presently miniscule (like we can ignore a few rats being scalded and birds shredded). But, eventually,  perhaps by the year 2200, scientists will  be telling us to stop putting up solar arrays and wind turbines. Because these will start to affect Earth's albedo (re-radation), the ultimate indicator of Earth's eco-servo condition. (Lets assume that technologies will be found that will mitigate (1) to (3), above).

Methods of relatively clean energy production by fission or fusion may mitigate the thermal radiation pollution problem (4). 

And postpone the inevitable exodus from Earth.  But, by anno 2500 a lot of you people are going to have to get off the planet. 

But, for the next 200 years, friends,  feel free to install lots of solar roofs and backyard wind turbines.  

Interested, but can't yet afford solar power for your home? In the meantime, as a citizen of Earth, you can still help: be nice, be strong, learn about other people. Try to appreciate how it all happened and why you are here. As Mom told us: do something, be somebody. Dont just be a consumer, spectator, or protestor. Get a life - - an alternative energy life. Your wider vision will magically bring new opportunities to you.
Next energy editorial will be March 2003


Test Yard Topics

John Clothier holding glass-free, lightweight, 20-Watt, 12-Volt solar array that is ideal for use on boats and small electric vehicles. Will operate a fluorescent lamp in a rural home, etc.  Or your idea!

Yes, John really is as old as he looks. In 1959 he first soldered solar cells together to build an array for a US Govt portable radio set. Back then solar cells were research items, made at Bell Labs and cost $25 for a 2 x 2 cm wafer.

Basic cell technology has changed very little up until year 2003. But new technology, such as multi-layer PV structure, promises to greatly increase power output. Cheers!

Which is Better: Wind or Solar?


This desert homeowner decided not to decide. After sunset, if wind continues to blow into the evening, this combination can be an ideal remote power source.

This is a grid-tied installation, where the homeowner has reduced his electric billing by 30%. The same setup could also be used for standalone power generation.

The wind turbine can deliver up to 3000Watts. The solar array consists of  twelve 80-Watt polycrystalline panels.

System battery voltage is 48Vdc.
Using the backup capability of a Trace SW4048 DC-to-AC Inverter,
this installation has a separate 120Vac output to critical loads: two refrigerators and household lighting.
So, lights and home computer will remain on and food will not spoil despite extended utility outage. (The inverter main output, via a relay, is automatically disconnected from the power grid as required by  power utility companies in USA).