Pond Boss
Posted By: mnfish Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 02:53 AM
This is a project that I have been working on quite passionately for 6 seasons now. A lot of failures along the way but some, IMHO, good discoveries too. I just wanted to use this thread as a documenting place for the project and a possible learning tool for others. Myself and my neighbor, with a lot of learning here on PondBoss, are breaking or at least pushing many paradigms of growing fish here in the frozen state of MN. We are pushing the size, depth, water location, and types of fish with the use of this very simple system.

The system pictured here was installed last weekend. Its the second system now running and I will be documenting its success or failure through out this year. Our goal has been;
1) Raise and carry most fish native to MN over winter within a body of water less than 1/2 acre with an average depth of 6' or less.
2) Do it with a very simple aeration system that could be set up and run anywhere in MN.

The last two seasons, with test pond one, were our first successes. Can we keep doing it?...Who knows.

Test pond two, pictured here, is .2 acres with an average depth of 5'. The aerator is a 150W panel with the compressor and electronics pictured. This is the entire system. Direct pumping with no batteries. It is pushing 1-1.5CFM for an average of 8hrs/day (summer) and average of 5hrs/day (winter). This pond has been stocked with LMB,BG,YP,GSF,FHM,WE.





Posted By: jims place Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 12:53 PM
I plan on starting a similar project in a week or two, one thing I've noticed is that the prices of PV panels are all over the place. Mind sharing who you got your panel from?
Posted By: highflyer Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 01:44 PM
MNFISH,

I love people who push the limits!! I do have a few questions if you have the time.

1. How do you protect the pump until you get enough power from that one panel to run it (IE while it has partial sun and is producing some power, but not enough to run it)?

2, What pump is that? Did you find that off the shelf, or did you build it from parts?

3. How many amps?

4. How did you check the CFM rate?

5. What diffuser are you using?

6. Are you protecting for ice or thermal cline?

Thanks for any info, I have been doing mine for a while now as well, but I went with a battery and inverter style system because mine needs to run over night. I also want the rest of the power for pumping water from pond to pond and other functions.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 01:50 PM
Originally Posted By: jims place
I plan on starting a similar project in a week or two, one thing I've noticed is that the prices of PV panels are all over the place. Mind sharing who you got your panel from?


Ain't that the truth, about the price variation! Where I get hung up is with shipping. I have bought them from many different places in many different configurations. The one pictured on test pond two was purchased from:

https://www.renogy-store.com/150W-Mono-p/rng-150d.htm
Posted By: tz666 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 02:13 PM
I went a different rout and just added 7KW array to power everything.

Attached picture photo 3.JPG
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 02:52 PM
Originally Posted By: highflyer
MNFISH,

I love people who push the limits!! I do have a few questions if you have the time.

1. How do you protect the pump until you get enough power from that one panel to run it (IE while it has partial sun and is producing some power, but not enough to run it)?
In direct 12V or 24V solar pumping there is a device that allows the pump to begin turning in low light and thus overcoming the stall. It's called a linear current booster or LCB


2, What pump is that? Did you find that off the shelf, or did you build it from parts?
The pump is a Gast off the shelf but the electronics to drive it are custom

3. How many amps?
It takes 75W to run. In a 12V system, around 6.5 amps

4. How did you check the CFM rate?
I did take some liberties and assumptions. I measured the pressure at the pump and assumed a zero loss thru the line and a stone diffuser. Then used the pump performance graph to get the CFM's. The system is set up to run at full speed even under cloudy conditions. Once 75W is attained, the performance graph should fit.

5. What diffuser are you using?
This is going to be another thread coming very soon. wink I have been using/testing both stones and membranes. The one pictured is a single membrane diffuser.

6. Are you protecting for ice or thermal cline?
Not exactly sure what you are asking for here...sorry, please clarify and remember to ask as though you are speaking to a third grader (my apologies to those third graders whose intelligence I just insulted smile ).

Thanks for any info, I have been doing mine for a while now as well, but I went with a battery and inverter style system because mine needs to run over night. I also want the rest of the power for pumping water from pond to pond and other functions.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 02:54 PM
When it comes to solar power knowledge, I am playing whiffle ball compared to you major league baseball smile

Awesome system you got there!
Posted By: highflyer Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 04:37 PM
MNFISH,

Question 6 simple means "Why are you aerating" are you trying to mix the water during the summer or winter or both? In the summer we get hard thermal clines here in Texas. The reason to use aeration in the summer is to "open" more of the water column for the fish to use. Up north I hear people use aeration to "open" or keep open a hole in the ice for O2.

So I was wondering when are you going to use your system and for which purpose.

Excellent info!!

Can't wait for the other thread.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 05:55 PM
Originally Posted By: highflyer
MNFISH,

Question 6 simple means "Why are you aerating" are you trying to mix the water during the summer or winter or both? In the summer we get hard thermal clines here in Texas. The reason to use aeration in the summer is to "open" more of the water column for the fish to use. Up north I hear people use aeration to "open" or keep open a hole in the ice for O2.

So I was wondering when are you going to use your system and for which purpose.

Excellent info!!

Can't wait for the other thread.



The most critical time for us, at least in my limited 12 years of experience and location, is ice over. Open water during the winter months to let the pond "breath". We do aerate all year around. More for pump life evaluations and design limit testing, if commercialization is ever warranted. With shallow wetland type ponds that I'm working with, I am beginning to believe aeration is not necessary during the other 3 seasons. Currently, we have a couple bodies of water with less than 4' of average depth with some descent fish in them. Without winter aeration those fish will most certainly perish.
Posted By: highflyer Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/02/14 07:27 PM
Got it, Thanks.

I like the LCB idea as well, It has its merits. and it could be very useful.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/22/14 07:00 PM
For those following along, here is Test pond 1 (1/4 acre). A shallow wetland pond in central MN. The same aerator electronics as test pond 1. There are 2 single diffusers. One set at 3-4' and at the other in the deepest spot of 6'. Stocked YP,LMB,BG,PS. GSF and BH are also present.

Test pond 1 aerator box will be heated and/or heavily insulated to keep the temperature inside the box above 20F through out the winter. The box on Test pond 2 will be at ambient.

Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/22/14 08:57 PM
Originally Posted By: mnfish
For those following along, here is Test pond 1 (1/4 acre). A shallow wetland pond in central MN. The same aerator electronics as test pond 1. There are 2 single diffusers. One set at 3-4' and at the other in the deepest spot of 6'. Stocked YP,LMB,BG,PS. GSF and BH are also present.

