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gotwind
Forum Admin
United Kingdom
1067 Posts |
 Posted - 01/08/2008 : 20:02:17
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Also posted on Fieldlines:
This is something I have been looking into for a while, I thought it might be good to share any info here.
I am searching for the most efficient PC (Windows/Mac/Linux/whatever o/s) and lcd monitor set up, not laptops, to be powered from Renewable energy (24v in my case).
It really doesn't need to be anything special spec wise, Just for web/email use.
A friend pointed me towards the new cherrypal PC that claims a tiny 2 watts of power consumption?
http://72.51.37.17/ - I'm not entirely convinced on this low power quote however.
I would think the max L.C.D screen size would be 15" - I assume smaller screens consume less power.
Can this be a achieved at less than say 30 watts? - I hope so :)
Thanks
Ben.
Ben.
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samuk
Starting Member
21 Posts |
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optixelectrics
Junior Member
United Kingdom
102 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2008 : 20:58:34
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The 2 watts quoted is correct. how they get round it is to use flash memory instead of hard disk. This way, with no motors and moving parts, the power consumption is much lower. Eventually (in the next 5 years) all data storage will be done this way, with a centralised network store over a high speed connection, TV, films, communications, in fact everything in your life will be held 'online' instead of a huge local hard disk. It will be like a huge server system, with a terminal in each home. 30 watts could be done. Most of the 19" LCD widescreen monitors consume 50 watts, so smaller should use less. One of the tricks is to turn the brightness down on the lcd screen. doing this on a laptop makes the battery last much longer, so it must reduce the power overheads. With regards to the cherry operating system, it is machine specific, but it is based on DebIan linux. As for 24 volts, no reason why not, you only normally need a +12v,+5v, +3.3v (and sometimes-5v&-12v) for a PC.
Myk
Goto www.optixelectrics.co.uk and click on 'renewable' for Dump Load Controllers, Turbine and battery monitor units. Grid tie installations. Custom projects catered for. |
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gotwind
Forum Admin
United Kingdom
1067 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2008 : 21:08:46
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Good answers Myk and samuk.
I knew it should be possible, somehow.
I thought this would be a topic of interest, for us all.
I believe my current desktop PC (with a 19" monitor) is consuming up to 200 watts (over a 12 hour period that is considerable).
You can view the Fieldlines forum replies to the same question here.
http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2008/8/1/185939/9563
Ben. |
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tecon
New Member
USA
50 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2008 : 01:27:52
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I think the trick is the monitor, plenty of small boxes to be had that consume 10 watts or less.
As far as 24v, none that I am aware of, but many are actually 12v or 5v (if no drives). Some smaller LCD monitors can use 12v native. Perhaps a 24v-12v(13.8v) voltage converter box to run the 12v stuff direct? (If that is the goal).
I am right at 30-35 watts, I could chisel it abit if I purchase a VGA to AV adapter and use my 7" DVD player as a monitor (if it would work that is). Would be right at 18 watts total consumption for thin client and monitor 
Tim
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Most energy efficient PC and monitor?
