Bruce's report gives details on the design and installation of the new pump, and on how the economics is working out. The drop in PV module prices in the 6 years since the system was installed, the payback period would now be substantially shorter.
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Two 170 watt PV panels in series drive the DC motor pool pump |
The installation is simple consisting of only the two 170 watt PV panels (above), a controller, and the DC powered pool pump itself. Given the efficiency of DC pumps and the minimal losses its a very efficient setup.
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The new pool pump -- the controller is visible on the wall behind the pump |
Two speed AC pool pumps run for longer periods at lower speeds also appear to offer a larger saving in electricity at a modest initial cost.
I've added a small section on powering pool pumps efficiently that includes Bruce's PV powered pump as well as some other ideas on efficient pool pumps. If you have any other ideas or thoughts, lets hear them.
Gary
What a great idea for someone to get their feet wet in solar technology, and I appreciate your giving some alternatives to the original idea. I agree with you that the dedicated PC array for driving the pool pump appears to be the cheaper solution overall.
ReplyDeleteI have a pool for my family, cost $300 a year to operate. I usually find the pool pump to save the energy
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