Test pond 1 aerator box will be heated and/or heavily insulated to keep the temperature inside the box above 20F through out the winter. The box on Test pond 2 will be at ambient.



Awesome thread. Could you build a small vertical wind turbine to potentially produce power when the sun is not favorable? I saw a cool one made out of PVC on utube once.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/23/14 02:58 PM
Cecil- system runs in almost any light conditions. Very dark cloudy days would be a no pumping situation. The wind stuff is very cool but a whole new learning curve and wouldn't apply very well to my situation. Low areas surrounded by trees.
Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/25/14 02:23 AM
Makes sense!
Posted By: LittleBass Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/25/14 03:55 PM
This is a pretty cool setup, nice work! I have been trying to work on a similar project with mixed results. For the hose running out to your diffuser did you use a self sinking hose? It looks quite large for in the picture for such a small pump. Is it 1/8" ID or 3/8 ID hose? Thanks!
Posted By: canyoncreek Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/25/14 04:47 PM
mnfish, just curious, what happened to the photobucket picture that shows in the left side of your profile when you post?
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 09/25/14 05:49 PM
I was cleaning up my pics and I think I deleted it off of Phototbucket. I haven't got around to attaching another pic. Probably should get that done! blush
Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/14/14 02:23 AM
Mnfish,

So using the LCB there is no danger of damaging the compressor due to low voltage?
Posted By: canyoncreek Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/14/14 03:31 AM
I was looking at your top pictures again and it looks like the air hose that goes underwater goes inside a larger pvc pipe? What is the benefits or ideas behind doing that? I have about the same size pond, a little deeper and I have about 70 feet-80 feet of weighted hose on the bottom. I can easily pull up my diffuser and run the weighted hose in pvc if it makes sense to do so.

I was thinking some day about making some type of drag that I could drop in on the long end of my mostly oblong pond, stretch rope to the other side, and use my garden tractor to drag out the leaves, non-floating FA, sticks, organic nastyness etc. What held me back is worrying about dragging up my weighted air line.

If it was encased in pvc the drag might shimmy over it better? Or maybe after being underwater for about 18 months now the sediment has buried it sufficiently?

2nd question:

I'm toying with the idea of trying to keep just a tiny circle of water open in the shallow water this winter to avoid a winter kill. I'm not looking for a large plume from a membrane aerator, just maybe 8" hole? Something like Cecil posted pictures or last winter in his pond. I'd rather not have to pull up the vertex membranes and move them twice a year to bring from deep to shallow and then vice versa in the spring.

Can I make some kind of T in the compressor box with a shutoff valve or redirector valve. Then in winter I can shift over to a new short segment hose that goes into the shallow area and run on a timer or just as needed to keep a small area opened. Since that 2nd run is short and only a couple of feet into the water I don't think I need weighted hose. The run is downhill so no fears of freezing the air line.

How to make a T with valves or shutoffs?

I bought my compressor from Sue at Vertex
Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/14/14 02:16 PM
I personally wouldn't drag the bottom as you could stir things up enough to cause issues but I could be wrong.

I try to switch over to a shorter airline and smaller compressor every year for winter aeration. I disconnect my summer airlines at the compressor leads and tape them off with duck tape to keep things out. Then I connect my short airline to a much smaller compressor and I'm good to go.

You most certainly can reroute air with valves you can get at any hardware store. Very easy to do. But it's cheaper to do what I do. And rhe smaller comressor uses less power.
Posted By: canyoncreek Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/14/14 06:09 PM
Great idea Cecil, then I can also bring in my compressor and maybe protect it from the elements, ice, mice nests etc.

Any suggestions (can PM me if you would like) on smaller compressors? can the smaller compressor just sit out in the weather or needs to be in some type of enclosure? Say under a plastic tote or something?

on the end of the hose in the water do you just have a bare hose end or do you have some type of air stone or diffuser?

Thanks
Posted By: esshup Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/15/14 12:43 AM
CC, if you subscribe to the magazine, I'll bet some of those questions might be answered in the next issue.
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/15/14 01:35 AM
Great thread guys.

CC

In my opinion, any electrical equipment should be protected from the elements if you want to maximize its life so I would definitely provide shelter. Compressors generate heat so good ventilation in the shelter is a must. I use a self contained compressor with its own shelter (Airmax) and it came with a dedicated cooling fan for the compressor. These are expensive to buy and operate! Since then I built a pump house to get everything up off the ground away from standing water and critters so that expensive shelter that came with the unit has no value to me. When the compressor I have now gives up the ghost, I will replace it with a much less expensive one without its own shelter.

I really like the idea of a second small compressor just for winter. Now I just turn off the diffuser in the deep end during winter and only run the shallow one. I have excess air that I have to just let bleed off as I don't want to over aerate. Throwing money away! I will start looking for a small winter compressor tomorrow!

Esshup

I am really looking forward to the next issue of PB mag. Really want to hear what the experts have to say!

Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/15/14 02:20 PM
I was looking at prices for compressors as I've had two bite the dust on me but I've had them over 15 years. I can't believe how much the prices have gone up on even the small ones!

I have extra linear diaphram compressers that would be perfect for winter aeration (reasonable in price and economical to run) but the rubber diaphragms stiffen up in really low temps.
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/15/14 02:26 PM
Hey, let me know if you run across a good deal on a small one. All I need is just the compressor. I can adapt whatever to my existing air line to the winter diffuser.
Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/15/14 06:30 PM
O.K. wll do. I have a source in Texas to check out.
Posted By: snrub Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/16/14 05:53 PM
Originally Posted By: Bill D.
Hey, let me know if you run across a good deal on a small one. All I need is just the compressor. I can adapt whatever to my existing air line to the winter diffuser.


Surpluscenter.com has some small ones but only about a half cfm.
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/16/14 07:03 PM
Thanks! I checked them out. That 1/8 HP looks interesting and has a good price. Question is will 0.5 cfm @ 50 PSI operate a diffuser in 4 feet of water and keep a big enough hole through the ice?
Posted By: snrub Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/16/14 07:45 PM
That I can't tell you, but can tell you that the pump will only see about 2 psi or a little over at the 4' depth.

The rocking piston compressors are a little overkill for that application as they are able to create higher pressures for greater depths. That one at 50 psi could pump air down to about 25' depth and would not loose a lot of efficiency doing it.

