Been looking at 12 volt compressors for my potential solar powered outdoor aquaponics system. This would also apply to pond aeration via solar if the psi is high enough for the depth? I think? And if there are any experts here please chime in with constructive criticism as I'm just getting into this.
For those of you that don't know, using a 12VDC compressor is more eficient thsn using a 120VAC compressor and converting the DC volts from the solar panel(s) to AC for an AC compressor. But initial capital costs will be higher!
Anyway found the following so far:
Called tech support Pentair/AES and the Whitewater ones on the top of pg. 34 In the Pentair/AES on the right side appear to be the same throw away models from China as on Ebay. No spare parts and only a three month warranty.
One thing to keep in mind, many times the specs on the cheaper imports are usually inflated. I bought a cheapy 20 lpm 120VAC last year and it won't even provide enough air to adequately inflate a 9 inch membrane diffuser. Only fit for an aquarium!
The 12 volt diaphragm compressor DC20 on the bottom of pg. 34 in the Pentair/AES left hand side according to the following web page is American made and has replaceable parts.
http://pentairaes.co...compressor.htmlI wanted to get more specific info on lpm or cfm but the tech couldn't provide any. Seriously? Also no info on watts but it looks like max current is 6 amps according to the graph charts, so V X I = P comes out to 72 watts. (12 volts. x 6 amps = 72 watts) On the website according to the chart it looks like max air flow is 1.25 cfm for the DC20. (35.3 lpm)
Anyway on the middle right of the same page I found out there are actually three models of the 12V Hauling Tank Aeration Systems and one can buy the compressors seperately with out the stones, valves, and airlines which brings the price down.
Prices range from $259.00 USD 60 lpm (2.1 cfm)and 5 amps (60 watts), about $350.00 USD 80 lpm (2.8 cfm) 7.5 amps (90 watts), and $400.00 USD 100 lpm (3.53 cfm) 12.0 amps (144 watts).
Didn't see any replacement parts for the above and the tech couldn't give me a brand name which I though was odd for the price of these compressors.
I am favoring a higher end compressor that won't leave me without air and water movement with my airlift system, but won't buy a compressor I can't buy a replacement diaphragm or other parts regardless of the alledged quality.
Thoughts?
