May 17, 2012
While we didn’t actually build a functioning biodigester up at 5,600 meters, we did install two wind generators and a solar thermal vacuum system. First, we installed 400 W of photovoltaics, two 200-watt Chinook Wind generators, and a Solar Thermal vacuum tube system. Then we filled a 5-gallon water bottle with yak manure. We added warm water from the solar heater and then installed pipes and valves to allow feeding, fertilizer overflow, and gas extraction. We also installed the highest altitude Insinkerator in the world to feed it! This enabled the people to get familiar with how easy it is to make small scale biogas. Of course the challenge in the Himalayas is to keep the digester warm all year…