The pressure only rises to the point of overcoming the static water pressure at the depth of operation. Slightly less than .5 psi per foot of depth. Then any additional back pressure friction in the hose (minimal) or anything additional like a spring loaded check valve might add or the back pressure the diffuser creates (minimal on a membrane diffuser).
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/17/14 04:57 PM
Ran a little test in my pond with 1 inch thick ice. My conclusin is a 0.5 cfm compressor might maintain a decent area of open water, but if you plan to use it to open up a hole in thick ice, the spring thaw may happen first.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/18/14 03:31 AM
Hey guys..sorry for my absence (hunting season and work...ok... mostly hunting season smile ). I got some pics to post and then answer a few questions.



Minnesota got to love it..from this (above) to this in 3 weeks

Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/18/14 03:33 AM
Aerator off for 3 weeks and approximately 3" of ice cover



After 2 hrs of run time with the system descriped in the original post

Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/18/14 03:41 AM
Cecil your LCB question:

That is my understanding. I am a mechanical guy and terrible with electronics but the guys that did my electronics told me a LCB prevents a DC pump from stalling. It is still a magic black box to me smile I have been learning using a Gast 12V diaphragm pump. I have destroyed 2 of them mechanically in the last few years but have yet to ruin one electronically. Give me a little more time... I bet I can do it wink
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/18/14 03:48 AM
Originally Posted By: canyoncreek
I was looking at your top pictures again and it looks like the air hose that goes underwater goes inside a larger pvc pipe? What is the benefits or ideas behind doing that? I have about the same size pond, a little deeper and I have about 70 feet-80 feet of weighted hose on the bottom. I can easily pull up my diffuser and run the weighted hose in pvc if it makes sense to do so.

I was thinking some day about making some type of drag that I could drop in on the long end of my mostly oblong pond, stretch rope to the other side, and use my garden tractor to drag out the leaves, non-floating FA, sticks, organic nastyness etc. What held me back is worrying about dragging up my weighted air line.

If it was encased in pvc the drag might shimmy over it better? Or maybe after being underwater for about 18 months now the sediment has buried it sufficiently?

2nd question:

I'm toying with the idea of trying to keep just a tiny circle of water open in the shallow water this winter to avoid a winter kill. I'm not looking for a large plume from a membrane aerator, just maybe 8" hole? Something like Cecil posted pictures or last winter in his pond. I'd rather not have to pull up the vertex membranes and move them twice a year to bring from deep to shallow and then vice versa in the spring.

Can I make some kind of T in the compressor box with a shutoff valve or redirector valve. Then in winter I can shift over to a new short segment hose that goes into the shallow area and run on a timer or just as needed to keep a small area opened. Since that 2nd run is short and only a couple of feet into the water I don't think I need weighted hose. The run is downhill so no fears of freezing the air line.

How to make a T with valves or shutoffs?

I bought my compressor from Sue at Vertex


I do PVC for rodent protection or some times water to land interface protection (mowers/weed whips)

Funny you should mention the winter set up. Scott hit the nail on the head. Subscribe and find out some possible solutions to your problems. Or at the least, get some ideas from it. wink
Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/18/14 03:49 AM
mnfish,

Where did you get your Gast 12 volt, how many watts does it use, and the cfm or lpm?

Is that an amorphous, mono or polycrystalline solar panel? How many watts is it rated at?
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/18/14 03:56 AM
Originally Posted By: Bill D.
Ran a little test in my pond with 1 inch thick ice. My conclusin is a 0.5 cfm compressor might maintain a decent area of open water, but if you plan to use it to open up a hole in thick ice, the spring thaw may happen first.


What do you consider thick ice? I am using a 12V linear pump with a max 1 cfm at 3psi. I "choke" down the CFM's electronically for shallow water winter pumping.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/18/14 04:00 AM
Name a test...Any test... You guys come up with a couple and I will run it for you. We got a test pond full of fish (YP,BG,LMB,BH )and covered in ice for the next 5 months.

My guess will be 12-16" max thickness for the ice this year (depending on the amount of snow)
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/18/14 04:05 AM
Originally Posted By: Cecil Baird1
mnfish,

Where did you get your Gast 12 volt, how many watts does it use, and the cfm or lpm?


Is that an amorphous, mono or polycrystalline solar panel? How many watts is it rated at?


I guess you could say I got the pump from myself. smile There are lots of distributors and you should be able to get them for around $200-$220.

It is a Gast pump and the performance curve says 1-1.2 cfm's at 3 psi. It uses 75W-80W at full speed running. I don't worry about start up with the LCB

Panels- I am testing both Amorphos, and poly. For this application, I don't see any advantage. I am using a 135W panel and a 150W panel. I am finding out there is no need for this much "over power" to compensate for the cloudy days
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/19/14 01:17 AM
Originally Posted By: mnfish
Originally Posted By: Bill D.
Ran a little test in my pond with 1 inch thick ice. My conclusin is a 0.5 cfm compressor might maintain a decent area of open water, but if you plan to use it to open up a hole in thick ice, the spring thaw may happen first.


What do you consider thick ice? I am using a 12V linear pump with a max 1 cfm at 3psi. I "choke" down the CFM's electronically for shallow water winter pumping.


I adjusted my pump to approximately 0.5 cfm, kind of, sort of... I taped a 30 gallon trash bag to the air line and set the pump at a level that would fill the bag in about 8 minutes figuring 7.5 gallons per cfm.

Using that setting, I could not open a hole in 1 inch ice with a membrane diffuser in 3 hours. Got frustrated and tweaked the pump in to full flow (4.5 cfm) to see what would happen and switched to another diffuser in another area of the pond. Blew a hole in less than 5 minutes in 1 to 2 inches of ice.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/19/14 06:22 AM
I am finding out that slow, steady, and spread out is what keeps the water open while using minimal energy. I am using a 9" membrane diffuser with a larger hole pattern and having good results. I have not calculated or measured the CFM's but I bet they are less than 1.

I did a start up test with 3" of pretty good clear ice. I did auger holes so I'm sure that accelerated the opening of the hole. But 2hrs of run time in 3' of water the hole size was 8-10' diameter (approximate of course. Next time I will get my neighbor to swim out with a tape measure grin )

Extreme cold vs. pump life
Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/19/14 12:36 PM
Originally Posted By: mnfish
Originally Posted By: Cecil Baird1
mnfish,

Where did you get your Gast 12 volt, how many watts does it use, and the cfm or lpm?


Is that an amorphous, mono or polycrystalline solar panel? How many watts is it rated at?


