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Solar
Aeration, Solar Pumps & Solar Systems
Using solar power
to aerate a pond and build a complete solar system.
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In
my years of assisting pond owners with aeration systems I have constantly been
asked if it is possible to use solar power to aerate a pond and my answer has
always been: YES! Of course the technology exists to build a homemade aeration
system from fairly cheap parts that works on solar power and the reason is because
there are a number of suppliers who can provide solar systems not only for pond
aeration but also to charge deep-cell batteries and even to power complete cabins
by using full off-grid
power systems.
While the idea of using renewable resources as the
cheap power source is definitely sound the reality is that many companies offer
solar systems that are costly and such systems are currently designed more for
the do-it-yourself style of pond owner. Of course all of my clients ask me why
this is the reality considering that solar powered systems have existed for decades
and there are solar pumps that should be able to perform the job to feed compressed
air into diffusers...so why is this type of configuration so darned expensive?
Check
out our recommended solar equipment store for panels, solar lighting, solar battery
chargers etc.
The answer
is that it doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking if someone really wants
to add a solar fountain or a solar pump with a simple nozzle to create a spraying
fountain-jet display or even a simple air diffuser system that operates with solar
cells and direct current pumps. The problem is mainly the supply of such parts.
Canadian solar supply companies are few and far between and even my clients in
the USA have told me that buying solar panels and wiring kits anywhere in North
America is not easy, especially if we are looking beyond the actual product but
into the knowledge of installing solar power and building homemade solar aerators
and fountains.
Before
we look at the intrinsic difficulties of finding a local supplier of solar powered
systems in Canada or North America for that matter let us first look at what exactly
is involved for someone wanting to build a simple low-cost solar powered aeration
system.
If
you are like many of my existing clients you have toyed with the idea of aerating
your pond without using expensive grid power. There are certain provinces and
states that offer low cost electricity but even the most frugal electrical aeration
systems can cost upward of 94 cents per day to operate and in higher cost markets
these same systems can run up to 3 dollars per day in operating costs. It is no
wonder that the question of self-sustained energy systems arises more often than
talk about the weather!
During my paid consultations I typically go over
the same ground again and again so I will do it once again here so more of you
can benefit from my knowledge. Of course I do not pretend to be an expert in solar
power but for many people who come to me in search of information on Canadian
pond supplies I have helped many save several hundred dollars just by being honest
and explaining what works and what doesn't work.
While
I have been asked about everything from solar cabin kits and power system to full
on solar powered fountains I will attempt to discuss some of the myths and impossibilites
of using solar cells as a form of energy; the facts are that while solar power
is a viable green technology it is also limited in that the initial setup costs
are high and currently the ability to drive high powered pumps and solar powered
compressors is limited. I much prefer an electrical system on a thermostat control
or a timer compared to a solar aerator but the reasons are merely based on a desire
for efficiency! If a system that was driven by sun power, or even wind power,
could compare to the sheer power and control of an electric system I would non
too happy to switch!
But
still, I have never discouraged anyone who has their heart set on using solar
panels for aerating their ponds from doing so, in fact their are ways to achieve
this sort of cost-saving measure...well...it is cost saving in the long run but
solar power is always more expensive as an initial investment so that is something
everyone should understand who contemplates using this sort of system.
Because I deal primarily with aeration projects, let's look at a typical inexpensive,
cheap, homemade solar aerator:
The
basic solar system requires a solar panel which is often a 60 Watt Uni-Solar Panel
or a series of one or more 50 Watt Kyocera Solar Panels running together. These
panels are mounted together in what is called a solar array on a pole and usually
face towards the sun by manual positioning or in the case of more sophisticated
systems an autmoatic solar tracking system.
