solar powered ventilator

solar powered ventilator

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Animal health is critical to horse owners and so too is being environmentally conscious. Good air quality is essential for minimizing respiratory health problems. This starts with good ventilation that also helps protect the horse stable structure from moisture damage by reducing condensation. Using the Solar Whiz Solar powered high volume fan/s, allows Mother Nature to control this air quality cost free, every day.

What is good air quality for horses?

Horses are more comfortable in well-ventilated stables with good air temperature and humidity. Stable air temperature is affected by the season type, age and weight of the horses. Temperatures can vary from 12ºC up to 44ºc. This is considered way above optimum.

Stable humidity is also important. Very dry air (low relative humidity) dries the horse's nasal mucosa and can be a source of dust and pathogen infiltration into the horse's respiratory system. Very moist air (high relative humidity) combined with low air temperature can reduce the insulative properties of a horse's hair coat.

"Episodes of bleeding are more frequent in summer and are associated with poor

stable air quality. The incidence is reduced in dust-free stables. Hay, raw grains

and bedding are the major sources of stable air contaminants, in terms of respirable particles, fungal spores and bacterial fragments." Ref Dr J H Stewart -'Exercise & heat stress' Publ. -02-2006'-(Equine Veterinarian and Consultant Nutritionist-UK)

A well-ventilated stable will remove high levels of moisture or gases.

Properties of air?

Moisture-Holding Capacity

Air has the capacity to hold moisture in water vapor form. The amount of moisture held by a fixed volume of air (relative humidity, or RH) increases as the temperature of that air rises. E.g, cold outside air has little moisture-holding capacity, whereas warm air has significant moisture-holding capacity. For every 10°C increase in temperature, the moisture holding capacity of air approx. doubles.

Thermal Buoyancy of Air

Warm air is less dense than cold air, so it is lighter and rises. This principle works well in natural ventilation systems where the warmer stable air, caused by body heat, is allowed to rise up and exhaust in a peak vent or chimney. Reliant on external ambient temperatures, the greater the temperature difference between inside the stable and outside - the larger the uplift or buoyancy force will be. Relying on buoyancy is not very effective in warm weather since there is little temperature difference between inside and outside. For these conditions, what's needed is a summer breeze or mechanical forced ventilation.

Natural ventilation system

A natural ventilation system is quieter than most fan systems and can provide daylight, but require more management to maintain uniform temperature and air quality inside the horse stable.

Orientation is key, the length of the building must be perpendicular to the prevailing wind. Obstructions around the stable prevent fresh air movement, especially when located within heavy tree lined sites.

Another challenge with natural ventilation systems is condensation on building surfaces. When the warm, moist air rises to be evacuated out of the stable, it comes in contact with the cold surfaces of the roof, creating condensation. This can deteriorate building components and is uncomfortable for horses and workers.

Open roof surfaces on high UV days will also radiate extreme heat downwards.

Fan-Ventilated Stable

In fan-ventilated stables, the air exchange and distribution is forced mechanically. Since every fan creates a small vacuum, all openings into the structure become sources of air. For this reason, it is important that properly designed air inlets are provided.

Mains electricity fans need constant maintenance to ensure electrical supplies and connections are clean and safe to eliminate risk of sparking which would in turn ignite most materials within a stable.

Solar Whiz Fans

The Solar Whiz is a powerful solar powered fan that operates completely off the grid and is ideal for stable and stable ventilation. Being solar based there is no fire risk via wiring or sparking. The fan blade is a four wing polymeric blade designed for high speed and low noise.

By drawing high volumes of air (2100m3/hr), this eliminates the heat build up, reducing heat load, which is radiated back down on lower ceilings or direct on the horses. This results in consistent lower internal temperatures, cleaner internal air and greatly reduces risk of heat stress placed on horses.

The Solar Whiz will also run cost free, everyday with zero carbon emissions. Switches itself on and off automatically via the Sun. Designed to fit most roof types with corrosion resistant materials, it is maintenance free. Simple installation process with lightweight body (12kg). Can also be gable end mounted.

This is the perfect & cost effective solution to overheating and ventilation in rural, stand alone, working stables, barns or warehouses.

Eamon Corless. http://www.solair.com.au.

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