Read
Holmgren Readings, “Energy Futures” Section.
holmgren.com.au
Open resourceIf you cannot access this resource, contact me for help with this reading or media.
Module 16 / 25
Appropriate Technology
Topics
- Holmgren’s Future Scenarios: Relation of energy and technology to social structure
- Low, intermediate, and high technologies
- Examples, sources, and importance of appropriate tools
- Energy sources and energy-conserving technologies
- Renewable energy generation: Solar, wind, hydro
What you’ll learn
Learning goals
- What makes technology appropriate, and how to use energy efficiently on a site
Read, watch & explore
Getting the books · access & editions
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.
Ask about reading access ↗If your edition uses different page numbers, contact me and we can match the correct section. Contact instructor.
Energy futures and appropriate technology
Watch
Hi-Technology Vs. Appropriate Technology
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
Solar Power 101 Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
Wind Power 101 Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
Geothermal 101 Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
Hydro Power 101 Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
Low Tech Appropriate Technology Examples
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Examples to skim as interested
Optional · Watch
Solar Oven Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
Fresnel Lens Cooker Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
Ram Pumps Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
Introduction to Micro Hydro Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
How to Make a Micro Power Plant from a Ceiling Fan Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Optional · Watch
DIY Wind Turbine Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Energy choices for your design
Review the relevant shelter and household-energy sections from Module 14 as needed.
Book reading
The Resilient Farm and Homestead
Ben Falk
Pages 370 to 408: review relevant sections from Module 14 as needed
Book access & editionsBook reading
The Permaculture City
Toby Hemenway
Chapter 7, “Energy Solutions for Homes and Communities” — optional further reading
Book access & editionsFor 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. The Energy 101: Solar PV and Low Tech Appropriate Technology Examples videos provide starting examples.
Watch
Energy 101: Solar PV - U.S. Department of Energy
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Read
Micro-hydro systems - current overview
ontario.ca
Open resourceCheck current specifications, prices, and available programs when comparing energy options.
Exercise & discussion
Exercise: Explore 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.
What to prepare
- Your energy-system findings, identifying the components and how they work together.
- Your comparison of a low-technology and powered option, including maintenance and dependencies, and the choice recorded 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.
Share & discuss
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 ↗Readings & resources
- Holmgren Readings, “Energy Futures” Section.ReadIn lesson ↑
- Hi-Technology Vs. Appropriate TechnologyWatchIn lesson ↑
- Solar Power 101 VideoWatchIn lesson ↑
- Wind Power 101 VideoWatchIn lesson ↑
- Geothermal 101 VideoWatchIn lesson ↑
- Hydro Power 101 VideoWatchIn lesson ↑
- Low Tech Appropriate Technology ExamplesWatchIn lesson ↑
- Solar Oven VideoOptional · WatchIn lesson ↑
- Fresnel Lens Cooker VideoOptional · WatchIn lesson ↑
- Ram Pumps VideoOptional · WatchIn lesson ↑
- Introduction to Micro Hydro VideoOptional · WatchIn lesson ↑
- How to Make a Micro Power Plant from a Ceiling Fan VideoOptional · WatchIn lesson ↑
- DIY Wind Turbine VideoOptional · WatchIn lesson ↑
- The Resilient Farm and HomesteadPages 370 to 408: review relevant sections from Module 14 as neededIn lesson ↑
- The Permaculture CityChapter 7, “Energy Solutions for Homes and Communities” — optional further readingIn lesson ↑
- Energy 101: Solar PV - U.S. Department of EnergyWatchIn lesson ↑
- Micro-hydro systems - current overviewReadIn lesson ↑