Green Lifestyle

This page feature the environmental work of Geoff Hensman, who being aware of the enviromental strain being placed on the planet, has spent a lot of time and energy utilising the multitude of skills he has developed in his life. These skills have been applied to aspects of self-suffiency which include alternative energy systems, gardening and being resourceful with materials and each practise embraces the eco-mantra, re-use, reduce, recycle.

Having been affected by the second world war as a child, the compulsory rationing instilled the resourceful element to not only his life, but to all who lived through this generation. There were none of the superficial indulgences, which are almost compulsory amongst our present generation, though like every child, he had (and still has!) a creativeimagination which took on a love of nature. The constant interest it produced, inspired Geoff as a child and these formative years link us to Geoff as an adult, where he applies himself within the modern world to work in harmony with nature where humanly possible. Whilst there are elements of Geoffs work which would be difficult for everyone to replicate i.e. Wind turbines and solar panels are only good if your geographic position is right, his work does serve as an inspiration to those who aspire to protect the planet for all the living creatures of the future generation.

These pictures show Geoffs solar and wind energy systems, whilst the primary workings of these set-ups were bought, the structure thats supports each system, has been self-developed using primarily reused materials. For example, mounting pole for the solar panels came from metal geoff had stored away within the dark confines of his workshop. This can also be said for the mounting pole of the wind turbine, like most turbines, this one 'furls' in the wind which allows the unit to pivot in accordance to the wind direction, this allows for maximised energy capture. Geoff has developed a similar system with his solar panel mountings. Unlike a lot of solar set-ups, which are permenantly fixed in one position, Geoff produced a pivoting system, which allows the panels to be turned towards the sun as it moves across the sky.

It has been said that alternative energy systems don't produce quality results with regards to longeivity and performance. However, if its done in the right way, systems similar to Geoffs, whether in size or in essence, surely offer a solution to energy needs. 

Alternative energy systems can provide electricity to most household appliances, though heat can be an intensive drain on any electric supply. To sidestep this challenge, Geoff installed a solar water heater, a growing solution that has been embraced by more and more people. Geoffs system follows the resourceful thread that connects his work and his water is heated within secondhand radiators (see top left picture), which he painted black to conduct optimised heat, for transfer to the water within. These are on a permanent fixing and when the sun heats the water, it is transported via natural thermosyphon to the insulated storage tank (top right). This heated water can, from there, be utilised for tasks such as washing up and showering. The solar water is indeed an excellent supplier of hot water, though of course its only efficient in hot sunny weather. To provide hot water all year round, Geoff has plumbed in his woodburning stove which supplys not only hot water for the same tasks as the solar heater, but also for heat around the house as hot water from the fire courses around a network of radiators. The wood that is burnt on this fire comes locally and ethically from his small coppiced section of woodland, where replanting and nurture of trees are paramount to keeping all the wildlife in local ecosystem thriving and free from unessecary detriment.

For all self-suffiency aspirationalists (and everyone else!), food is a priority. This was less of a challenge to Geoff, compared to the more ambitious aspects of his work, as he has been a keen gardener since a child and he enjoys regular and seasonal fruit and veg from his garden, as well as the bounty provided from natures natural harvest. 

SMALL COMBINED PHOTOVOLTAIC AND WIND TURBINE SYSTEM BEING USED FOR A COTTAGE AND SMALL CRAFT WORKSHOP, WHICH PROVIDES APPROX 75% OF ELECTRICITY NEEDS, WITH MAINS BACK UP.

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ELECTRICITY IS USED IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS :

Workshop tools: Planer thicknesser, Planer, Bandsaw and Lathe all with 1500 watt motors. Plus small hand tools, such as Drills, polisher, sander, grinder, pyrographer etc. Machines are used in an intermittant way as required and preferably working on windy or sunny days, to optimise performance.

Household equipment that is run by this system, again with intermittant use include: microwave, one kilowatt kettle, vacuum cleaner, sewing machine, mixers, TV, video etc. But more capacity would be required to run heavy or constant use machines such as : Deep freezer, fridge, cooker or washing machine.

The 12 volt system runs modified radios, both digital and analogue and all lighting via LEDs and 12 volt compact flourescent energy saving lamps.

HOT WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM

This system reduces the need for electricity for space heating and hot water in the cottage. This set-up supplies hot water for bath, shower and washing machine, plus during the winter months space heating come from the radiators which are supplyed from the woodburning stove.

This water circulates via natural thermosyphon so does not need any electrical input/pump.