Blog Archives

Homesteading Refrigerator to Die With –Part 5 – Passively Conducting Heat

Posted on July 9, 2018 by mcpletcher — 1 Comment

Now that we’ve covered the desire to build a well insulated refrigerator and freezer, as well as the advantages associated with living in a cold climate where ice can be produced passively, it’s time to move on to the detail…

Tagged with: diy refrigerator, hc refrigerant, heat pipe, homemade refrigerator, HVAC, hydrocarbon refrigerant, natural refrigerant, off grid, off grid refrigeration, passive refrigeration, refrigeration, refrigerator, two-phase thermosiphon
Posted in Refrigeration, Refrigerator

Homesteading Refrigerator to Die With –Part 3– Passive Winter Ice

Posted on July 8, 2018 by mcpletcher — 2 Comments

In the late 19th century, and first half of the 20th, ice refrigerators were a common feature in American households. Blocks of ice could be purchased every few days and placed in an insulated box to slow the decay of…

Tagged with: diy refrigeration, heat pipe, homemade refrigerator, ice box, ice refrigerator, off grid, off grid refrigeration, passive refrigeration, refrigeration, refrigerator, thermosiphon, two-phase thermosiphon
Posted in Refrigeration, Refrigerator

Homesteading Refrigerator to Die With – Part 1 – Background and Selection

Posted on July 3, 2018 by mcpletcher — 1 Comment

This is a proposal for a refrigeration system which is intended to eliminate the need for electricity as much as possible. What follows is my refrigerator and freezer; it is not for everyone, and it is not designed for commercial…

Tagged with: absorption, biomass, dc refrigerator, diy refrigeration, freezer, freezerator, ice box, ice refrigerator, low tech, lowtech, off grid, passive refrigerator, passive thermal, refrigeration, refrigerator, solar powered refrigerator, two-phase thermosiphon
Posted in Philosophy, Refrigeration, Refrigerator

Fridge Powered by Farts and Rainbows

Posted on February 8, 2017 by mcpletcher — 2 Comments

The most difficult part of designing a durable, robust, long lasting refrigerator is dealing with the the question of how to power it. Electricity is the answer most people would pop off before I get the last breath out. But,…

Tagged with: diy refrigeration, green tech, HVAC, off grid, peak energy, peak oil, refrigeration, refrigerator, renewables, solar power, sustainability, sustainable
Posted in Personal, Philosophy, Refrigeration, Refrigerator

The Power Plant -or- The Wood Fired Refrigerator

Posted on August 15, 2015 by mcpletcher — 1 Comment

I don’t like heat pumps. Wait, let me rephrase that: I don’t like grid tied heat pumps. It’s the electricity! Heat pumps are an amazing technology which I am currently obsessed with, and I am in fact in the process…

Tagged with: biochar, diy refrigeration, gasification, gasifier, homesteading, HVAC, off grid, refrigeration, refrigerator, steam engine, thermal mass
Posted in Dehumidifiers, Dwelling, Hot Water, Philosophy, Refrigeration, Refrigerator, Tiny House, Water

Water Pressure Tank and a Hide Away Table

Posted on June 8, 2014 by mcpletcher — 2 Comments

I’ve been showering in the Squatch lately, and I have to say: I love it! To many people, the small motorhome bathroom is too cramped and claustrophobic, but I think it’s cozy and efficient. Everything is within arm’s reach and…

Tagged with: "water conservation", minimalism, motorhome, off grid, RV, rv living, squatch, tiny living
Posted in Dwelling, Hot Water, The Squatch, Water

A Comprehensive Collection

Posted on September 13, 2013 by mcpletcher — 3 Comments

So, I’ve had this little conundrum for a couple years now: I want to own a home, someplace to call my own that facilitates my lifestyle and I can build it to suit my needs, but I don’t know where…

Tagged with: earthen home, goals, home, insecurities, minimalism, off grid, passions, tiny home
Posted in Dwelling, Marxism, Personal, Philosophy