12v pumps [again]

[plumbskill]

Have just waded through past posts on 12v pumps and would appreciate help on finding a suitable pump for my set-up.
I am constructing a working model solar demonstration set-up to take to country shows etc.
Will be using the navitron 5 tube demo panel that will hopefully produce some hot water.
I need a 12v pump, wired to the car battery, anyone with any ideas. I did think of a caravan pump, but not sure if it would take the heat [hopefully]
It wouldnt have to be too robust, as it would only be used occasionally. thanks

[dhaslam]

You could use a small inverter and  a mains pump.  If you are going to use a controller you will need an inverter anyway. 12V pumps seem to be quite expensive but should be fairly easy to find.

For example
www.leisure-electrics.co.uk/acatalog/Main_headings_page_13___Pumps_and_accessories_12.html

[kristen]

I believe Wookey uses one of these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270370619623

[Justme]

If you are going to use a controller you will need an inverter anyway.

Or use a 12v controller as well?

[sleepybubble]

I think if you were demonstating as a sales rig, then having 240Vac kit as part of the demonstrator would be the best way forward.
Far better than standing there having to explain all the bits of kit that are not on the rig but would need paying for... always against the question of... but why do I need all that extra stuff in my house when you can make it work with this cobbled together gear?

Just a thought.

a 25 quid inverter would be the way forward I reckon.

[plumbskill]

Thanks guys, didnt think of an inverter, but your right, it would look more professional even though I did intend fitting the pump station etc to make it look the part. OK where do I get an inverter suitable for my needs? Dont know much about them apart from the obvious

[mike85]

Navitron can supply a 12v version of the Ecocirc E4 pump (http://www.navitron.org.uk/product_detail.php?proID=274&catID=76) called the Ecocirc D5.

Ecocirc D5 'Vario'  - £204 exc Vat - Designed to run from a battery
Ecocirc D5 'Solar'  - £271 exc Vat - Designed to run directly from a PV panel.

Mike

[dhaslam]

The inverter needs to be about four times the wattage of the pump, so perhaps about 150 watts.  Lots of these are available online.   

www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/1259905/art/ring/can-style-150-watt-invert.html

[sleepybubble]

or http://www.navitron.org.uk/product_detail.php?proID=10&catID=82

I have a little 300w one I picked up years ago, has a cigerette socket thingy on it, just plugs straight into the car. If you check in most motor factors stores you'll find what your after off the shelf.

[Justme]

If you do go for one of the cheapy ones then make sure that the stuff you want to run will work on modified sine wave without issues.

[sleepybubble]

If you do go for one of the cheapy ones then make sure that the stuff you want to run will work on modified sine wave without issues.

yeah what he said, the only thing in a standard setup that might have a problem would be the TDC. If that was going to cause a problem then a Cheap UPS would be a good solution. As PSW inverters start to get pricey, and for something that is only going to get used a handful of times a year I guess you don't want to shell out loads of cash.

The APC range of UPS's often have connection points for an external battery. but..... hmmm just realised a UPS needs mains power to turn on before it can go over to battery mode, so forget all that...

[billi]

i reckon a DC pump direct driven by PV can be a seller as well , as far as i can see the setup i know , is performing  great , so no need to take that option out , if people are prepared to pay for it  and enjoy their solar setup being Grid -free (independent ) and safer and a bid greener
 sure now i can hear people saying , but a unit of electricity is costing this and an Ac pump is only using that.... per year ....

and the payback (excluding the real electricity costs) will  never pay for a DC -Pv driven solar thermal ... , but surely there are people enough out there they say and what ? And enjoy their choice  , and right they are 

Billi

[sleepybubble]

I personally completely agree Billi, but if he is preparing a demo/sales rig then he will also want to show the functions of a controller and for that he needs 240Vac.
Showing the functions of a controller becomes even more important in a demo rig as this will show the temps achieved, during the time it has been set up.

Just as a thought, for a lot of the 'shows' you can book a power hookup for your stand, usually costs about £50 extra for the smaller ones, might be worth enquiring with the individual show secretaries office to see what hookup costs are.

[Justme]

I think that a demo should demo the greenest solution & so use as little power as possible.

I was looking at grid supplied ones that used more than a 1/3rd (1kwh for pump & controller) of out total daily electrical power.

Off grid that's mad.

DC powered controller & pump was less than 10% of that.


Justme

[Brandon]

our rig is a 20 tube 47mm panel, mounted on a partially slated mock up roof, certainly draws the attention, power through either inverter or friendly genny runner