Solar fan
Encyclopedia
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. It runs the fastest when it is the hottest outside providing savings on air conditioning costs.
, 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.
s or barn
s and other storage places where moisture is usually present. 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.
As of February 2009, there have been plans of installing 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.
Solar power
Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available...
, as most of them are used for cooling purposes during day time. Some types are also used for heating purposes. It runs the fastest when it is the hottest outside providing savings on air conditioning costs.
Applications
Solar fans are mostly applied for residential cooling purposes and in some cases, for industrial applications.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. By installing a solar fan in the atticAttic
An attic is a space found directly below the pitched roof of a house or other building . Attic is generally the American/Canadian reference to it...
, 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.
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 garageGarage (house)
A residential garage is part of a home, or an associated building, designed or used for storing a vehicle or vehicles. In some places the term is used synonymously with "carport", though that term normally describes a structure that is not completely enclosed.- British residential garages:Those...
s or barn
Barn
A barn is an agricultural building used for storage and as a covered workplace. It may sometimes be used to house livestock or to store farming vehicles and equipment...
s and other storage places where moisture is usually present. 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.
As of February 2009, there have been plans of installing solar fans on the roof of Honolulu's airport in addition to the ones existing and in the mansion of Indiana governor
Governor of Indiana
The Governor of Indiana is the chief executive of the state of Indiana. The governor is elected to a four-year term, and responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the functions of many agencies of the Indiana state government. The governor also shares power with other statewide...
. The Indiana State Senate was expected to pass a bill giving tax credits to homeowners with solar fans.
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 owing to the fact that it does not use power from the utility grid and may provide savings up to 30 percent on air conditioning costs.
- 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.
See also
- Solar cell phone chargerSolar cell phone chargerSolar cell phone chargers use solar panels to charge cell phone batteries. They are an alternative to conventional electrical cell phone chargers and in some cases can be plugged into an electrical outlet....
- Solar notebookSolar notebookThe solar notebook is a laptop with powerful batteries that are recharged by solar panel attached to the notebook.- Features :Unlike regular laptops, some models of solar notebooks come with a flap-like structure which functions as a solar panel and can be removed if required. This generates...
- Solar powered calculatorSolar powered calculatorSolar powered calculators are hand-held electronic calculators powered by photovoltaic panels mounted on the device. They were introduced at the end of the 1970s.- Features :...
- Solar powered fountainSolar powered fountainA Solar powered fountain is an electrical fountain powered by solar panel. The solar panel either forms a part of the fountain or is kept separate and is connected externally to the fountain.- Features :...
- Solar powered radioSolar powered radioA solar powered radio is a portable radio receiver powered by photovoltaic panels. It is primarily used in remote areas where access to power sources is limited.- History :...
- Solar powered flashlightSolar powered flashlightSolar powered flashlights are flashlights that can be powered through solar energy using solar cells as well as through batteries. Most of these flashlights run on LED lights due to the low energy consumption cost.- Features :...
- Solar street lightSolar street lightSolar street lights are raised light sources which are powered by photovoltaic panels generally mounted on the lighting structure. The photovoltaic panels charge a rechargeable battery, which powers a fluorescent or LED lamp during the night.- Features :...