This page features the environmental work of Geoff Hensman, who being aware of the environmental strain being placed on the planet, has spent a lot of time and energy utilising the multitude of skills he has developed in life. These skills have been applied to aspects of self-sufficency which include alternative energy systems, gardening and being resourceful with materials. Each practise embraces the eco-mantra, re-use, reduce, re-cycle.
Having been affected by the second world war as a child, the compulsory rationing instilled the resourceful element, not only to his life, but to all who lived through this time. There were none of the superficial indulgences, which are overflowing through our present generation, though like most children he had (and still has!) a creative imagination, 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 geographical position is right, his work does serve as an inspiration to those who aspire the protect the planet for all the living creatures of the future generations.
These pictures show Geoffs solar and wind energy systems. Whilst the primary workings of these set-ups were bought, the structure that's supports each system has been self-developed using primarily reused materials. For example the mounting pole for the solar panels came from metal that had been used initially once and then stored away within the dark confines of his workshop until he found a further use for it. In this instance, it is being used as a mounting pole for solar panel and the same can be said for the mounting pole with his wind turbine. This turbine 'furls' in the wind which allows the unit to pivot in accordance to the wind direction which allows maximum energy capture. Unlike a lot of solar set-ups which are permanently fixed in one position, Geoff has 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 longevity and performance, However, if its done in the right way, systems similar to Geoffs, whether in size or essence, surely offer a solution to our ever increasing energy needs.
Alternative energy systems can provide electricity to most household appliances, though heat can be an intensive drain an 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). He has painted it black to conduct optimized 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 heater is indeed a 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 courses around a network of radiators. The wood that is burnt on this fire comes locally and ethically from a coppiced section of his woodland, where replanting and nurture of trees are paramount to keeping all the wildlife in the local ecosystem thriving and free from unnessacary detriment.
For all self-sufficency 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 APPROXIMATELY 75% OF ELECTRICITY NEEDS, WITH MAINS BACK-UP.
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, Polishers, Sanders, Grinders, pyrographer etc. Machines are used in an intermittent way as required and preferably working on windy or sunny days to optimise performance.
Household equipment that is run by this system, again with intermittent 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 and since this diagram was drawn an extra 280 watts of solar panels have been added meaning these machines can be used on a semi regular basis.
The 12 volt system runs modified radios, both digital and analogue and all lighting via LED's and 12 volt compact fluorescent energy saving lamps.
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 comes from the radiators which are supplied from the woodburning stove. This water circulates via natural thermosyphon, so does not require any electrical input/pump.