I guess you could say I got the pump from myself. smile There are lots of distributors and you should be able to get them for around $200-$220.

It is a Gast pump and the performance curve says 1-1.2 cfm's at 3 psi. It uses 75W-80W at full speed running. I don't worry about start up with the LCB

Panels- I am testing both Amorphos, and poly. For this application, I don't see any advantage. I am using a 135W panel and a 150W panel. I am finding out there is no need for this much "over power" to compensate for the cloudy days


Thanks for info. The wattage, cfms, and psi you're showing jives with what I'm seeing in the catalogs for other brands of 12 volt pumps. I think I'll stay way from the Chinese made ones though for sale on Ebay. 3 month warranty and no spare parts doesn't sound good to me.
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/20/14 12:35 AM
Originally Posted By: mnfish
I am finding out that slow, steady, and spread out is what keeps the water open while using minimal energy. I am using a 9" membrane diffuser with a larger hole pattern and having good results. I have not calculated or measured the CFM's but I bet they are less than 1.

I did a start up test with 3" of pretty good clear ice. I did auger holes so I'm sure that accelerated the opening of the hole. But 2hrs of run time in 3' of water the hole size was 8-10' diameter (approximate of course. Next time I will get my neighbor to swim out with a tape measure grin )

Extreme cold vs. pump life


Ahhhh! Light in the darkness. You are using a relatively low flow but also using a small area diffuser, Makes perfect sense you you can poke a hole while I can't. I am using a small flow with a big area diffuser. The bubbles I produce at low flow are small and lack the energy to create a signiciant water column. The small diffuser you are using concentrates the flow to a small area and can then get a water column going to bring the warmer water up.
Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 11/20/14 06:13 AM
If I do this I could run a 60 lpm (50 watt) linear air pump VAC to run my airlift and aeration 24/7 for my outdoor aquaponics system. 10 watts and 20 lpm for the airlift and the other 40 watts (40 lpm) for the fish tank aeration.

According to the following online calculator the the system will need a 370 watt solar array to produce about 1200 wh/day, an inverter and 417 Ah battery pack to store a reserve of 3 days of reserve power which comes to 5kWh.

Cost is estimated at $1,083 to $1,624.

http://solarelectricityhandbook.com/solarcalculator.aspx

Sound about right?

It would seem I could reduce the price considerably by reducing the amount of amp hours needed and subsequeny battery size by making the system a fallback system vs. an off grid. (The amount of battery needed for for 3 day backup and 5kWh for off grid is about $1000.00. If the grid is involved it would seem only enough to store somewhere over 1200 wh/day from the solar array would be needed. This would reduce aH and battery size needed. I think?
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 01/20/15 02:53 AM
Update on solar aerator...Very cold temps last couple of weeks (below zero most of the days). Aerator continues to pump through out the day but not enough water movement to keep ahead of the frigged temps. Approximately 4-6" of ice formed over the diffuser area over the last couple of weeks. With warmer temps, drilled holes, 4 hrs to create the pictured opening. Running the pump at approximately half speed all winter. Thin ice sign is being ironic as it looks like it fell through smile



Posted By: Cecil Baird1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 01/20/15 06:03 AM
Thanks for sharing!
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 02/22/15 11:01 PM
Bitter cold here today and a great day to work, inside, on my DYI next generation direct solar shallow pond aerator. I am obsoleting the great big box holding the electronics,pump, and solar panel. Miniaturizing the electronics and going to a post support for panel, electronics, and pump. (once the ground thaws, pics will follow). This system will be placed next to a pond and one system right in the water of cattail type slough. Not sure if the electronics are right yet, as I'm waiting for my last connectors, but it sure has been fun learning!!! First test later this week.





Solar panel plugs into the connector on the left and the cable on the right plugs into the pump box (not designed yet)
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 02/28/15 05:13 PM
Testing update: Speed control for winter time aeration works. On to compressor run timer and directional feeder plug in. The system runs on 150W panel and a watch battery. If these ad on's work and a little more reliability testing...I think I will be retiring my two windmills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvPjIKcmc3o
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/01/15 08:00 PM
Pretty cool mnfish!

What's the reason for the speed control?
Posted By: Rainman Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/01/15 08:57 PM
Originally Posted By: Bill D.
Thanks! I checked them out. That 1/8 HP looks interesting and has a good price. Question is will 0.5 cfm @ 50 PSI operate a diffuser in 4 feet of water and keep a big enough hole through the ice?


The typical 9" membrane diffusers require between .5 and 4-5 cfm and .5-5 psi (at the membrane) to operate properly. Under .5 cfm airflow or under .5 psi at the membrane will not open all diffuser pores and over the max rates will "Flex" the diffuser for cleaning the slits...extended over capacities will blow out the diffuser membranes.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/01/15 10:35 PM
Originally Posted By: JKB
Pretty cool mnfish!

What's the reason for the speed control?


Thank you sir! Speed control is for trying to maximize pump life.

To All... please feel free to challenge my limited thinking....Assuming the same shape, depth profile, water conditions and such, A guy aerating an 1/8 acre pond could run the pump at half the speed of a guy aerating 1/4 acre pond and have the same aeration but double his mechanical pump life (assuming linearity). In direct pumping, I am assuming the pump will run a certain amount of hours each day. If the pump runs on average for 7 hrs/ day but I only need 3.5 hrs for proper aeration, I cut the speed of the pump in half; keeping the same overall aeration( 7hrs of run time) with 1/2 the mechanical pumping cycles.

Any other thoughts, ideas? Seriously, If you got something I want to read it. You can't hurt my feelings. This learning is for everyone!!
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/02/15 01:34 AM
Very exciting project man! Not being an aeration expert, my question is how much air does it take thru one diffuser in 4 feet of water operating 7 hours every 24 to open a decent size hole thru the ice everyday in 0 or below temps? To me, that is the minimum output your system needs to provide, regardless of whether it is 1/8 or 1/4 pond. My guess is no one is going to give a definitive answer to that question cause there are way too many variables. I would be very careful thinking you can reduce speed to save pump life unless you are sure you have plenty of air flow at the reduced speed to get er done! smile

Edit: For the Southern boys that don't get much ice, that might be an easier number to come up with and a different story.
Posted By: fish n chips Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/02/15 12:22 PM
If you run the pump 1/2 speed for 7 hours versus full speed for 3.5 hours, which way uses more energy?
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/02/15 06:31 PM
Originally Posted By: Bill D.
Very exciting project man! Not being an aeration expert, my question is how much air does it take thru one diffuser in 4 feet of water operating 7 hours every 24 to open a decent size hole thru the ice everyday in 0 or below temps? To me, that is the minimum output your system needs to provide, regardless of whether it is 1/8 or 1/4 pond. My guess is no one is going to give a definitive answer to that question cause there are way too many variables. I would be very careful thinking you can reduce speed to save pump life unless you are sure you have plenty of air flow at the reduced speed to get er done! smile

Edit: For the Southern boys that don't get much ice, that might be an easier number to come up with and a different story.


