Building a solar generator to run a fan and other small applications

[getrichschemer]

I am going to reproduce this generator from this youtube video.

The question I have is, would this be able to run a fan like http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lasko-20-H...20685/19861419

We are building a cabin in a very remote location. I figured I would rig something up for the ladies to have some sort of cooling system while we work. I have done some research, but this is my entry level project.

Also I know it depends on the specs of that fan motor, however I cannot find any specs on a fan motor like the one listed above. I know it plugs into a 110 outlet lol

[russ]

Look in Mike's signature line - he has information on his solar 'monolith'


Link to Solar Monolith construction notes:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1559540947236.2074858.1196643274&type=3&l=7e66e96c3c

Unisolar 64w panel, plywood, C-12 charge controller, pair of group 24 batteries in the base. A $40 pneumatic wheel dolly to move it with. - Mike

[getrichschemer]

I looked at Mike90250??? and I didn't see anything about this device.

My questions is: Will this setup actually power that fan I posted. How can I tell?

[inetdog]

My questions is: Will this setup actually power that fan I posted. How can I tell?

The Walmart link does not indicate how much current (or power) the fan consumes, so you can't really tell. If you can find the amperage required to run the fan, you can then tell whether any particular size inverter can run it. That number should be on the box or on the fan somewhere. Then by looking at the amount of power that represents, the current that is pulled from the battery, and the amp-hour capacity of the battery, you can figure out how long you can run the fan. Just do not plan on regularly using more than 20% of the capacity of the battery before recharging if you want maximum battery life. Never more than 50%.

High velocity fans are not very efficient in the amount of air they move for a given amount of power. Instead they are designed to take up the least possible space for the amont of air moved. For "cooling" a room, a lower speed ceiling fan will move more air for less power and will be more comfortable too. Remember though that fan is not reducing the air temperature, it is just allowing your body to lose heat to the air more easily, with our without sweating.

If you are trying to get rid of heat coming in from the ceiling and walls when the sun is shining on them, then you want to move air into and out of the room, which is a different usage entirely.

[getrichschemer]

Wow.. that idea seems like a flop.

Well the camp is not built yet. However, we have a small area setup with a covering, and I was going to rig up some outdoor air flow in that area. So the ceiling fan won't work.

This is deep south humidity ridden swamp territory...

[getrichschemer]

Won't the panel charge the battery as I use it?

[inetdog]

Won't the panel charge the battery as I use it?

Yes. but it probably will not be able to keep up with what the inverter is pulling, so it will still be discharging the battery if you leave the fan on all day.
And then at night when you turn the fan off, the solar cell cannot get the battery charged for the start of the next day!
If you will only be using the fan for a small part of the day, while you are actually in camp, then it might work out.

[getrichschemer]

Another question:

I was going to purchase this kit to use in this setup

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=202641968&R=202641968

Then I found this setup

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-68751.html

I went charge my deep cycle marine battery the other day at Auto Zone, and they told me that deep cycle batteries have to charge real slow. They said the plates are real close together and can melt or something like that. Any trouble with that, or was that hog wash?

How do I know what amp charge controller I need?


Thanks for your response

[Sunking]

Another question:

I was going to purchase this kit to use in this setup

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=202641968&R=202641968

Then I found this setup

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-68751.html

I went charge my deep cycle marine battery the other day at Auto Zone, and they told me that deep cycle batteries have to charge real slow. They said the plates are real close together and can melt or something like that. Any trouble with that, or was that hog wash?

How do I know what amp charge controller I need?


Thanks for your response

Complete junk.

[getrichschemer]

Complete junk. The box it comes in is worth more than the contents.

Explain? Any better kit for the price?

[Sunking]

The fan you linked too uses roughly 110 watts with a 1/8 hp motor in it. So if you want to run it say 6 hours it consumes 110 watts x 6 hours = 660 watt hours. That means your panels need to generate 1200 watt hours per day.

For a battery it will take a 12 volt 275 AH battery like 2 units of Trojan J250P 6V @ $230 each and weighs 150 pounds total for both batteries. To charge them with a solar panel you will need roughly 450 watts of solar panel and a 30 amp PWM controller. So you are looking at around $1500 to do this.

Have at it.

[russ]

Harbor Freight (Horrible Freight) is not a favorite source for solar equipment - mainly junk

The Home Depot panels are also total junk - only valuable to them if they can find a sucker to unload them on.

[getrichschemer]

Ok, ive already scratched that fan idea.

If this is complete junk, then can you make a recommendation? Keep in mind my first post mentioned im trying to build that portable setup.

[Sunking]

Ok, ive already scratched that fan idea.

If this is complete junk, then can you make a recommendation? Keep in mind my first post mentioned im trying to build that portable setup.

I already did that read post #13

[getrichschemer]

Spending more than 500.00 for my first project isn't what im looking to do.