An air compressor is needed
to create compressed air that is pumped to the air diffusers in the pond and there
are a few varieties of pond pumps that will correctly do the job; usually in a
solar direct system you will need a direct current DC compressor such as a Thomas
pumps. I have found that the Thomas line of solar pumps offer an adequate mix
of PSI and CFM which, while not as strong as the electric versions, still can
offer good aeration in fairly small ponds with depths not exceeding 10 feet. I
have built systems using a rotary vane compressors feeding two or more diffuser
discs using direct solar power but again these are packages that are recommended
mainly as a last resort when there is no electrical supply within 500 feet of
the pond.
Buying Solar Pumps & Aeration System
Approximate Cost
64-watt solar panels at some solar stores can
retail from $600 - $2000
We recommend the following for the best value in
Cheap
Solar Panels
15 Watts Solar Panel:$129, 30 Watt Solar Panel:$260,
75 Watt Solar Panel:$350
For larger scale pumping, off-grid systems and cabin
power systems we use the larger 165 watt solar panels:
165 WATT Mitsubishi Solar Panels
220-amp hour 6-volt battery $130
-$360 depending on quaility
Air compressor $300 - $2500 depending on durability
and included componants
Control regulator and LVD $250 - $800 depending on
quality and durabilty
1/2 inch air line (weighted) $120 - $250 depending
on length and flexibilty and memory of material
Air diffuser $65-$500 depends
on size and water volume moved
Of course, the mountings for panels,
enclosures for batteries and compressor can be purchased from your local dealer.
The system can be permanently located at the site or mounted on a trailer for
easy relocation if livestock or cattle or involved. While pond aeration systems
are usually maintained on site the winer watering systems are known for being
moved from pond to pond.
A linear current booster
is required to combine the solar direct power from the panels to the DC powered
pump and this is usually a simple system that can be picked up at a local supplier
of parts designed for alternative power sources.
Your typical aerator
includes a bubble diffuser whic can be a HDPE type disc diffuser of nine or twelve
in diameter membrane diffuser or an airstone or any manner of diffuser tubing
also known as bubble tubing. While many systems can include a lenth of airline,
often 100 feet, there is the self sinking weighted tubing variety of airline that
makles installation much easier. Standard airline will float and it is rare that
one of my clients will decide to buy regular poly plastic tubing instead of the
weighted tubing because it makes installation so much simpler. Still, if saving
money is a priority you should use floating airline availbe for about 30 cents
per foot at the local hardware store instead of self-sinking tubing that costs
from $1.15 TO $2.25 per foot.
For those of you who want to go beyond
the solar direct system there exists many retailers who specialize in solar pond
systems that include deep cell battery operated systems that can provide continuous
aeration over 8 to 12 hours per day due to their deep cycle battery systems. Fundamentallt
these solar pumps are the same but instead of operating only when sunlight hits
the solar panels they have the ability to charge deep cell batteries during the
sunny hours of the day and can operate the pump during times when there is no
light which is often preferable as aeration systems an their best will function
only during the evning hours when their is no chance for aquatic plants to contribute
oxygen due to photosynthesis.
Beyond the need for aeration I am also
asked constantly about solar pumps for fountains. Most floating founatins or even
fixed base submersible fountains require large horsepower pumps to drive thick
columns of water through brass nozzles to create dramatic effects and to create
a large display such as a crown and geyser display using a solar pump is not finincially
feasible. Of course there are pumps that can be simply placed into a pond or dugout
and with the addition of a brass fountain nozzle can create dramatic displays
of height but the limitations of amperage inherent in solar pumps means that only
smaller water bodies like water gardens can even entertain the concept of a solar
fountain.
Solar fountains just don't have the power to push water beyond more than
a few feet above the water level unless they are large scale and typically expensive
systems.
Even when I visit a eutrophic pond in need of major treatment
I inevitably come upon the question of solar systems designed to power cottages
or country homes. There are cttage and complete solar systems that retailers create
that include homemade packaged photovoltaic power systems from 50 to over 2000
watts that are perfect for providing full power for small cottages and vacation
homes. These store bought systems usually come complete with cutting edge solar
modules, controllers, mounting hardware, batteries, wiring and installation guides.
Basically all you need is a few basic tools and a few hours to build your solar
installation. Most of these systems are expandable especially if you consult a
local solar dealer for tips and ideas on building a do it yourself solar system!