You know who's an expert at keeping open water thru a long brutal winter? Mr. and Mrs. beaver. ;)I have an idea that I would like to steal from them next winter. An insulated "aerator hut" placed over the diffuser on top of the water. It will freeze in each night when the pump stops running but maintain open or thinly iced over water inside of the hut until the next morning. Check valve in the top of the hut. Crazy? Probably! grin
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/02/15 06:38 PM
Originally Posted By: fish n chips
If you run the pump 1/2 speed for 7 hours versus full speed for 3.5 hours, which way uses more energy?


I believe in a DC system they would both use the same power (ohm's law P=IV; P:power,I:current, V:voltage). The voltage is fixed at 12. I'm assuming half speed would use 1/2 the current but there may be more losses one way or the other. Anybody confirm this?
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/03/15 12:47 AM
Originally Posted By: mnfish
Originally Posted By: fish n chips
If you run the pump 1/2 speed for 7 hours versus full speed for 3.5 hours, which way uses more energy?


I believe in a DC system they would both use the same power (ohm's law P=IV; P:power,I:current, V:voltage). The voltage is fixed at 12. I'm assuming half speed would use 1/2 the current but there may be more losses one way or the other. Anybody confirm this?


DC motor speed control has always been about adjusting the voltage.

I googled around and found your motor control.

PWM - A Pulse Width Modulated controller is the animal you have. Good choice.

I googled a bit to find a pictorial example of what's happening here.

Not the best, but it will do. Only one that showed the complete 0% to 100%, and a few things in between.



Consider OFF to be 0VDC and ON to be 12VDC.

To make this real simple, look at the square wave at 50%. You will notice that the ON time and OFF time appear to be equal, which they are. Also remember that the ON time is 12VDC and the OFF time is 0VDC. What your motor is seeing is the average value of the ON time -vs- the OFF time, which at 50% is 6VDC. If the ON time was 75%, then it would be 9VDC. Follow? Pretty neat trick wink

You cant measure this with your meter because it happens at such a high frequency, and the peak voltage is 12VDC, so that's what you get for a reading on your meter. This takes some fancy stuff to actually measure.

Your diaphragm pump is a type of positive displacement pump. DC motors are generally considered constant torque animals, which means they are going to try maintain their design torque thru their speed range. That can be a whole new can of worms based on motor and pump design.

My guess is that if you cut the speed in half, you could possibly see ~45% power consumption over the 50% you reduced it to (~5% less). 7hrs at half speed would most likely use less juice for a while until resistance builds and increases the pressure, which is directly proportional to power.

Constant Torque in a Constant Horsepower application, generally you might be able to gain some efficiency with DC by tweaking and tuning it, but not even close to the efficiency you get with AC.

Two thumbs up from me tho! I like it!!!
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/03/15 02:37 AM
JKB- You are a controls FREAK! And I mean that as the highest form of compliment!! I have read your post at least 5 different times and each time I learn something new. Thank you!

I really wasn't sure if I could use the LCB as the power source with the motor speed controller (remember I'm a mechanical guy). I realize 24V would be a better choice but I had 12V stuff already so I started there. Still not sure how my current electronics will hold up. You got any ideas about longevity? (I know there are a lot of all depends here smile )

For direct pumping, pretty simple...use the power now because once the sun sets its gone until the next sunrise. Anybody can do it with 600W of power and $4,500...I want to do it with 150W and $800 grin
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/07/15 01:53 PM
No clue as to how long things will last.

Even with industrial controls, which have a MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) rating, you occasionally get a lemon. Installed a new 50HP VFD on a project. Needed to run a pump for 48 hours to break in the process, so let it run over the weekend. One of the guy's stopped in Monday morning and it wasn't running. They tried turning it back on, no-go. Checked the fuses and they were blown. WT?. Checked the motor out and that's OK. Put in new 100 Amp fuses, hit the start button and all 3 of the fuses blew! If you have never been around a 100 Amp time delay fuse when it blows, well, it get's your attention really quick.

The further you get into your solar projects, you might want to consider adding some logic controls for various functions.

Sales guy stopped in last week and showed me this: PLC Logic

I downloaded the software and checked it out. Coolest little gizmo since sliced bread. I ordered the starter kit yesterday, which was $175.00.

I use 100's of these relays every year, and now they have a programmable logic module that plugs in. The logic module is about $40.00.

The relays are rated at 6 amps (if you get the right one) and are rated for 2M cycles.

The logic module has 8 inputs and 2 of them can be configured for 0-10V analog.

One thing that caught my eye was the weekly timer, which would be perfect for controlling outdoor stuff like aeration time and feeders.

When it comes in, I'll set it up and show you how simple it is to program. You can program this in ladder logic or function blocks, which are really easy.

Watch the videos if you get a chance.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/07/15 04:40 PM
Watched the videos, a couple of times. Very cool! Yet another learning curve for me. grin I'm going to finish my now "electrically unrefined Gen 3" and get it installed on site. Creating some bubbles. Looks like the JKB Gen 4 is going to take this to the next level.

PM coming JKB and I sure hope you take on small consulting jobs. I ain't smarts enough for all this electronics stuff. Thanks once again!
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/07/15 05:27 PM
No need for consulting fees. God owns it all, and will be happy to help you, and others tossing in this logic control element.

Sunil said I ticked someone off, again, and am slated for extinction on the forum.

I have been trying the natural selection theory out, which is helping a tad wink
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/07/15 05:44 PM
I will PM you my email if you want to stay in touch...just in case...

Biggggg fan of Charles Darwin teachings! Unfortunately society seems to short circuit the process with human beings and the "dumber/weaker" individuals live on to reproduce wink
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/09/15 12:52 AM
I think I'll be jumping on the solar bandwagon after I move, so I'll need some pointers on panels and such.

