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Microcell fuel cells light up the National Zoo
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Measuring energy use
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How can I measure how much electricity my appliances are using?
There are several kinds of plug-in devices to help average consumers understand and monitor their energy use anywhere a power cord and electrical outlet will be used. The devices are relatively simple to use and portable. Plug one into an outlet, then plug in the appliance, light or other device you wish to monitor and measure. These devices take the mystery out of the question “How much power does this device (or power strip of electronic equipment) use?” There are several brands available, all are similar. These power monitors usually cost $20–$30 each and are available mail order and in retail stores. The power monitor can help average consumers understand what their individual plug-in conveniences are costing them in electricity, but they will not necessarily predict monthly electric bills. They simply tell what each individual plugged-in device uses. There is a device call the “whole house power monitor” that consumers can hook to an outdoor utility meter. A signal sends instantaneous kilowatthour usage data to an inside display device, similar to an outside temperature/weather station. It works by the same principle as the instantaneous miles-per-gallon computers on vehicles.
Source: TSE Services
Can you help others save energy? Send your conservation ideas or questions to us. P.O.Box 27306, Raleigh, NC 27611, or E-mail: editor@carolinacountry.com
icrocell Corporation, a hydrogen fuel cell company in Martin County, recently demonstrated its innovative technology at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Microcell’s hydrogen fuel cells were used to power LED lights at the entrance to an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoo. North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives partnered with Microcell in 2006 because of its innovative fuel cell design. Microcell’s fuel cells contain removable and replaceable parts that make repairing and maintaining their fuel cells an efficient process, a quality that traditional fuel cells lack. The Edgecombe-Martin County EMC cooperative in Tarboro provided a zero percent interest loan to the Martin County Economic Development Commission who then loaned to Microcell as an incentive for the company to choose Martin County as the new home of its manufacturing facility.
Your church & climate change
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North Carolina Council of Churches program is helping local church communities understand the issues surrounding global climate change and how energy-efficiency practices at home can help. The North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light initiative offers the following resources at no charge to churches and synagogues: • Workshops on global warming for youth and adult education classes. • Energy audit program showing how churches can save on their energy bills. • Video lending library. • Monthly newsletter. • “Ten Simple Things You Can Do.” • Energy Efficiency Shopping Cart for purchasing Energy Star appliances and other energy-saving devices.
For learn more, contact N.C. Interfaith Power & Light, 1307 Glenwood Ave., Suite 156, Raleigh, NC 27605. Phone: (919) 828-6501. Web: www.ncipl.org.
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