All Things Are Connected Jorrie and Ken Ciotti c.1992 Jorrie and Ken Ciotti Living in harmony with nature is our prime directive. We help, save, and protect the critters Mother Nature has brought our way. In return, Mother Nature has provided us the privilege to live in her backyard in peace and harmony. Location We purchased our property in the summer of 1974. We found land with a spring, creek, meadow, rolling hills of forest, and pristine air. We began pioneering a home and carving it out of the wilderness in the Mill Creek Wilderness Area of the Flathead Indian Reservation, 15 miles west of Flathead Lake, 100 miles south of Glacier Park in Montana. Preparation Structures are an important part of our existence. We chose to marry the pyramid of the past with the dome of the future. Domes have the capability of naturally circulating the flow of air and are known for their structural integrity. While renting a small house in the valley, we spent the winter reading, designing, and cutting the forms for the footings, walls, struts, and joists. When spring came, we had a D6 cat bulldoze the foundation. We poured 14 cubic yards of concrete for the footings and put up a 4 foot block wall. Within two months we started hauling our previously-cut struts and joists to the site and began assembling the structure like a tinker-toy set. Generator Experience For the first 15 years, we used generators when we needed ac electricity. Our first generator, a used 30 kilowatt (kw) gasoline generator, was purchased to power 3 homesteads. When the other two couples pulled out and went to warmer climates, we traded the generator for a wood cookstove and purchased a smaller used gasoline generator. But the used 3 kw Onan didn't last long. Hoping we'd have a trouble-free generator, we decided to purchase a new 4 kw propane Onan generator. It turned out to be a problem child. We finally purchased a new Honda EX5500 generator which has proven to be extremely dependable. DC Beginnings Our first attempt at inverter power to convert DC electricity to ac was a TripLite inverter. However, it was noisy, an energy hog, and easily burnt up. So we gave up on the inverter idea and installed a separate DC line. We started off using car batteries for storage. After a couple sets of car batteries, we were finally able to afford some deep cycle batteries. Our first set of Sears DieHard batteries died quickly. The next set were Trojan 105s which turned out to be a good lead acid battery. We used DC electricity to power a stereo and a DC fluorescent light so battery consumption was at a minimum. After 12 years, we bought a television (DC, of course). Going to the Sun A few years ago, our next dome neighbor showed us a copy of Home Power. The content of the Home Power issue impressed us so much that we ordered all the back issues and decided to go to the Sun. After studying Home Power issues #12, #13, #15, #16, and #17 on batteries, we decided on nickel-cadmium batteries (nicads) to power our business and home. We needed batteries that could withstand our freezing Montana winters. The long service life was also important (we had 15 years experience with replacing, cleaning, refilling, and checking lead acid batteries Ð yuk!). Nicads can be more deeply discharged, without damage, than lead-acid batteries. Nicads don't need reserve capacity and aren't damaged by operation at low states of charge. Because the output voltage is nearly constant, the entire storage capacity can be utilized. These were very important considerations for us. However, finding the right nicads was difficult. We tried to get reconditioned batteries but ran into problems with availability, delivery, and size. We ended up getting a set of ten new Edison 160 batteries. We installed four Kyocera photovoltaic (PV) modules to convert the sun's energy to DC electricity, and a Trace 2012 inverter to convert the DC into 110 volts ac. The Trace 2012 has the following options: standby battery charger (SB), digital volt meter (DVM), and the fan cooling (ACTC). With the Trace inverter, four PV panels, and ED 160 nicad batteries, we were able to start using solar instead of generator. It sure was an exciting moment to turn on the Macintosh computer with sun power instead of generator power. What an awesome feeling of true independence that gave us! Best of all, it was quiet Ð no more exhaust, no more generator vibrations. Power System Our present electrical system (see Power System diagram) has sixteen Kyocera K51 solar panels (grounded for lightning protection) that can supply 816 peak Watts at 16.9 Volts DC (VDC). Eight panels are wired in parallel with 10/2 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire. All terminals are soldered. Each eight- panel sub-array is connected within a junction box to 6/2 AWG wire which feeds an interior quick-disconnect. The positive and negative lines made from 2 AWG Radaflex welding cable are twisted around a bare copper conductor (6 AWG) and connect to a Heliotrope CC-60B controller which regulates the PV input when the batteries are full. The bare copper wire continues to an 8 foot copper grounding rod. The bare copper wire added strength to the wire bundle while snaking through the 2 inch x 6 inch struts and is used as a system ground. The lines (2 AWG) from the CC-60B controller go to the Photron DC Source Center. The positive line is fused and switched through a quick-disconnect. The DC Source Center allows us to connect several DC sources, such as hydro, PV, and a DC generator. It also allows us to completely cut off the electricity for servicing and emergencies. The fuses add a measure of safety to the system. From the DC Source Center, the lines run to positive and negative busbars, which are large copper bars that carry current (see photo). The busbars are used for our multiple DC connections. For instance, a Perko battery selection switch on the positive busbar allows us to use a two battery bank system. This selection switch allows four choices: the first battery bank, the second battery bank, both battery banks, or off. Also attached to the positive busbar is a 400 Amp fuse which protects the Trace 2012 inverter from overcurrent; 4/0 wire was used from the busbar to the fuse and from the fuse to the inverter. From the Trace 2012 inverter to the standby Honda generator, the Trace T220 transformer, and the ITE Circuit Breaker is 8/3 wire. The busbars made the multiple electrical connections safe and efficient. Using busbars made it convenient to connect the Emon Energy Monitor (a volt and amp-hour meter), and a 2/0 wire to the 8 foot copper grounding rod on the negative busbar. The busbars allow easy access to attach any other DC instrumentation. The terminals of the wires connected to the busbars are soldered. Nickel cadmium batteries We have a two battery bank system, consisting of ten Sunica 52-1 batteries and ten Edison 160 batteries. It's a small system but nicads are expensive. Unlike lead acid batteries, nicads can be added as time goes on. The Sunicas, made specifically for solar applications, need little maintenance Ð just add distilled water after 10 years. They have a service life of 20 years. The ED160s need to have the electrolyte checked on a regular basis. The nickel cadmium batteries aren't damaged by freezing as lead acid batteries are, and they can withstand elevated operating temperatures. Lead acid batteries at low temperatures lose useful capacity. The Sunicas come with #10 wire and quick disconnects. We found that the #10 wires were hot to the touch when running large motors and the small wire size caused difficulty in starting and/or running some large motors as the washer, dryer, radial arm saw, bench grinder, and water pump. By changing the #10 wire to #2 and soldering all the connectors, the problems were resolved. The wires were no longer hot to the touch and motors didn't have any trouble starting. Trace T220 Trace has a 220 option for their inverter to transform 110 volts ac to 220 volts ac. After installing the T220, we were able to run our 220 vac central vacuum, 1/2 hp submersible pump, and 10 inch table saw. At first, the 220 vac 1/2 hp submersible pump wouldn't run. After referring to Home Power #17, page 25, we removed the 1/2 hp solid state starter and replaced it with a 3/4 hp relay starter in order to get it to work. The T220 works like a champ. LineTamer Until recently, the LaserWriter Plus printer was the only tool that needed a generator's power. It turned out to be torture to have to turn on the generator. Most inverters, like the Trace 2012, send out a modified or square sine wave. We read about a device called a Photron LineTamer that filters the modified sine wave inverter output into a sine wave. The Line Tamer's filtered output is very similar to alternating current electricity that the generator and commercial utility supply. Most equipment will run with a modified sine wave. However, the LaserWriter Plus requires sine wave ac power. We connected the LaserWriter Plus to the LineTamer 1200, held our breath, turned it on, and are happy to report all works well. We are finally one with the Sun. Security Systems For security, we installed a DC vehicle announcer that can have other security systems and related equipment attached. The vehicle announcer is tied into an X10 security system that runs external sirens, door and window sensors, and surveillance cameras. Tweeking the DC System "Tweek" was applied to all 12 VDC connections in our system. Electrical conduction takes place where the molecules of the contact surfaces actually touch. However, the two parts of an electrical connector never fit together exactly and contact is made over only a small percentage of the total surface area. Although metal contact surfaces appear smooth, they are actually rough and irregular on a molecular level. "Tweek", a product normally used in audio, video, and computer connections is a contact enhancer. It's a unique long- chain organic polymer that fills in the microscopic pores and gaps between the mating metal surfaces, thereby increasing the area of conductivity. Note that you can't use "Tweek" on unplated copper contacts in very moist environments. "Tweek" is distributed by Sumiko, Inc., Berkeley, CA 94750. Energy eaters A Fluke 87 multimeter with an 80i-410 DC/AC current probe was used to obtain the starting, running, and maximum amps consumed in the following equipment: (EQUIPMENT CHART AND COST CHART HERE) The above doesn't include cost of wire, two ITE/Siemens Circuit Breaker Panels, circuit breakers, grounding rods, and other incidentals. The right to "Rife" In 1975, we installed a Rife hydraulic ram to pump water. It has pumped a continuous flow of water day in and day out without one cent of operating cost. Rife hydraulic rams have been manufactured since 1884. They use no gasoline and no electricity Ð no power bill! The flow and fall of the water does the pumping. The Ram needs to have a fall of water, or head, of 20 inches or more. For every foot of fall, it pumps 25 vertical feet. (For example, with a 4 foot fall, the Ram pumps a good volume of water 100 feet high.) Our supply line is 600 feet of 4 inch PVC pipe which we hand-buried in the creek. This 600 feet of pipe feeds the supply tank. The supply tank is a 2 inch x 4 inch cedar wood 4 foot x 4 foot x 6 foot tank lined with concrete and asphalt emulsion. Water flows down a 2 inch drive pipe to run the Ram which has 8 feet of fall. The water develops a certain power due to its weight and velocity. It flows through the outside