Boss has a 6.9Kw rig at his lodge that is grid connected. He said the payback is about 5 years thru a deal with the power company. Said the power company may not be doing this anymore.

My brother bought me a 1000 Watt pure sine wave inverter for Christmas. He got it from the company store where he works. Asked him how much?, and had him pick me up 4 more.

So as a first solar goal, let's fire one of these puppies up!

I'll be voiding the warranty on this one to interface with a PLC and disabling the remote control gizmo.

This is the one I have: Elite 1000W

Good, Bad, Ugly, not the right one?
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/09/15 01:26 AM
D
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/09/15 09:19 PM
This is pretty much how easy it is to program, just drag and drop.



This took all of about a minute to configure and drop in the function blocks.

This is a weekly timer that will run a pump in either manual mode or automatic timed mode. With a 3 position selector switch, one input is for manual, which will just turn the pump on, the other input goes thru the timer, and the other position is to turn it off. The timer has 14 time zones per week you can configure just by clicking and dragging your mouse.

Another nice thing is you can combine ladder logic with function blocks, which gives you more complex options.

Got a quote today for a stand alone rig (not the starter kit) and it was $133.00. The only reason I got the starter kit was to make sure they didn't do something "special" to the USB port or cable. Companies do that and you have to buy their cable. I have more than a few cables that won't work with anything else.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/10/15 01:10 AM
WOW, wow that's got some real cool factor!!!
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/14/15 03:52 PM
Almost 2 months since I have been to check on my place. Going up this afternoon with my better half. The anticipation of walking back into the ponds is killing me. Can't wait to see how they have been holding up. I betting still too much ice to determine much but some pic's will be posted.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/15/15 08:42 PM
Update 3/15/15 - Beautiful day for a walk here in central MN.

The solar aerators on test pond 1 and 2 have survived the MN winter. I can't wait for complete ice off to see how the fish are doing. This year, once I get my O2 meter I will be documenting some experiments and doing "case studies" on three separate ponds. Assuming I have adequate time to do it right (darn daytime job getting in the way grin ). Test pond one shown here on top, test pond two (first pic of this thread) and test pond 3 shown here as the second picture (new gen 3 will be set up this spring).



The shading board on the panel has been replaced. Electronically controlling motor speed. Reducing pump speed from 3600rpms (full sun) to approximately 1,800 rpm's (full sun)



Will be clearing some trees and brush this spring for access to pond three.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/01/15 12:47 AM


It's time for a little update. Nothing really to report except all systems are chugging along. With the right pond conditions, here in the north, I am getting very confident with the design. If the pump had to be rebuilt or even replaced every other year. The cost to me would still be well worth it. I am in the processes of installing 2 more systems. One more on my place and one for a hunting buddy down the road from me.

I am getting PM's about this system. Currently, just so everybody here knows I am not selling these units. And quite frankly the pond stuff is my passion/all encompassing hobby and selling the aerator would turn it into a job smile

This time of year is crazy busy but I promise, for all interested, to post every last detail of the design on this thread (BOM, vendors, assembly, associated costs and such) later this summer. I hope it pays back a fraction of info I have gained here over the years!
Posted By: sprkplug Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/01/15 01:38 AM
Nice job, MN.
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/01/15 02:32 AM
Awesome effort man! Keep us posted Jeff. A cost effective solar aerator for small ponds would be a great gift to the pond community!
Posted By: chrissnow Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/04/15 08:00 PM
anxiously waiting parts list laugh unless I missed it in another post about how much money do you have it? I have electric I can run a pump off of but this would be nicer, just wondering if I could use my electric for 12v pump and get the solar stuff as I go, so I wouldnt need a 12v pump later and a 120v pump now, of course I could always build a solar system for the 120v pump. blush
Posted By: wbuffetjr Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/05/15 12:29 PM
Mnfish

You know my situation. I think about what I am going to do up there almost every day. Not sure if I asked you this yet and if I did I forgot what you told me.

What is your annual snowfall up there and what are the lowest temps you see? Does the snow/ice ever cause you problems on the panels? Is it something you have to constantly check on to keep them clean?

I know you're busy so thanks for your time!

Chad
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/05/15 03:18 PM
Originally Posted By: wbuffetjr
Mnfish

You know my situation. I think about what I am going to do up there almost every day. Not sure if I asked you this yet and if I did I forgot what you told me.

What is your annual snowfall up there and what are the lowest temps you see? Does the snow/ice ever cause you problems on the panels? Is it something you have to constantly check on to keep them clean?

I know you're busy so thanks for your time!

Chad


Chad, I can totally appreciate that!!! I can get my pond/fish fix just about any time and it's still not enough! I can't imagine how being so far away must feel.

My stats:
Annual snowfall is around 50"
Average Jan temps around 12F
A SWAG here; -20F actual can and does happen
Another SWAG 10-15 days of -10F or colder

I built a roof over the panels to keep them free of the snow and ice.... laugh. Sorry, I use that joke way too much and it's really not that funny.

In all seriousness..The angle of the panel is key. I sacrifice panel efficiency for ensuring ice and snow don't build up. If the panels on my cabin needed to be cleaned off, it would be a real bugger. At the angle I have the panels set I have not had any problems with build up. In your area look around, or search the internet, I bet you will see a good strategy to keep panels free of ice and snow.

This is probably more info than you wanted and you're probably doing it already but just in case... With the remote location and very cold temps, I would take a long look at airline redundancies (no matter what aeration system you put in). To state the obvious, line freeze will stop ALL aeration and when it happens it SUCKS to fix.

Hope this helped
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/05/15 03:36 PM
Originally Posted By: chrissnow
anxiously waiting parts list laugh unless I missed it in another post about how much money do you have it? I have electric I can run a pump off of but this would be nicer, just wondering if I could use my electric for 12v pump and get the solar stuff as I go, so I wouldnt need a 12v pump later and a 120v pump now, of course I could always build a solar system for the 120v pump. blush


Your on the right thread for the parts list.
Posted By: wbuffetjr Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/05/15 08:05 PM
Originally Posted By: mnfish

Chad, I can totally appreciate that!!! I can get my pond/fish fix just about any time and it's still not enough! I can't imagine how being so far away must feel.

My stats:
Annual snowfall is around 50"
Average Jan temps around 12F
A SWAG here; -20F actual can and does happen
Another SWAG 10-15 days of -10F or colder

I built a roof over the panels to keep them free of the snow and ice.... laugh. Sorry, I use that joke way too much and it's really not that funny.

