Generator Auto Transfer Switch Coming!

The folks at Back Woods Solar are sending us a Automatic Transfer Switch for the VeggieGen. It switches two 50 amp/240 vac hots, and a 70 amp neutral, with a time delay to allow the generator time to settle it's rpm's after startup. Just the ticket for our installation. It costs $126 delivered, so give them a call today at (208) 263-4290, and ask for Model # LPT 50BRD. Make sure you mention you saw it at Green Trust.

VeggieGen running on Veggie!

Tonight we fired up on 50/50 kerosene and Waste Vegetable Oil (V50). The Detroit Diesel loves the mix, and is purring like a kitten. Tomorrow we install the heat exchanger for 100% WVO (V100) power. Diagrams and construction notes of the veggie oil filtration system will be coming shortly. Read more on our Wiki Pages.

The VeggieGen's Automatic Transfer Switch

It would be convenient for us to have an automatic transfer switch, so that when the VeggieGen is started, our system automatically switches from battery/inverter power, to generator power. When the generator shuts down, we go back to inverter power, without any hiccups. However, the Gen takes a few moments for the rpm's to settle down, and the frequency to get in spec.

We have developed an inexpensive automatic transfer switch that senses power coming from the generator, waits 60 seconds, then disconnects the inverter and connects the generator in less than 40 ms. A block diagram is below, and a parts list, parts, and finished units will be available.

The VeggieGen is powered up!

The VeggieGen is running, and we are enjoying the increased power we have available. No more dimming lights when the well pump comes on, or the drop in water pressure as the pump tries to spin up. No more computer rebooting when the washer or dryer are started. Initially we are running on diesel, until the veggie conversion kit is finished, hopefully by weeks end. On a side note, can anyone identify the power connector on this generator?

The passing of Sadie Spence

Sadie Spence, 2

Family Protector and Pet, Sadie Spence, 2, died Sept. 21, 2004, in front of her home in Winthrop, NY.

A service and burial was held at 10pm, at the site of the accident.

Sadie (half Chow/half German Shepherd) came to the Spence family 3 months ago from a family that could not keep her any longer, and was accepted and loved by all, except the cats. She kept the racoons out of the veggie oil and chased away all animal intruders. She was in the process of performing such duty when the accident occured.

The driver of the truck never saw her until after the hit, only the critter she was chasing.

She enjoyed runs, roughhousing, fetch, and playing with the cats.

She was loyal, and friendly, and never failed to let us know someone was trespassing by barking loudly as she hid behind the house.

She will be remembered and missed.

She is survived by her family, Steve, Linda, Michelle, Steven & Matthew, and her neighborhood canine pal, Oreo.

Steve Spence was in charge of arrangements, with the driver of the truck providing lighting and the shovel.

Veggie Adventures!

Well, it's been a busy two days. The VeggieGen is here, and the VeggieBenz is finished. Read more about both at our Wiki!

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VeggieGen and VeggieBenz

Spoke to the trucking company today. The VeggieGen is in VT, and will be delivered tomorrow. Finally! We can't wait. Tomorrow night we start on the VeggieBenz conversion. It's a 1980 MB Diesel Wagon being converted to run on Waste Vegetable Oil. The conversion kit is a Greasel Tankless kit. We will be adding a heat exchanger to the main tank, and installing a 3 gallon diesel tank for startup/shutdown. The full conversion process will be documented here shortly.

Tell Greasel that Green Trust sent you, or order a kit through us. Proceeds keep this non-profit alive.

Renewable Energy News | California Dairies Look to Biogas Market

Renewable Energy News | California Dairies Look to Biogas Market

Bio-methane digesters go a long way to cleaning up the air, water, and soil in and around large farm ventures. Even smaller outfits can benefit by producing energy for the farm, and soil building fertilizer for their crops.

Bio Methane Wiki

Eco Camper

Ready for some environmentally friendly, biofueled camping? Thanks to Good Sam's Club Highways Magazine for the idea ;-)

VeggieGen Progress

For those who would like to track the journey of the VeggieGen across the country from Idaho to Winthrop NY, Take a look at the shipping tracker. Pictures of the site preparation will be posted once this blasted rain stops.

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Classifieds section has been added to the forums. Buy/Sell, Look/Ask for work, etc., in the areas covered by this website.

Goings On

We heard from the shipping company that the VeggieGen shipped on Tuesday. They expect to be able to deliver Monday of next week. We can't wait. Meanwhile, we are working on a Poll/Survey section and a Events Calendar section for this site. A eMail a Friend function has been enabled. Look at the icon following each blog entry. Also check out our new RSS news feeds in the right column. Updated daily. That's all for now, enjoy!

Steve rides a Segway

I took my daughter to college this weekend. She's attending SNHU, and while we were getting her stuff unpacked, security rode by on a Segway. Naturally, I was curious about the device, so I stopped him and asked him questions about it. You know, how do you like it, is it really worth the mondo bucks that were spent, etc. He asked me if I'd like to ride it, which of course was a silly question, of course I did. So I did. I liked it. It was cool. Took about 45 seconds to get the hang of leaning back and forward to make it go without jerking around like a lunatic. Would I spend a few grand on one? Hey, it's cool, but not practical enough to me to be worth $3000.



I also got to see a GEM eL NEV Pickup, which is a much more practical machine for me.