Overview & Disclaimer
TerraNomadHub calculators are engineering estimation tools. They apply standard industry formulas and publicly documented coefficients to user-provided inputs to produce planning estimates. All calculators run entirely in your browser — no data is sent to our servers.
Important: All results are estimates based on generalized models. Local conditions, micro-climate variations, equipment specifications, installation quality, and regulatory requirements can significantly alter real-world outcomes. Always have your design reviewed by a licensed professional engineer before construction or major equipment purchases.
SolarPowerNomad
Calculates off-grid photovoltaic system requirements including panel count, battery bank sizing, charge controller specifications, and estimated payback periods.
Core Methodology
Daily energy demand (Wh/day) is calculated from appliance loads and usage hours. This is divided by Peak Sun Hours (PSH) — a location-specific value representing equivalent full-sun hours per day — to determine required panel capacity:
Battery capacity is sized to cover a user-defined number of Autonomy Days (days without sun), accounting for Depth of Discharge (DoD) limits to preserve battery life.
Key Assumptions
- Default system efficiency factor: 0.75–0.85 (accounts for wiring losses, inverter losses, temperature derating);
- PSH values sourced from NASA POWER / PVGIS reference datasets;
- Lead-acid battery DoD default: 50%; Lithium (LiFePO4): 80%;
- Payback calculation uses current average grid electricity pricing and does not account for battery replacement cycles.
RainCatchNomad
Estimates annual and monthly rainwater yield from catchment surfaces, sizes storage tanks, and calculates drought autonomy periods.
Core Methodology
Harvestable volume is calculated using the standard rainwater harvesting formula:
Monthly yield is compared against monthly household consumption (derived from occupant count × per-capita daily usage) to identify surplus and deficit months. Tank size is recommended based on the longest projected deficit period.
Key Assumptions
- Roof runoff coefficient: 0.75–0.90 depending on surface type (metal roofing, tiles, EPDM);
- First-flush diverter assumed (10–25L wasted per rainfall event);
- Default per-capita consumption: 50–80 L/day (potable + non-potable combined);
- Rainfall data is user-supplied; local ARSO/meteorological data is recommended.
FoodStockNomad
Plans long-term food storage by calculating caloric and macronutrient requirements, storage volumes, rotation schedules, and weight estimates for various dietary profiles.
Core Methodology
Caloric requirements are estimated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation adjusted by an activity factor. Total calories are then distributed across food categories (grains, legumes, fats, sugars, proteins) based on the selected dietary profile:
Volume estimates use typical bulk food densities. Rotation schedules are derived from shelf-life data (hermetically sealed, oxygen-absorber packed conditions).
Key Assumptions
- Shelf life data based on freeze-dried and properly sealed bulk storage; actual shelf life varies significantly with storage temperature and humidity;
- Caloric density values sourced from USDA FoodData Central;
- Activity factor default: 1.55 (moderately active); adjustable in calculator;
- Volume calculations assume standard food-grade 5-gallon bucket storage (≈18.9L).
ThermalCoreNomad
Calculates building heat loss, insulation requirements, firewood cord estimates, and thermal mass sizing for passive solar and wood-heated structures.
Core Methodology
Heat loss is calculated using the U-value method across all building envelope components:
Annual heating demand is integrated over Heating Degree Days (HDD) for the location. Firewood requirements are derived from wood species BTU values and assumed stove efficiency.
Key Assumptions
- Default air change rate: 0.5 ACH (well-sealed construction);
- Wood BTU values: beech/oak ≈ 28–30 GJ/cord; softwoods ≈ 18–22 GJ/cord;
- Stove efficiency default: 75–80% (modern certified wood stove);
- HDD data is user-supplied or estimated from climate zone selection.
DataLinkNomad
Configures off-grid connectivity solutions including satellite internet, VHF/UHF radio range estimation, and local mesh network planning.
Core Methodology
Radio range is estimated using the Friis transmission equation and terrain-adjusted models. Line-of-sight (LoS) distances use the radio horizon formula:
Satellite bandwidth planning uses published provider data (Starlink, Iridium, etc.) with per-device allocation modeling. Local mesh network coverage assumes IEEE 802.11 standards with obstacle derating.
Key Assumptions
- Radio horizon assumes flat terrain; hills, forests, and buildings will reduce actual range;
- Satellite latency and availability figures are based on published provider specifications and may vary by location and congestion;
- Mesh network range defaults: 2.4GHz ≈ 150m open air; 5GHz ≈ 50m open air.
BioCycleNomad
Sizes composting toilet systems, greywater filtration, and biomass recycling loops based on occupant count and waste generation rates.
Core Methodology
Composting toilet sizing uses standardized waste volume generation rates per person per day. Composting volume accounts for bulking agent ratio and decomposition reduction factor:
Greywater treatment sizing is based on flow rates (liters per person per day), treatment technology type (constructed wetland, sand filter, biofilter), and local infiltration capacity of the soil.
Key Assumptions
- Average human waste volume: ≈1.5L/person/day (feces + urine);
- Composting reduction factor: 70–90% volume reduction over 12–18 months;
- Greywater flow: 60–100 L/person/day (showers, sinks, laundry);
- Constructed wetland sizing: 5–7 m² per person (horizontal subsurface flow);
- Local regulatory requirements for greywater and composting systems vary widely; always verify with local authorities.
OffGridNomad
The unified master calculator that aggregates outputs from all other modules into a single resilience dashboard, identifying resource gaps and system interdependencies.
Core Methodology
OffGridNomad collects key outputs from each subsystem calculator (energy surplus/deficit, water autonomy, food days stored, thermal comfort factor, etc.) and weights them into a composite Resilience Index (RI) score:
Category weights are configurable to reflect the user's priorities and geographic context. The dashboard highlights critical vulnerabilities (scores below threshold) and recommends priority investments.
Key Assumptions
- Default category weights: Energy 30%, Water 25%, Food 25%, Thermal 10%, Waste 10%;
- The RI score is a planning heuristic, not a certified resilience standard;
- System interdependencies (e.g. water pump powered by solar) are simplified; detailed design should account for these explicitly.
Units & Conventions
All TerraNomadHub calculators use SI (metric) units as the primary standard, with optional imperial unit display where applicable. Key conventions:
- Energy: Watt-hours (Wh), Kilowatt-hours (kWh), Gigajoules (GJ);
- Power: Watts (W), Kilowatts (kW);
- Volume: Liters (L), Cubic meters (m³);
- Area: Square meters (m²);
- Mass: Kilograms (kg), Metric tons (t);
- Temperature: Degrees Celsius (°C);
- Rainfall: Millimeters (mm);
- Currency: Estimates shown in EUR; conversion to local currency is the user's responsibility.