Electricity

Electricity

Discover methods for generating and conserving electrical power on your sailboat. Explore renewable energy sources, efficient appliances, and backup power solutions to keep your onboard systems running.

  • Achieving Self-Sufficiency: Living Off the Grid and Embracing the Survival Lifestyle

    Introduction

    Living a self-sufficient life has become increasingly important in today's uncertain world. By embracing the survival lifestyle and disconnecting from mainstream infrastructure, individuals can achieve a sense of security and freedom. In this article, we will explore the concept of self-sufficiency, the benefits of living off the grid, and why living on a sailboat offers the perfect opportunity for self-sufficiency.

    Understanding Self-Sufficiency

    Self-sufficiency is the ability to provide for one's own needs without relying on external resources. By focusing on food, energy, and water independence, self-sufficiency offers numerous advantages. In times of crisis, self-sufficient individuals are better equipped to handle unexpected situations and maintain their livelihoods. It promotes resilience, adaptability, and a deeper connection with the natural world.

    Living Off the Grid

    Living off the grid means disconnecting from conventional utility systems and relying on alternative methods to meet our basic needs. By generating our own energy, growing our own food, and managing water resources, we become less dependent on external sources. This lifestyle choice offers benefits such as reduced expenses, environmental sustainability, and increased self-reliance.

  • Blackout

    This is a sample. Adjust to fit your specific requirements.

    Blackout Checklist

    Before a Power Outage:

    1. Generator Check:

      • Ensure the generator is in proper working condition.
      • Check fuel levels and have extra fuel stored safely.
      • Test run the generator to make sure it starts and generates power.
      • Keep generator user manual handy for reference.

    2. Extension Cord Preparation:

      • Ensure you have marked extension cords for each essential appliance.
      • Place the cords in accessible locations for easy setup.
      • Check extension cords for any damage or wear.

    3. Emergency Supplies:

      • Prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, and a battery-powered radio.
      • Keep a supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and any necessary medications.
      • Cheaper, Better Batteries in 2023!

        It looks like CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd.) has finally cracked the issues with sodium-ion batteries. Sodium is the main element of sodium chloride, which is common salt, and is the most abundant mineral on Earth. It is easy to refine from salt deposits, or even from ocean water, without the by-products of hazardous chemicals that lithium mining has.

        Starting in 2023 CATL will begin full production on sodium-ion batteries that surpass the 200 watt/hours per kilogram power storage of lithium-ion batteries. They are cheaper to make, are less harmful to the environment, and use readily available materials. Unlike lithium, sodium is a stable element and is not combustible. Sodium-ion batteries also work without the heat problems of lithium-ion, thus making them safer, and allowing them to be 80% charged in 15 minutes.
      • Debunking the EMP Myth: The Truth About Cars and Electromagnetic Pulse

        In the world of prepping and survivalism, there's a prevailing myth that an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can instantly turn vehicles into useless metal hulks, stranding their owners in a post-apocalyptic scenario. However, a closer look at the scientific evidence suggests that the impact of EMP on cars might be less dramatic than commonly believed. This article delves into the findings of the "Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack" to shed light on the actual effects of EMP on automobiles.

        Excerpt from the Report: The "Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack" provides a valuable insight into the EMP resistance of cars. The report, which can be accessed here (Page 115), reveals that 37 cars ranging from 1986 to 2002 were tested in an EMP simulation laboratory. The results challenge the widely held belief that EMP renders all vehicles inoperable.
      • Exploring Off-Grid Power Solutions for Preppers

        When it comes to prepping, one crucial aspect to consider is power supply. In a disaster or emergency situation, having access to reliable and independent power sources can make a significant difference in your ability to stay connected, powered up, and self-sufficient. Off-grid power solutions provide preppers with the means to generate electricity and meet their energy needs even when traditional power grids are compromised. In this article, we will explore various off-grid power options that can empower preppers to thrive in challenging circumstances.

        1. Solar Power

        Solar power is one of the most popular and accessible off-grid power solutions for preppers. It harnesses the energy of the sun and converts it into electricity. Here are some key points to consider:
      • How Long Would Society Last During a Total Grid Collapse?