You can always add on more solar modules at a later time or improve your system
with a windmill or a micro-hydro turbine if you have running water on your property.
If you are thinking of adding more solar modules in the future it may be
wise to select a pole-mounting structure capable of holding additional solar panels
and choosing a voltage controller capable of handling the additional power. There
are standby-grid-tie systems that not only allow you to feed power back to the
grid, but it will also offer you the security of back-up power in the event of
a power failure. During sunny days the solar array mounted on your roof for example,
will feed extra electrical power back to the utility grid. In many provinces and
states you may be able to sell your excess electricity to them via the hydro electric
lines. During a blackout or major ice storm or even a terrorist attack the systems
deep cell battery bank will provide you with the electricity to run multiple loads
including furnaces, refrigerators, lighting, computers, televisions and phones
for homes cottages and small businesses.
Where can solar
aeration be used?
Most Solar aeration systems are custom-built for ponds
and lakes when AC power or an air line from a AC powered system is not practical.
The Solar panels can be designed and sized easily to supply power to a water pump
or a combination bubbler and water pump.
Designing a solar aeration
system
Designing a solar powered system can be done quite easily. For
example, a pond of 2,400,000 litres or 650 000 gallons can be properly aerated
with a minimum of 0.5 - 1.0 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at a minimum but if we
can provide up to 4 CFM we can create multiple aeration zones by using multiple
diffusers. Again, the limitations of the DC compresor are the key variable. For
proper solar system design, the compressor size and combined power requirements
should be calculated for correct aeration. Once these mathematics are calculated,
the precise number of solar panels, wattage and batteries can be determined and
implemented.
The
following formula is often used to determine the number of solar panels required.
Example: (based on Canadian summer use) An average Canadian summer day will
provide about 6.0-6.5 hours of charging time equalling a 12-volt compressor rated
load of 3.8 amps (45.6 W) per hour.
To determine the number of panels
using the formula, the following is calculated. 12v x 3.8amps x 24hr x 1.1bf =
1,204 Watt/hrs Based on this initial calculation, three solar panels will be required.
This assumes use of 64-watt panels, which produce (64 watts x 6 hrs) 384 Watt-hrs
per day. Therefore, (1,204 ÷ 384) = 3.1, round to three panels.
When
installing a solar powered aeration or watering system, one should determine the
number of batteries needed or calculate how much deep charge battery power is
required during cloudy periods or if the panels are disconnected. This calculation
will depend largely on how often the system is inspected and I recommend a battery
storage capacity of three to five days.
In this generic example, if
four days of storage are required and a six-volt 220-amp hour battery is being
used, then you should calculate the number of batteries needed using the following
formula: Load: volts multiplied by amps (Watts) Duty cycle: running time percent
Run time: length of time required To determine the number of batteries using the
formula, the following is calculated: 45.6w x 1.0 x 96 hours = 4377.6 Watt/hrs
The number of 220 A/hr batteries required is 3.32, rounded up to four. This is
achieved because a 220 A/hr battery holds (220 A/ hr x 6v) 1320 Watt/hrs, which,
when divided into reserve capacity equals 3.32 batteries to get four days of reserve
capacity.
I recommend using six volt batteries because they provide
the best storage life. For a 12-volt system, the batteries must be used in increments
of two in series equalling 12 volts; and for a 24- volt system, increments of
four in series that equal 24 volts are required. Cost of Solar Aeration Depending
on the system components used, pond solar aeration can vary from as low as $1,900
(solar direct - with no battery storage) to $18,500 for 24-hour aeration using
mulitple diffusers or shallow linear aeration diffuser tubing.
I have
designed a standrad indication showing the approximate component costs for a solar
powered aeration system.
Some interesting links on solar power and solar aeration:
1. Solar-Powered Dugout Aeration
"Solar Poer (Photovoltaic, PV)
Photovoltaic, known as PV, relates to the production of electric current at the
junction of two substances exposed to light. Photovoltaic systems consist of solar
arrays (solar panel) that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity,
which can be used directly or stored in batteries. Most DC systems are 6, 12 or
24 volts, or by using an invertor can be converted to alternating current (AC).