In all seriousness..The angle of the panel is key. I sacrifice panel efficiency for ensuring ice and snow don't build up. If the panels on my cabin needed to be cleaned off, it would be a real bugger. At the angle I have the panels set I have not had any problems with build up. In your area look around, or search the internet, I bet you will see a good strategy to keep panels free of ice and snow.

This is probably more info than you wanted and you're probably doing it already but just in case... With the remote location and very cold temps, I would take a long look at airline redundancies (no matter what aeration system you put in). To state the obvious, line freeze will stop ALL aeration and when it happens it SUCKS to fix.

Hope this helped


The roof does sound like the way to go!! hahaha

In my Googling, I did find some heated panels but could not ever get the company to respond. Other than that, all I have heard is the angle and then if snow/ice does accumulate just clean them off. lol

10-4 on the airline stuff!

Thanks man!
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 01/06/16 05:26 PM
It's been awhile but here is a short update on my project. Pictured is test pond two. 1 full season and going into its second winter. No design tweaks and no maintenance done (except cleaning the diffuser). The designing and learning has been a most enjoyable journey and now nearing it's end.

I have relatively high design confidence... For remote locations, (no power available) small (less than 1/2 acre),shallow (6' max depth) ponds here in central MN, a solar aeration system like this can make raising fish viable and cost effective. With an initial start up budget of around $800-$900. Running expenses still are being learned but assuming a pump is replaced every two years and speed control every two years, around $125-$150 year.

Ironically enough, these systems have created some pretty cool fisheries(to me anyways). I have so much to loose now that I will be spending the money to run power and install a 220V aeration system as backup.....That and momma wants air conditioning at the cabin grin

Posted By: snrub Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 01/06/16 05:40 PM
Seems like the system should work well for any size pond if the intention is to simply keep a hole open in the ice along one edge of the pond. Most recommendations I have heard on this forum for winter operation is to place the diffuser shallow (4' or so to keep from super cooling the BOW). So from that respect it would not matter the depth of the pond.

Thanks for the update. I may get interested in solar aeration some day as my old pond could use it. But it will be for summer use in a different type of application. But what you have learned and shared here on the forum can still be useful information should I decide to try it.
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 01/06/16 11:29 PM
Looks pretty cool Jeff!

Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/07/16 04:25 AM
After another successful winter, the adventure continues and the demand is mounting...."every time I try and get out they keep pulling me back in" grin

Version 6.0 of the MN solar powered shallow water aerator coming soon to this forum.
Posted By: Dan123 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/10/16 06:10 PM
mnfish, I just arrived on this site. Seems to me I have a huge learning curve to surmount. But I'm always up for a challenge. Every time I'm on here I learn something, and I need to subscribe. Dan
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/27/16 04:09 AM
I am very late on my promise but I am going to keep it (life gets in the way sometimes)...Some pics of my DIY direct powered solar aerator design are shown below. There are now 4 ponds in MN using this system versions 4.0 and 5.0.

I will be shooting a brief youtube video with 6.0 up and running by the end of May. In the video, will explain the design, it's strengths, limitations, and the components used to construct. I will be disclosing and answering ANY and ALL questions about the design and my six years of development for FREE. It's the least I can do to say thanks for all that I have learned here on PondBoss over the last 9-10 years.

I hope I don't embarrass you but I feel its necessary...A special thanks to Scott(esshup) for all the inputs and help over the last couple of years. An overall great guy that I hope to meet one day. Please support his business!

Again my apologies for my tardiness to those interested.

Version 6.0. The design can be built for around $900.







Posted By: TGW1 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/27/16 09:27 AM
Great job Minfish, now if you could do the same with a surface aerator/agitator, I could use one of those two smile

Tracy
Posted By: ItalyBASS Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 06:13 AM
Good job MNfish!
Looking forward for the video.
Thank you
Posted By: SetterGuy Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 11:54 AM
Originally Posted By: ItalyBASS
Good job MNfish!
Looking forward for the video.
Thank you


Agreed. I may go this route. Thanks MNfish!
Posted By: FireIsHot Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 12:34 PM
Mnfish, that is pretty cool. I'll be waiting on the vid for sure.
Posted By: highflyer Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 01:46 PM
MN,

Have you checked your O2 levels during the 3-4 am lows? I understand that in MN your water temps will not be as high as Texas, so your O2 demand and saturations will be different.

One thing to caution anyone down south using your system is that it does not work at night, and that is when we need it most. Further, during the still, hot, and cloudy days of summer, your production will be limited.

With that said, nicely done!
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 02:57 PM
Glad there is interest fellas! I believe this technology is another tool in fish management. I can tell you there are some very thankful guys here in MN that didn't think it possible to have a fish pond(s) on their remote hunting lands.

Brian- I have NOT done any DO testing with the system. The video will only be for purposes of demonstrating the "technology" and how I have been applying it here in central MN. A resource to shorten a persons learning curve should they want to try it.

I make no claims to it's success in any region of the US or outside the US...Purely educational!
Posted By: highflyer Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 03:08 PM
I understand, and I think its cool, but we do need to make sure other regional folks understand its limitations.

Again, well done. I do like the LCB and I might try one in Shemptopia this summer to gather more data.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 03:17 PM
Thank you Brian. I'm with you sir and couldn't agree more! I most certainly don't want to send people down the wrong path or worse, be responsible for killing their fish pond!

Side Note: I know you are very experienced in solar power, so please excuse me if I'm insulting your intelligence.....

If you mess around with a direct drive compressor. Keep in mind "off the shelf" LCB's are generally set for water pumping. Usually around 14V. Most 12VDC compressors (in my experience) will run too fast at 14V and burn out. Where ever you buy your solar components ask for a custom LCB set at 12.5-13V. FWIW

Posted By: highflyer Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 03:56 PM
I love to learn, no insult here.

Great info on the LCB voltage issue. Good to know.
Posted By: snrub Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 04:02 PM
Great thread.

In my application, if I ever decide to put air in my old pond, I will need to use a battery system for day/night operation in the summer rather than keeping ice open in the winter. But your experience shared on the components is outstanding.

Thanks!
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 04:31 PM
Really nice, Jeff!!

If that light switch is switching DC current, you may want to swap that out with a circuit breaker or some other switch that is rated for DC.

On AC, arc quench is quite quick due to the sinusoidal wave form, but DC can arc quite a bit unless the contacts are hard and fast. Arcing causes failure.

