Fan for shedrow barn with no power?

[wildlifer]

@HungarianHippo

Best setup would be a solar panel feeding a battery array that powers the fan. If you visit some “off grid” type forums, you’ll get lots and lots of tips on those systems.

This is the setup I have to power my fence charger. Bought panel w controller from Northern Tool & use a deep cycle AGM battery. Works pretty well, have been doing this for 6 years.

Would love to add fans for bugs, has been challenging finding fans for a solar system that are also waterproof.

[Equibrit]

@fizzyfuzzybuzzy

This is exactly what I was looking for! Does this charge a battery or does it turn the fan off when the sun goes down? I’m going to double and triple check with the barn owner that she’ll let me put it up before I drop $200 on it.

If you check the link I posted you will see the Western Harmonics range.

[clanter]

@Equibrit

Take a look here; https://www.westernharmonics.com/

I use one of theirs for dog trials

that is a very nicely priced package… often a 10 watt solar panel by itself is bold for more than the cost of the complete package

I might get one of those for our cat

[carman_liz]

@HungarianHippo

re: the geek aire-- I wasn’t familiar with them so I followed the link. Have to say: be very, very careful with Li-ion batteries. I personally would not run them unattended in a barn. (For credentials, I work in the energy storage industry, where we install large-scale Li-ion batteries.) While the technology is safe in a utility-scale, controlled setting, these batteries can pose a serious fire hazard if they experience short circuits, overheating, damage from being dropped. These events can lead to what’s called thermal runaway which creates an ultra-hot fire that generally cannot be put out even with an extinguisher. Again, it’s not that li-ion batteries are inherently unstable/unsafe, but in cheap electronics you are more likely to encounter such problems. This is why you can’t put these batteries in your luggage on airplanes.

I just looked up the product safety guide for geek-aire, and I will say I’m relieved to see the recharger unit has overcharging and thermal protection, which is good. I couldn’t find whether it’s UL-listed or not-- personally I would not buy if it’s not. If you do use it, I urge you to clean it religiously to prevent dust buildup (good practice for any fan). Ensure it does not get dropped or otherwise exposed to physical shock. If it trips off and stops taking a full charge, most definitely take that seriously and take the fan out of service.

I will check if they are UL listed thank you!!! Luckily my dh works with electric on huge machines and programs and writes the programs along with fixing them so I will make him look over the specs and everything and show him your post before I make any purchases, thank you!!!

[carman_liz]

OP, not highjacking but @HungarianHippo I thought of you today and your new tractor. I found a Newer Spreader 4 hrs from me that I am buying Saturday and yes it’s just farm equipment but I.Am.So.Excited!!! Anyways, thought of you and how excited you are about your tractor and it made me smile to know horsey ppl understand being thrilled with stuff like that! 😁😁💩💩💖💖💖🐎🐎🐴🐴🐴

[clanter]

@HungarianHippo

I couldn’t find whether it’s UL-listed or not–.

I did find this statement claiming ETL testing which is another lab that tests to what ETL’s interruption of the UL Standard is … just found the statement on a Home Depot site but nothing that has the seal applied (manual or product)

Built to North American electrical standards; ETL and cETL certified

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Geek-Aire-Cordless-16-in-Variable-Speed-Floor-Fan-with-Power-Bank-Feature-CF2/309771643

[HungarianHippo]

@carman_liz oooh fun! yes, we love our toys. you will totally LOVE your newer spreader, I have one and they’re great. Enjoy!

[Texarkana]

I can attest my GeekAire fans have an ETL Intertek seal. I don’t know how that stacks up to UL, but my understanding is both meet OSHA guidelines.

Not that this is any indication of electrical components, but they are of really quality construction. Higher quality appearance and operation than any traditional shop fan you would purchase for the same purpose.

[hokiekat]

I wanted to update this thread about Western Harmonics:

I purchased the 18" solar fan set up (with 100W panel) from Western Harmonics 4/3/2020.
On 4/22/2020 I inquired with the owner, Chris, on estimated shipping time. Of course, given Covid19 and other events of 2020 - I understand delays in manufacturing, shipping, etc. He informed me his estimate was end of May 2020.
On 6/25/2020 I emailed the owner again for an updated shipping estimate - my email went unanswered.
On 7/1/2020 I sent another email and posted to the Western Harmonics Facebook page asking again for an estimated ship date.
The owner responded via Facebook that he didn’t like to be cornered into a date and “soon” was all he could tell me. After some back and forth, I requested a refund.
To his credit he did send a receipt for the reimbursement to my card - though some passive aggressive verbiage attached.

I wanted to give my money to a small business during this critical time - but instead I will be building a solar fan set up myself from scratch. I will post a write up of this once complete so hopefully it can help someone else down the line.

[trubandloki]

@hokiekat

I wanted to give my money to a small business during this critical time - but instead I will be building a solar fan set up myself from scratch. I will post a write up of this once complete so hopefully it can help someone else down the line.

I am exited to read your ‘how to’ when you get it done.