Gas Geyser and Solar Cells

[ggrao]

I've bought an apartment for my own dwelling and in the phase of getting certain modifications done to suit my preferences. By default, the builder is making a provision for placing LPG cylinder in the utility space and providing pipe connection to kitchen. I'm planning to get this pipe extended further to the bathroom for gas geyser.

I'm concerned if this will be a safe option? Also, I heard people telling that, if the gas stove is on, there may be a drop in the quantity of gas supply to the geyser (Really not sure if this is true ) And, do I need to consider any other precautions for doing this? Appreciate inputs from members.

Also, the builder has made provision for separate solar cells for inidvidual apartments. I'm wondering, if I can install solar cells and make it charge a battery during day time and use the stored power when necessary. This is my wild thought and not very sure of practical feasibility. Has anyone in this forum done this? If so, please share your experience/thoughts.

[msn1270]

1) Nowadays centralized gas connection is one of the feature in many apartment complexes. Since it is a metered supply, If the builder is ready to provide the extension to Bathroom also, its good to have it. Inspecting the piping at regular intervals for any kind of cracks/damages is your responsibility(if it is PVC Pipe). In many Apartments, Ventilation in the bathroom is an issue. Hence ensuring very good ventilation or to provide exhaust piping connection for safe passage from the Gas Geyser outlet similar to the Kitchen Chimney/Hob is necessary. Else due to accumulation of the carbon monoxide gas within the bathroom, many times people become unconscious or fell down due to reduced oxygen level(Those who have habit of spending more time while bathing).

2) As such there won't be issue in the density of gas when you use simulataneously use at kitchen and bathroom. Since the gas coming from the Cylinder is of high pressure when it gets convert from liquid state to gaseous state.

3) Having Solar option is a very nice option which has long life of upto 30 years and eco-friendly. As of now the initial investment is very high. Installing a solar based 0.5HP monoblock pump needs 1 lakh rupees, a street light needs around Rs. 35000. Currently it is affordable only at the rechargeable lantern(Which costs around Rs2,000-3,500 with a charging time of 10-20 hours compared to a regular emergy lamp of Rs.1000+) at household level. The energy conversion efficiency is very low in the conventional mono or polycrystalline photovoltaic modules(Just around 11%) currently used in the market. Also the Lead-Acid battery maintainance is very important here, else which may pose issues. majority of the affordable inverters(unbranded ones) in the present market is not reliable. Even though your solar panel has a life of 30 years, if your inverter works for 2-3 years without any issues, it will become a miracle.

There are new technologies with higher energy conversion efficiency(Upto 35-40%) based on CPV - Concentrated Photovoltaic Modules technology which was used in the space shuttles made by NASA coming into the commercial solar application. As of now it is entering into the solar power generation stations of several 100 kilowatt or megawatt level. But yet to reach the household levels. It takes some more years to reach the affordable levels of the common households.

Time being it is not a viable option other than for Emergency lamp. If the option is provided by the builder, You can think of it again some years later.