by Gerald Raath
Solar Powered Air Pump Info
1:20 pm in Education, electronic components, energy consumption, International, Materials and Resources, questions, Uncategorized by Gerald Raath
Can anyone advise how to go about providing solar power to the air pump system? I want to achieve a stand alone prototype operation that can be used by poor communties in Africa where there is no power other than sun. As I will be funding these myself the cheaper the more can be done
Dear Gerald. You are welcome to see some of my youtube homemade solar power ideas in my channel virlusun.I have one video that uses a dc power pump lifting water just using the solar energy. I’ve been working with homemade solar power system 3 yrs. Now I am on my second stage hydroponics and I found this website. I can share free information if you are interested.
I have been successful at using solar power to drive an Archimedes screw-type water pump. It uses a simple construction of a flexible tube wrapped in a spiral around a core (could be bamboo) and driven by a small DC gearmotor that is powered by a small (less than 1 square foot) solar panel. I can explain the setup in more detail if you are interested. I have lifted water over 6 feet but in theory the screw can lift water an unlimited height. I am proceeding now to test the use of black tubing to act as a heater for water.
I found an inadequate battery powered aerator pump at wal-mart for keeping bait alive.
not recommended for more than about 4 inch submersion, but it might be a starting point to hack something together.
I know they make serious DC operated “live bait well” pumps for “bass boats” that would probably work. Check a hunting/fishing equipment supplier catalog.
The basic setup you’d have to come up with would involve a solar panel, inverter and battery, with some method of protecting the battery from over charging.
This type of hydroponics systems would need to operate when there is no sunlight.
I know in certain African countries, they experience bad thunderstorms as well.
There is a company in NJ. Usa called Ergenics. they have a device that will generate electrical energy from the differance in temperatures of two substances. It’s not cheap, but it will be inthe long run. I know on e that’s been running for 20yrs by itself
A solar bubble pump is cheaper, uses less physical materials, and converts the solar heat directly to mechanical energy. What I would suggest is using a bubble pump (think of coffee maker) with a Fresnel lens on the glass to amplify the solar energy to the heating section of the bubble pump.
Check out these videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfgHHLbPncE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=4j4Q_YBRJEI
Thanks for som great ideas. The obvious logistical issue is to be able have controllable volume bubble pump action 24/7 which is challenging unless you can “store” power for night time pumping continuity. Batteries big enough to do the job adequately are just way to costly so not a viable option. Please let me know if you can think of a way to overcome this.
I am interested in using solar panels to power an air pump for a 2 column system for a class project. Has anyone had any success with this so far?