Living LandscapesDESIGN
Module 16 / 25
Choosing a technology starts with understanding the job it needs to do and the resources available to support it. Building on the shelter and energy material, this module considers demand, conservation, and the relationship between technology and everyday needs.
The Energy Futures introduction frames energy availability as a long-term design question. The technology resources then let you compare ways of doing the same job, including their maintenance and dependencies. Apply that comparison to your design before exploring the optional demonstrations in cooking, pumping, and small-scale generation.
What you’ll learn
Use your own copy, buy the book, or borrow it through a library when possible. If you are local to me, contact me about borrowing a copy. You can also contact me for information about digital or other access to assigned readings.
If your edition uses different page numbers, contact me and we can match the correct section.
For articles, excerpts, videos, and other resources, use the links in the lesson. If a video player does not load, try its source link. If you cannot access a reading or media resource, or it has no link, contact me with the module number and resource title.
Ask about books, readings or media access ↗Read
futurescenarios.org
Use Holmgren's introduction to consider the assumptions about energy behind a design. “Hi-Technology Vs. Appropriate Technology” and the technology examples develop the comparison through the work each option does and the resources it requires.
Open resourceWatch
YouTube
Consider what makes a technology appropriate for a particular job, including the resources and care it requires.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
YouTube
Use this introduction to identify the components you will look for when exploring an energy system.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
YouTube
Consider the relationship between the energy source, the equipment, and the conditions needed to operate it.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
YouTube
Use the sources, flow routes, and storage shown on your Module 8 water map as context for this video. Consider what further information would be needed before assessing a hydropower option for the site.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
YouTube
Use these examples to consider how a task could be met with less complex equipment before making your low-technology and powered-option comparison.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
For the energy activity, distinguish a device’s power rating from energy used over time. Start with demand and conservation before choosing generation equipment. Compare one low-technology option with a powered option for the same job, including maintenance and dependencies. Record the choice in your design notes. Check current specifications, prices, and available programs when comparing energy options.
Book reading
Ben Falk
Pages 370 to 408: review relevant sections from Module 14 as needed
Module 14 assigned Pages 370 to 408 for shelter and household energy. Consult the relevant sections as needed for the energy choices in this module.
Book access & editionsBook reading
Toby Hemenway
Chapter 7, “Energy Solutions for Homes and Communities” — optional further reading
Book access & editionsWatch
YouTube
Use this video and Low Tech Appropriate Technology Examples as starting examples for comparing low-technology and powered options.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Read
ontario.ca
Open resourceExplore an accessible solar power system or other energy system and future energy plans, discussing the workings of the system (power, charge controller, inverter, DC, AC, etc.). If you do not have access to a physical system, use visible labels, a bill, a diagram, or public documentation. Record the findings in your design notes.
Save written notes as a document or PDF. For paper maps or handwritten notes, use a clear photo or scan. You can combine related work in one file.
Attach your energy-system findings and option-comparison notes.
Email the address listed under “Get In Touch” on my contact page. Do not use the contact form. Include the Permaculture Design Course, Module 16, and “Energy systems” in your subject or message.
Find my email address ↗These optional examples let you follow a particular interest in cooking, pumping, or energy generation. Look at the job each device performs and what it needs to operate, using the comparison questions from the main lesson.
Optional · Watch
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.