        What happens when the lights go out? It's likely that you've experienced a power outage that lasted a few hours, but few people have experience with days or weeks long power loss.

        On our Northern Ontario farm we were affected by the Northeast blackout of 2003 (click here to see the Wikipedia article). While that blackout was fixed within 2 days, it did make many people stop and think. On our farm we already had several generators, and the ability to switch over to them. Since we lived on well water and a septic system, the power outage had nearly no affect on our life. We switched over to the generators and started them every few hours to pump water, cool the fridge/freezers, and cook food. Since this happened during the summer, heating was luckily not an issue.

        We have also gone through several blackouts during the winter that were just as long (or longer), but much more localised. Again, they had little impact on our day-to-day living.

        We now live on our catamaran and provide all our own electrical power. This means that we are not affected by grid blackouts, with the exception of cell phone service and grocery shopping. 
      • How Would a Nuclear EMP Affect the Power Grid?

        The detonation of a nuclear weapon at high altitude or in space (~ 30 km or more above the earth’s surface) can generate an intense electromagnetic pulse (EMP) referred to as a high-altitude EMP or HEMP. HEMP can propagate to the earth and impact various land-based technological systems such as the electric power grid. Because of the extreme differences in views among experts regarding the potential impacts of HEMP on the electric power grid and the potential societal implications, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) launched a three-year research project in April 2016 to investigate the potential impacts of a HEMP attack on the electric transmission system and to identify possible options for mitigating impacts.
      • Power 101

        A great many people want to produce their own power, but have no idea where to start.

        Before you can look at the sources for your power, you need to know how much you will need. Everybody is different, and every house is different. A selection of different appliances can make a large difference in your requirements. Even having identical appliances but in a different region can make a difference.
      • Power Outage Emergency Kit Checklist

        In a world where severe weather often takes the spotlight as the primary culprit behind power outages, it's crucial to remember that the lights can flicker, and power can vanish for various reasons, regardless of the season. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average annual duration of power interruptions for U.S. customers is a staggering six hours. While extended outages may be infrequent, preparing for the unpredictable is your key to ensuring the best possible outcome. To assist you in this endeavour, we encourage you to utilize our Power Outage Emergency Kit Checklist as your guide to building the ideal emergency kit tailored to your needs.
      • Prepare for the Unpredictable: Your Comprehensive Power Outage Emergency Kit Checklist

        Introduction:

        Power outages are an unfortunate reality, and the United States experiences more of them than any other developed country. While short interruptions may be a minor inconvenience, prolonged outages lasting several hours or even days can pose significant challenges to our daily lives. To ensure you and your family are well-prepared for these unpredictable events, Prepare2Thrive.com has put together a comprehensive Power Outage Emergency Kit Checklist.

        Understanding the Causes:

        Power outages can result from various factors, but the most common cause is severe weather. Thunderstorms, earthquakes, hurricanes, and high winds can all lead to disruptions in the electrical grid. Additionally, equipment failures, such as cable or transformer malfunctions, are relatively common occurrences. Human errors, like car accidents or digging without checking for utility lines, can also trigger extended power outages.
      • Solar Power on a Bug-Out Sailboat

        For those who enjoy extended cruising vacations, a bug-out sailboat provides the perfect mix of a relaxing vacation with the security of being prepared for any disaster. The combination of open skies, wind, and solar power makes a bug-out sailboat an ideal vehicle for living off the grid and surviving in a disaster situation.

        If you are a sailor, then you know there are many uses for a boat in a bug-out scenario. Sailboats are self-sustainable, providing navigation, shelter, and food for a family riding out a disaster. A sailboat is able to travel farther and faster than most cars, and can provide an escape and refuge if necessary.

        When it comes to living off the grid on a sailboat, solar power is a major advantage. A reasonable amount of photovoltaic cells can be used to charge the battery bank on board, as well as power electric motors and lights. Solar power can also provide relief from the load of an internal combustion engine, as well as providing power for electronic navigation aids that are essential in a bug-out situation.

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