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Best Practices

Ready to use the tiny research station? Before you do, here are a few things we'd like you to think about so that it goes as smoothly as possible:

Energy

The original Tiny Team's goal was to minimize carbon emissions from the use of the building– hence the super insulation and PV system. However, an efficient building poorly used can become an inefficient one very quickly. The TRS can be hooked up to a backup generator if need be, but we hope that is a very rare occurrence. To help make this the case, here are a few (mostly common-sense) energy use best practices to follow:

Heating and Cooling:

  • Keep windows and doors closed in the winter
    • As soon as the house begins to overheat, turn off and unplug the heaters, rather than leaving them on and cracking a window
  • Plug in one heater at a time, as needed
  • Utilize shade in the summer when parking the TRS to help with cooling, but only if the windows can stay shaded without the solar panels also being shaded
    • Open windows in the summer

Other:

  • Don't leave appliances plugged in when not in use
  • Turn lights off when unnecessary

Electricals

Make sure the TRS is grounded via the ground rod before turning on or using the electrical systems! 

Batteries: The batteries for the TRS electrical system are sealed lead-acid batteries and do not require any maintenance during normal usage.  However, there are some rules that should be followed to maximize the batteries lives: 

  • The TRS has a maximum of 2.4 kWh usable storage (discharge from full to 50%)  
    • Try to avoid discharging batteries below 50% → this can significantly reduce the lifetime of the batteries! Use the battery monitor to keep track of the battery status
  • If the station is going to be moved or will be unused for more than three days, turn the battery disconnect switch to "off." 
    • Note: this will prevent any draws on the battery, but also will stop the batteries from charging via the solar panels
    • Do this before removing the ground rod! 
  • Before the TRS is moved (to Hanover) or stored at the end of its demand during the research season, the batteries should be at/brought to a full charge and then the battery disconnect switch set to "off" 
    • This will protect the batteries from damage, even if the station is not used for the entire winter 

Solar panels: The TRS has 2 solar panels rated at 360W each, and the TRS should be positioned such that these are facing southward.  Some tips with regards to the solar panels:

  • Be mindful of the weather conditions and your power usage. In daytime sunlight, the TRS can generate 720W, however, in worse weather, the power generation will be much lower!  
  • Be especially careful with energy use in poor weather, as the solar panels will not be able to effectively recharge the batteries 

Outlets: The TRS has outlets for computer charging and other equipment usage, as well as the heat-recovery vent.  Before using the outlets or the HRV, make sure the inverter and the battery disconnect switch are "on" 

  • Please be mindful of the power consumption through outlets--this is likely where the largest electrical draws will be!
  • The maximum continuous power that the TRS (via the inverter) can supply to the outlets is 850 Watts. Keep in mind that charging a laptop can draw up to 90W, and that the heaters are 200 W each.  
  • The inverter should be turned off (via a switch on its side) when not in use  
  • The inverter is not required to be on to use the ceiling lights, as they run on 24 VDC
    • The ceiling lights draw approximately 48W when on    

External connection: The TRS has an external receptacle (on the exterior wall with the coupler)  that can have a 120 V cord plugged in either from a backup generator or other utility:

  • This will charge the batteries
  • All normal function of the tiny house can be used while this is connected 
  • This should be disconnected once the batteries are charged 
    • This can be kept track of via the battery monitor 

End of Life

Demolish by separating and sorting materials to dispose in proper waste streams.Donate materials to salvage yards, or ask community members if interested in materials. Don't forget: first reuse, then recycle, and if you must, then dispose responsibly.

Flooring: Unclick and remove flooring, then reuse or landfill.

Wood: Remove all fasteners (nails, screws) from materials. Untreated wood can be reused or burned for firewood.

Wool insulation: Remove from the walls, floor, and ceiling, and reuse or compost.

SIGA membrane: Landfill or creative reuse.

TRS batteries : These are lead-acid batteries and must be recycled; this can be done at many car parts stores or waste facilities.

Maintenance

Interior and Exterior Siding: Shingles should be cleaned every 5-7 years using a low pressure wash. Cedar shingles have natural protection so no stains or chemicals are required. To clean pine siding the largest problem will be dust, using a vacuum cleaner in combination with a duster will take care of dirt. 

Flooring: Sweep regularly and mop with water and nontoxic, natural-based cleanser.

Windows/doors: Use caution when transporting/in daily use; windows contain glass and can break.

Trash disposal: Follow common recycling and composting practices.

Transportation

(to/from SCG/Hanover, and around the SCG)

 

The TRS will be transported by Tim McNamara of FO&M, unless he makes plans otherwise.  

Wall Support: the interior walls will need braces to support them amid transportation. 

Building Orientation: have the door-wall facing directly north. This way, the wall with the two big windows and the solar panels are facing directly south, maximizing sunlight for both.

Interior: Secure all furniture items down; close up open shelves; do not leave items on countertops/surfaces

Electricals: Set battery disconnect switch to "off" before removing ground rod.  When arriving, drive in ground rod before using/turning on anything