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March8-10, 2002 As a result of past weather catastrophes across the country, such as the ice and wind storm in Quebec and the Y2K scare, we have collectively realized that exclusive dependence on one or two sources of energy makes us very vulnerable in the event of an environment crisis. This awareness when combined with growing concerns about the impact on the planet of the use of non-renewable energy has created a growing interest and exploration of renewable and non-polluting sources of energy. For those of us who want to explore other energy options in order to lessen our dependence on the "Grid", the investigation can become quite daunting. Often the materials that we read are quite technical, complicated, out-of-date and sometimes contradictory. Its difficult to access all the information in one place or apply the data to our particular locale or future plans. With these problems in mind the Ecology Retreat Centre has created a course that will give you, in one location, the essential information about Wood/Wind/Water and Solar renewable energy that is up-to-date, easy to understand and practical. I have enlisted the help of instructors who are experts in their respective fields, or who are already living off the Grid so that you can navigate your course towards alternative energy with less confusion and trepidation. In addition, there will be a balance of lectures, slides, demonstration units, drawings, hand-outs, booklets and do-it-yourself plans. Included in the program is a guided demonstration and plans of how to build your own wind generator from someone who has been off the grid for more than ten years. A tour of a local Off - Grid home can be arranged for another weekend. Lets also not forget the wonderful vegetarian meals and the great people you will meet on the course! v v v Here is a list of the instructors for the course and what they will cover: Chris Magwood(Author and Strawbale Home Builder) - Solar design and site planning, passive solar systems: solar collection, thermal storage, heat distribution. Peter Mack(Author and Strawbale Home Builder) - Independant power systems (photovoltaics) - basic electricity, controls, batteries, invertors, voltage regulators, DC appliances. Bob Bud(Director - Citizens for Renewable Energy)-Wind generators - components, placement - how to build your own wind charger. Blaize Monostory (Energy Efficiency Advisor) - Wood stoves and fireplaces- types of, placement, installation, maintenance and use- radiant (floor) water heating, advantages, components, interfacing with other heating modes. Rob McMonagle(Prometheus Energy- owner) - Emergency power systems. How to gradually convert to an off-the-grid home. Micro-hydro - types of micro-hydro turbines, calculating energy output from water flow. Bob Swartman(Solcan -Mechanical Engineer) - Solar hot water heating. Types of systems, hybrid systems, components. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Brought to you by Sustainable Maritimes (sust-mar) SUST-MAR TIP: to post to the whole list, send to sust-mar@chebucto.ca -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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