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angelalpacas
4 Posts |
 Posted - 07/29/2012 : 5:20:58 PM
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Since I live in the SE, weather here can get hot. It is standard practice to use agricultural fans for ventilation. This is not a problem for areas where I have power, but my back field does not--my power provider will not run electricity that far because it isn't "cost effective"(for them), and that is where my herd will be. So, that leaves solar as the most realistic option. I would be interested in hearing about others' experiences with alternative energy and any recommendations about products.
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Judith
3843 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 6:29:29 PM
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I've never tried solar electric, but one suggestion for you might be to plant densely around their shelter so that the shrubs' or trees' respiration can help cool the shelter and the alpacas themselves. Lots of shade; plenty of cool water with electrolytes; herd them up to where you can hose them off when it's exceptionally hot (but not when the humidity is so high that they'd never dry or the additional water would increase the humidity to dangerous levels).
Judith Korff
AlpacaNation Forum Co-Moderator
LadySong Farm Bolivian Suri Alpacas
Randolph, NY 14772
Cell: (716) 499-0383
www.alpacanation.com/ladysong.asp |
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highpeaksalpacas
1291 Posts |
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angelalpacas
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2012 : 07:30:54 AM
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| They are about 3,500 feet. My land is divided by a natural feature that makes it impossible and too far to use extension wiring. |
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KT
610 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2012 : 3:59:50 PM
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I have seen some solar fans for sale..maybe the FarmTek catalog? They are about 24" in diameter, have a pretty long cord between the solar panel and the fan itself, and sell for somewhere around $250. I would think it would be worth a trial at least. There are also solar attic fans that might help move the air within your shelter.
Kate
Beech Springs Alpacas
126 Arthur Majette Rd
Aulander, NC 27805
252-332-5642
252-333-9457 (c) |
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jillmcm
3166 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2012 : 11:12:53 AM
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What's the natural feature that's posing a problem? Can you trench or otherwise run the wire yourself? I know our provider will only go 150' from the transformer to your set up - but they don't care how long you have run the wire yourself (except insofar as it is sized properly for the distance, etc)
Jill McElderry-Maxwell
Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine - ¡BESAME!
Pittsfield, ME
(207) 660-5276 (cell)
bagendsuris@roadrunner.com
http://www.bagendsuris.com
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LibertyWool
132 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2012 : 1:27:20 PM
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Jill, that is a long way to run wire. You have to deal with voltage drop, which with 10 AWG would be 35% voltage drop assuming a 5amp load. You would have to size it up to 2/0 AWG AL (or 1 AWG CU) to get it below 5%. That is going to be some cash to just buy the wire and then you need an 18 inch deep trench, etc.
If you only need the fans when the sun is out, then solar would probably be a good choice (Panel prices have come down a lot). If you need them at night or on cloudy days, then adding batteries is another major expense. Batteries don't last very long and are very expensive. It would be cheaper to run a generator, but they are loud and you have to keep bringing fuel to them.
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angelalpacas
4 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 08:02:47 AM
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| Everyone, thank you so much for the ideas and comments. The voltage drop would indeed be a problem and any electrical line would have to cross a small wetlands area, something, I have to avoid. I am sure that I have to use solar, including a battery setup. Does anyone have a recommendation about what to use? I saw a setup at a farm in my area using a 50watt panel, but I need something more powerful. Web searches have been frustrating and the several inquires I sent have never been responded to. |
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Fans
