Author: Stefany Corella
My name is Stefany and I’m part of the Off-Grid Solar Water Heating Group. At the beginning of this project Springstone Farm’s concern was the limited availability of warm water in the outdoor shower. The solution we have proposed was the use of two systems, both a solar electric generating and a passive and active solar water heating system.
My name is Stefany and I’m part of the Off-Grid Solar Water Heating Group. At the beginning of this project Springstone Farm’s concern was the limited availability of warm water in the outdoor shower. The solution we have proposed was the use of two systems, both a solar electric generating and a passive and active solar water heating system.
We have suggested the use of a water pump for water circulation and to maintain warm water at all times of the day. My partner and I have researched information about how an off-grid solar system works and the use
of a passive and active solar water heating system. Then, we did a site visit to obtain dimensions
of the shed and barrel to provide a working design to properly calculate where to place the solar
panel and water heating system. Based on the site visit, there was conflicting measurements
suggesting that the back of shed is sinking. Secondly, we were thinking that by placing a water
pump, the barrel wouldn’t sustain the water pressure of the pump. A couple of things we
observed is the outdoor shower was optimal for placement of the solar panels. It has no
surrounding trees and the gambrel roof structure on the shed is ideal for alternating degree angles
of solar panels.
The materials needed for an off-grid system are solar charge controller, a battery bank
with Direct Current (DC) disconnect, and an off-grid inverter. Off-grid set up will allow to store
the energy through a battery bank instead of sending the energy into the electricity grid to be sold
by local electricity companies (grid- tied). The battery bank we suggested using is deep cycle
battery in specifically a golf cart battery, these batteries have less voltage and more amps. Amps
in a battery bank works efficiently that other batteries because of the depth of discharge. Also in
battery bank there are two positions you can place a battery, in series or parallel. The one we
have advice using is a parallel set-up as it has less voltage and more storage. Below, figure 1.1 is
a model of the redesign model for the outdoor shower and figure 1.2 illustrates how the off-grid
system would work to give off electricity for the water pump.
of a passive and active solar water heating system. Then, we did a site visit to obtain dimensions
of the shed and barrel to provide a working design to properly calculate where to place the solar
panel and water heating system. Based on the site visit, there was conflicting measurements
suggesting that the back of shed is sinking. Secondly, we were thinking that by placing a water
pump, the barrel wouldn’t sustain the water pressure of the pump. A couple of things we
observed is the outdoor shower was optimal for placement of the solar panels. It has no
surrounding trees and the gambrel roof structure on the shed is ideal for alternating degree angles
of solar panels.
The materials needed for an off-grid system are solar charge controller, a battery bank
with Direct Current (DC) disconnect, and an off-grid inverter. Off-grid set up will allow to store
the energy through a battery bank instead of sending the energy into the electricity grid to be sold
by local electricity companies (grid- tied). The battery bank we suggested using is deep cycle
battery in specifically a golf cart battery, these batteries have less voltage and more amps. Amps
in a battery bank works efficiently that other batteries because of the depth of discharge. Also in
battery bank there are two positions you can place a battery, in series or parallel. The one we
have advice using is a parallel set-up as it has less voltage and more storage. Below, figure 1.1 is
a model of the redesign model for the outdoor shower and figure 1.2 illustrates how the off-grid
system would work to give off electricity for the water pump.
RSS Feed
