Solar Ventilators

[deserthawk]

Has anyone had experience using one of these solar powered ventilators to keep a TD dry and the air quality fresh? Seems like a good idea to stop mildew and also ensure a fresh air flow for occupants who forget to open a window.


Deserthawk

[brian_bp]

It's a slick idea, with air being blown whenever the sun shines, which is likely when you need it... but the solar cell area is so tiny on these things that I can't believe there's much airflow. They seem like a better match for a storage space than an inhabited one, to me.

[Alphacarina]

They make those vents for marine applications which include a rechargeable C battery which runs the vent all night long and then the solar panel runs it and charges the battery all day long - They come with two sets of fan blades, so you can use them to either remove air or insert new air. A pair with one pulling out and one pushing in is an excellent combination. If you're only using one, you'll need another vent of some sort to allow fesh air in, otherwise the power vent can't pull any air out. Set up correctly, they advertise 1100 cubic feet per hour of air movement

Yes - They work very well to prevent mildew. I had a pair on 2 or 3 different sailboats over the past 20 years. Pretty expensive nowadays, though they do make them in white ABS plastic and those are a little cheaper than the stainless version

Don

[Gerdo]

I was thinking of one since the planing days of my TD. No it will not replace a vent fan but they are supose to be quiet and would be great to keep fresh air in all night. Also great for storage. Some even turn off and close to keep out dust when driving. Yes you do need a source of fresh air (vent) or you won't get the air exchange. They are rated by CFH not CFM. Since a TD is about 112 cubic feet.

[cuyeda]

Ask UK-Corlett, he has one on his teardrop.

http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/album_personal.php?user_id=3810&sort_method=pic_time&sort_order=DESC&start=12

[Leon]

We used a bunch of them when I worked for the Government. We had some tracking mounts that were enclosed in large fiberglass clamshells and when closed, they were fairly airtight. Since they were stored outside in the heat, the ventilators did a pretty good job of pulling in fresh air. We had one per trailer and it was enough to circulate the air inside. The inside air volume was equivalent to several teardrops.


Shown with shell off for size reference

[Alphacarina]

If you have a sealed 'box' how does one vent introduce or circulate any air?

Even on my sailboat which was far from airtight, I didn't get any meaningful circulation until I installed two of them . . . . one pushing air in and one pulling it out

You can't introduce any fresh air into a box unless you have somewhere for the stale air to get out . . . . preferably as far from the air input source as possible

Don

[Cutterpup]

Don are sure your TD is air tight?
Dan

[Gerdo]

If I install one I will mount a deck vent low and the powered vent in the ceiling.

[UK-Corlett]

Dear deserthawk and cuyeda

Yes I have one fitted to my TD actually it look almost exactly like the picture above. I got it from ebay.

It’s great it keeps down the condensation inside the TD when it’s cold outside and helps cool the cabin on a hot evening. I also run it to keep the cabin sweet when not in use. It helps prevent any mouldy musty smells. And it’s very quiet

However I modified the fan motor, to run day and night.
The solar panel provides about 1.2V DC during the day. So I used a DC-DC 5V converter to drop from the 12V main battery and then regulated to 1.2V with a Voltage Regulator. I have a double pole double throw switch which allows me to select solar or battery power. The circuit is detailed at

http://tnttt.com/album_ ... c_id=18537

It works great for me

I have had no water getting in problems. Even when driving at speed on the motorways in heavy rain.

Clive

PS
Don't be put off by the electronics, it's not that difficult. I am not an electronics wiz.

[Gerdo]

Clive

Can you even hear it running?

[UK-Corlett]

Can I here it?

Well yes and then again no.
You are aware that its on and as you go to sleep and all is completely quiet then there is a faint rumble "wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww". Your brain easily block it out after a few minuets. During the day its one of those where you notice when you switch it on and off but can't be sure if its on or off with out putting your ear to it.

Clive

[Gerdo]

This is the year that I install one!