Cool stuff!!!
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 06:43 PM
Thanks Phil! I will look into getting DC rated switches....just another thing to learn about and source. crazy grin

Anything else you notice please hit me between the eyes with it. I really appreciate the teaching!!!!!!
Posted By: highflyer Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 07:19 PM
MN,

I found DC breakers are easy to use and rated for the voltages I run. I get mine from Midnite solar. Same place I get my charge controllers.
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 08:32 PM
Brian,

I would rather do something UL-508 rated on the control side, but the CB's that Midnight Solar had qualified by an independent lab seem to be decent.

They are telecom DC breakers that have been re-purposed.
Posted By: JKB Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 08:35 PM
Originally Posted By: mnfish
Thanks Phil! I will look into getting DC rated switches....just another thing to learn about and source. crazy grin

Anything else you notice please hit me between the eyes with it. I really appreciate the teaching!!!!!!


Send me an email with what you have. I'll do a cartoon with the right stuff. May just cut your research time down.
Posted By: mnfish Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 04/28/16 08:50 PM
Thanks Brian

Phil- I am working on the project tonight and will post a more detailed picture of the complete pump electronics. The switch box is used to cut the power from the panel to the aerator electronics. That switch (currently, but could change) is used less than 4 times a year.

BTW- I love the smell of flux, solder, and Coors light on a Thursday evening. cool

Posted By: wbuffetjr Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/06/16 04:43 PM
Mn - any new updates?
Posted By: MNFISH2 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/07/16 04:04 AM
This is MNFISH....I am having one of those IT kind of weeks. My email has been shut down and I don't remember my pondboss password. Anyway....I am reallly close to posting up some pics and shooting a "how to construct video". Within the next week for sure. This project is all I'm doing right now with no real job holding me down laugh

Added a few new features too. 12V Battery/charge controller for lights at the pond (night fishing) and power plug in to run my fish feeder.

I have 3 friends who wanted one and hope to post pictures of all three of their woodland ponds.
Posted By: wbuffetjr Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/07/16 09:08 AM
sounds awesome man!
Posted By: SetterGuy Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/07/16 10:39 AM
Agreed! Looking forward to pics and details.
Posted By: canyoncreek Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/07/16 12:04 PM
Can a mod find a way to restore the password on MNFISH's original account? Or merge the old history/threads into his new account? It would be a shame to lose the history and searchability he would have in his old posts by forcing him into a new user name simply over a forgotten password.

CC
Posted By: MNFISH2 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/07/16 09:53 PM
I will be shooting and posting a crudely done video explaining each component of this system with lots of detail. Since my last picture post, I have added a new feature. In the upper right corner of the first pic you see a charge controller. In the second pic you see a battery box. In essence, the power from the solar panel is split between charging the battery and running the aerator. Once the battery is full charged, the aerator has all the power. The battery is used to power my fish feeder and lights.








Test pond by day


Test pond by night
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/08/16 02:12 AM
Sweet! Nice clean packaging and great features. FWIW, I have a few patents... I hope you have protected yourself before posting your design. As you post details publicly on this forum or other venues, you are giving up all rights unless you have done your homework and have in place the required design protection.
Posted By: MNFISH2 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/08/16 02:42 AM
Thanks for the compliment Bill. No patents on this device. I am sharing this with the entire pond community with no thought of commerce. So much has been given to me here and other forums that I payed zero $$ for. It is my way of giving back and will answer any and all questions and help all who ask for it.

My only request, if I help to save a person trouble and dollars creating this device for their pond, Please take some of that saved money and subscribe to the PondBoss mag and pledge a little money to this fantastic forum. Thank you
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 06/08/16 03:04 AM
I understand that sentiment my friend and salute it but, IMHO there are not that many DIY guys out there. Most folks will wait for a turn key setup to buy. If you don't want the fruits of your labor, an opportunist will. If it was me, I would at least edit that post with a copyright addendum....

Not my business just think you should get something out of it. Heck! You could donate all proceeds to the Dave Willis foundation if that's what you want instead of some corporate hotshot's next car!
Posted By: Cajunfisher Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 07/06/17 11:38 AM
Did this thread get continued somewhere else? Was the video from MNFISH ever posted? Did the tread just die?
Posted By: Cajunfisher Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 07/06/17 11:42 PM
Bump
Posted By: WIhunter Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/07/18 10:23 PM
I was making my way through every post and page of this forum only because I have been looking for research like this because I live in WI. I get all the way to the end and that's it, the end.
Posted By: Bill Cody Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/08/18 02:43 AM
MNfish2 - Very nice work assembling the DIY solar aerator!!. The project looks so good I am thinking of building one for my remote forage pond. I look forward to your video. Please include brand name and model of your pump and other items including deep cycle battery.

How dependable of a life span do you think the solar panel will be? Do solar panels wear out or become inefficient with age? Does anyone know how to evaluate the quality of solar panels. I assume there are cheaply made one and better quality ones? What factors does one use to choose?
Posted By: WIhunter Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/08/18 03:20 AM
Does anyone know if this thread continued somewhere else?
Posted By: highflyer Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/10/18 04:31 AM
Bill,
Solar panels come is several versions.

Amorphous, the lowest cost and shortest lived,

Poly and mono crystal both are far better. Ploy are cheeper and larger ( lower efficiency). Mono are the higher efficiency panels and cost a little more than poly panels.

The life is rated in 90%, 80% and most come in 20 or 25 year ratings.

As for where panels are made, well there are panels from all over the world. Some are way better than others. If you would like specifics for this project, Mnfish can let you know the panels he is using. As for the panels I installed for George, they are still going strong running the aerator. The setup we used is different than MN's, but the theory is the same.
Posted By: MNFISH2 Re: Another Solar Aeration Project - 03/22/18 01:50 AM
Originally Posted By: Bill Cody
MNfish2 - Very nice work assembling the DIY solar aerator!!. The project looks so good I am thinking of building one for my remote forage pond. I look forward to your video. Please include brand name and model of your pump and other items including deep cycle battery.

How dependable of a life span do you think the solar panel will be? Do solar panels wear out or become inefficient with age? Does anyone know how to evaluate the quality of solar panels. I assume there are cheaply made one and better quality ones? What factors does one use to choose?


Bill- I have been using a 12V Thomas diaphragm pump. Openflow 1.4cfm. The systems I have built have utilized 150w Renogy Mono. I figured, wore case, a 15 year usable life. Renogy will also deliver 1 panel to my door for a reasonable cost.
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