Solar panels consist of silicon cells, which have no moving parts, are durable
and have a life expectancy of 25 years or more. Most solar arrays begin delivering
power or charging batteries with as little as 10% of sunlight with each cell of
the array converting approximately 14% of the available energy to DC power. "
Government issued information: www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/water/solardugout_e.htm
2. Solar Pond Aeration and pond aeration.
"Turnkey solar
power pond aeration systems are a good alternative to a windmill pond aeration
system. SC Solar has been providing solar pond aeration systems for years. Solar
lake bed aeration is extremely important to the health of isolated ponds. Golf
course pond and farm pond stagnation problems are eliminated with our solar pond
aeration systems. We also use the aeration system for the hog waste industry problems
to increase the decomposition of swine and other livestock waste issues. Call
to discuss your hog waste lagoon options. SC solar may have the answer that you
have been looking for. ."
Solar supply store: www.scsolar.com/Solar_Pond_Aeration.html
3. Solar Water Pumps, Solar Fountains & Solar Waterfalls
"Solar fountain pumps can be used to create solar powered waterfall, pond and
well projects. Crucial to the appearance of a well-designed garden is the lighting
system and water features selected to enhance it. Silicon Solar is the proud manufacturer
of a variety of solar fountains and solar water pumps. Below you will find wholesale,
manufacture-direct prices on solar powered pumps & fountain kit sets. We also
carry a large selection of cascading fountains and many other complete fountain
kits. With our unique solar fountains, we provide a wide selection of water pumps
and other items that can be used in creating waterfalls in many landscape projects."
4. Solar Pond Bubbler Works At Night
"The solar panel activates
the pump automatically and provides nearly continuous aeration. Our Solar Bubbler
Pump Kits come complete with 0.09 cfm submersible bubbler, anchoring attachments,
16 feet of air tubing and a 0.5 amp, 18 V solar panel. A standard 12 volt car
battery (not included) is also required. Yep, it works at night! The battery is
charged (continuous operation requires 4 hours/day of direct unfiltered sunshine,
40 watt/hrs) by the built-in solar panel while allowing the pump to run continuously
for up to *2 weeks of cloudy days (rainy days provide more oxygen/mixing than
many aerators) and indefinitely through the evenings on sunny days. That's right
our unit is designed to maximize the use of the built-in solar panel to charge
your standard 12 volt car battery while operating the bubbler. Other units on
the market do not operate at night or require you to buy several additional solar
panels and elaborate battery stacks and control systems that cost thousands of
dollars to do what we do with every single unit. They just don't get it, you need
our aeration that operates 24/7, not theirs that only operates during the daylight
hours."
Solar System Retail Outlet: http://www.solaraerator.com
5. Solar Power Kits For Your Dream Cabin
"We definitely understand
the need of many to have a small off-grid solar powered cabin away from the cities
and tucked away where you can escape the worries of everyday living. You probably
built it yourself or played a major part in it's construction and whether it's
made of straw bale, brick, wood, or some other form of alternative construction,
it would probably be just a little homier with a little sunshine generated electricity.
Well, we can sure help there... What you see here is a just a few of the entry
level solar cabin kits we offer. We are happy to offer free quotes on solar cabin
and solar home power systems of any size. "
Government issued information:
http://www.azsolar.com/page/page/1496815.htm
6. Residential Solar Energy Systems
""This pilot project is
an exciting next step in solar energy becoming a mainstream technology in Canada,"
said ARISE President Ian MacLellan. "Last year in Japan, there were more than
25,000 solar homes built and more than 100,000 systems have been installed since
1994. This project will show in the Canadian context that solar energy can also
make a significant contribution to the environment, reduce consumers' expenses
and increase home comfort." ."
Government issued information: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/archives/newsreleases/2002/200248_e.htm
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