Notes on Pedaling switch

We added details to our idea of making a pedal powered unit that switches the power for a TV, game console, or whatever.
Added concept of having a gauge showing charge, or minutes of time before they have to pedal again.
Added concept of locked cover over outlets to lock in the power plug.
Package could be small enough to be affordable since it's not actually generating power, but just closing a contact. Would need a capacitor or something to hold a charge for up to 10 or 15 minutes.
Would require adjustable resistance if not actually generating the power.
Could be integrated into a nice, semi-reclined chair unit with speakers for video game consoles.
One for the living room may send a wireless signal to the switch box so the pedal unit could move from couch to couch to chair.

Narc Heat Pump Control logic

MAIN LOOP

Inputs:
Aquastat - In 50 gal buffer tank. (24VAC)
House Thermostat - on wall somewhere in living space (24VAC)

Outputs:
HP -Heat pump turn on heat pump (24VAC into thermostat connection in heat pump)
-On if Aquatat <OR> Thermostat
Pump for Heat Pump - turn on any time heat pump is on. Often the heat pump will have a switched 120VAC line for that.
Floor valve - valve to floor loop - 24vac to actuate
-If Thermostat <AND> NOT Aquastat
Tank Valve - Valve to 50 gal buffer tank

HEAT EXCHANGER LOOP
-Differential temperature controller between water heater and buffer tank turns on the pump whenever buffer tank is more than a few degrees warmer than the water heater.

Lessons learned on air exchangers

Lessons learned on air exchangers:
1.The cold ductwork must be as short as possible. For every foot of duct, there is a large loss of heat from the dwelling. Using the insulated ducts that are currently available do not seem to help much.
2.Dampers need to be installed on the both sides of the exchanger, otherwise there is basically a hole to the outside of the building which will allow cold air into the building.
3.Any air exchanger must have actively balanced airflow in order for it to run at its optimum efficiency. If the flow isn't balanced, it again acts like a hole to the outside of the building.
4.It is important to install a quality external prefilter on both sides of the air exchanger and maintain them regularly.
5.To be continued....

NARC heat pump sketch

This will only mean something to those of us who drew it.

Robot team

The mani shop played host this evening to the pine river high school
robot team. Tonight it was pizza, training movie and brainstorm session.

Thank God it's not Sewage!

With a bit of forethought, Jake and I tested out the effluent lift station with clean water before letting it fill with sewage.  We are both a bit damp, but glad.

Our first 200 gallons of sewage.

Ain't it a thing of beauty?