valve until it reaches a certain velocity, then the valve closes suddenly. The column of water continues on through the inside rubber valve into the air chamber. When the pressure in the air chamber equalizes and overcomes the driving force behind it, a rebound takes place. This operation is repeated from 25 to 100 times per minute working on a hydraulic principle: built up pressure in the air chamber, which in turn forces water through the delivery pipe up to where it is desired. INSERT diagram of RAM pump With each beat of the Ram, the water in the drive pipe rebounds or backs up, which causes a partial vacuum under the outside valve, allowing it to drop away from its seat. Momentarily, the water again begins to flow down the drive pipe and the action is repeated. When the rebound takes place, a small amount of air is sucked through the air feed valve and lodges in the upper portion of the base and is forced into the air chamber when the next blow takes place. This prevents the air chamber from filling up with water. Clivus Multrum Composting Toilet In 1976 we installed a Clivus Multrum ("inclined mulching room"). It's 9 foot 4 inches long and 3 feet wide. Because it is set on a 30û slant with a midsection, it's 8 foot 4 inches from top to bottom. At the upper end is a 16 inch vertical tube leading straight up to a toilet seat. A 6 inch tube vents water vapor and carbon dioxide to the outdoors, and a kitchen waste chamber receives organic garbage. (clivus diagram here) The toilet composting system uses no water which saves 10,000 gallons per person per year of water for an average household Ð a 40-50% reduction in water usage. No sewage is dumped into our water supply, so there is no water pollution. It seems that Thomas Crapper's invention of the flush toilet may join the gas-guzzling automobile as another of mankind's big technological mistakes! Not only does it treat toilet wastes that are normally flushed into a sewer or septic system, but it also composts kitchen and other wastes. Anything organic, from grass clippings to laundry lint to paper towels used in the kitchen, becomes a rich fertile soil. The wastes slowly decompose in the oxygen-rich environment. The principal by-products of decomposition, water vapor and carbon dioxide, are drawn through a 6 inch exhaust vent to the outside air. As the wastes decompose, their volume is reduced by more than 90%. The final product is fertile, organic compost Ð just like normal garden soil. It's safe to handle, odorless, and easily removed from the storage area for use in the garden. Propane We started off with two propane lights, a propane refrigerator and water heater. Within 15 years, we increased our propane consumption to three refrigerators (Servel, Dometic, and Consul), a water heater, and a clothes dryer. The efficient electric SunFrost refrigerator and Copper Cricket solar hot water heater are planned for the future. We no longer use propane for lighting. We use eight Osram 120 vac compact fluorescent lights and other fluorescent lights. Hydronic Heating Besides a catalytic wood stove in the base floor of the dome structure, we have a gravity-feed hydronic heating system. The hydronic heater, a Tyrolia wood- fired cookstove, is installed on the bottom floor of the 20 foot by 30 foot building. This Austrian air-tight cookstove has a built-in water jacket with 1 1/4 inch pipe connections. The oven is very accurate and has an insulated lid over the cooktop. We used 1 1/4 inch copper pipe for the heating loop and a 40 gallon storage tank. The circulating hot water heats a two-story 20 foot by 30 foot building and a 15 foot by 15 foot utility area. We prefer hydronic heating over the normal wood stove or fireplace because it heats evenly, effectively, and leaves humidity instead of static dryness in the air. Sauna The sauna is a icosahedron dome with a 14 foot diameter. Heated with a wood stove, it takes 15 minutes before the sauna is ready. Because domes have a natural ability for circulating the heat, it makes an excellent hot and spacious sauna. It also doubles as an herb drying room during the summer. Gardens The water for the gardens is supplied with the Ram. We installed a timer on the garden water supply so the water is automatically turned off to refill the 1,400 gallon storage tank. Our last spring frost is typically mid-May (sometimes June) and our first fall frost is mid-September which doesn't give a long growing season. We have extended our growing season by using 4 foot by 6 foot covered boxes. Each box has a removable fiberglass lid and acts like a mini-greenhouse. This system gives a 6 to 8 week head start, provides cover from hail or too much rain, and affords bug protection. Each box can have its own dripper system or the garden can be watered as a unit. The gardens were featured in Mother Earth News and in Flower and Garden magazines. The Fur and Feathered Our spot in the wilderness has enabled us to thoroughly enjoy our "Fur and Feathered" friends. We've had the incredible opportunities of raising an abandoned hummingbird, saving a fawn from drowning, relocating a mama woodrat with her four blind babies, saving a flying squirrel, and watching the humorous movements of black bears. We try to provide food, water, and shelter for the wildlife. After all, it's the least we can do since we've moved into their homestead. Conclusion Learning to live in harmony with nature, whether the wildlife or harnessing the power of the sun, gives us an incredible kinship with our planet. The journey is beautiful when we realize and practice the truth in the 1854 words of Chief Seattle: "This we know. The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself." Access Authors: Jorrie and Ken Ciotti, 3000 Mill Creek Rd, Niarada, MT 59852.