Solar fan

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A solar fan with externally mounted solar panels

A solar fan is a mechanical fan powered by solar panels. The solar panels are either mounted on the device or are installed independently. Solar fans mostly do not require secondary power sources other than solar power, as most of them are used for cooling purposes during day time. Some types are also used for heating purposes.[1] It runs the fastest when it is the hottest outside providing savings on air conditioning costs.[2]

Applications

Solar fans are mostly applied for residential cooling purposes [3] and in some cases, for industrial applications.[4]

Solar-powered attic fan

When airflow in the attic is low and when the sealing between the building and the attic is ruptured, solar-powered attic fans will provide airflow from the building into the attic. This action reduces the dampness in the building and saves energy.[5] By installing a solar fan in the attic, the whole house is cooled as it creates a draft, draws in hot air and pushes it out. It provides good circulation of air when the cool outside air is being drawn into the house through windows.[3]

Solar-powered gable fan

It is similar to the solar-powered attic fan, except that its installation is a little different. Attic fans are installed on the roof, whereas gable fans are installed in the gables, as the name suggests. They are typically smaller in size but are more powerful than the solar attic fans. They are mostly installed in places like garages or barns and other storage places where moisture is usually present.[3] These types of fans are generally installed on intake grills to provide ventilation. Vents are usually installed high on the gable close to the ridge and are also coupled with soffit or roof vents for well-balanced intake and exhaust air avenues. The airflow depends upon the level of sunlight when there is more sunlight, the airflow will be more resulting in enhanced cooling. It is also capable of lowering the airconditioning costs by cooling the attic.[5]

In February 2009, there were plans to install solar fans on the roof of Honolulu's airport in addition to the ones existing and in the mansion of Indiana governor. The Indiana State Senate was expected to pass a bill giving tax credits to homeowners with solar fans.[2]

Advantages

  • A solar fan is more environmentally friendly.
  • Though initially the installation may be costlier, in the long term it would turn out to be cheaper because it does not use power from the utility grid and may provide savings up to 30 percent on air conditioning costs.[2]
  • Risk of electric accidents are eliminated as there are no electric cords attached to the solar fan.
  • Another great benefit of having a cordless appliance is that it has much more mobility compared to conventional fans.[6]

See also

List of solar powered products

References

  1. ↑ "Solar Thermal Panel Kozi". solarpanelsonline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Solar Fan Man Looks to Sun for Solutions". abcnews.go.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Solar Powered Fans – Get Cool Breeze For Free From These Solar Fans". solarpoweredfans.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08. 
  4. ↑ "Wireless Vantage Pro2™ & Vantage Pro2™ Plus Stations (Including Fan-Aspirated Models". twibl.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "It Makes Sense To Install A Solar Gable Fan". solargablefan.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08. 
  6. ↑ "Benefits of Using Solar Powered Fans". irevew.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08. 

See also

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