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*Check electrolyte levels of battery (Eye and Hand Protection Required)
*Check electrolyte levels of battery (Eye and Hand Protection Required)
*Inspect battery terminals for corrosion, debris, or loose/exposed wires
*Inspect battery terminals for corrosion, debris, or loose/exposed wires
*Clean Liter-of-Lights





Revision as of 23:43, 23 April 2014

CCAT yurt. Image credit: Samantha Seglin, Lily Pastel, Rachael McCain, and Tanja Hopmans

This is the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manual for CCAT yurt operations and maintenance. Please refer to it and keep it up to date with any O&M changes.

Operation

The operation of the CCAT yurt is straight forward when all components have been well maintained. There is little that needs to be done in order for the retaining wall, roof, and Liter-of-Lights to operate. However, the photovoltaic system does require some further explanation.

PV System
  • The LED lights powered by the PV system and can be turned on and off using the switches on the side of the power control box that houses the inverter, charge controller, and spare fuses.
  • The option to plug in AC loads, however, is more complex. First, the loads must be plugged into the inverter, and then the inverter must be turned on. Be sure to turn off the inverter when loads are not in use. Finally, users must understand that AC power is limited and may be unavailable during the darkest three months of the year.

Maintenance

To ensure the yurt lives a long productive life, regular maintenance of its different components is essential.

Schedule

This is when to maintain what. We are still working on the best format for this. It may be a table eventually, but for now use the bullets below.

Daily or Every Use
  • Check state-of-charge reading on charge controller monitor
Weekly
  • Clean solar panel
  • Inspect power center box for corrosion, debris, or loose/exposed wires


Monthly
  • Check electrolyte levels of battery (Eye and Hand Protection Required)
  • Inspect battery terminals for corrosion, debris, or loose/exposed wires
  • Clean Liter-of-Lights


Every 3 Months
  • Equalize battery
  • Inspect retaining wall for weeds, debris, and weakened or damaged structures, especially after heavy rains
  • Inspect roof for loose or rusty shingles


Every 5 years
  • Replace the water/bleach solution in the Liter-of-Light bottles

Instructions

Below are a number of instruction manuals regarding the maintenance of different CCAT yurt projects developed by the 2006 Humboldt State University ENGR 535 class.

File:Rustyshingle.jpg
How to Replace Loose or Rusty Shingles
File:Batterydisconnect.jpg
How to Conduct an IV Curve on the CCAT Yurt's PV Panel
File:Batterydisconnect.jpg
How to Conduct Specific Gravity Measurements on CCAT Yurt's Deep-Cycle Battery
File:Batteryboxlid.jpg
How to Conduct a Battery Equalization on CCAT Yurt's Deep-Cycle Battery

Troubleshooting

The following table outlines potential problems and possible solutions that one may find when operating the yurt PV system.

Problem Suggestion
LED lights do not turn on Inspect PV panel, battery, and power center box for corrosion debris or loose/exposed wires
Battery does not charge Inspect PV panel, battery, and power center box for corrosion debris or loose/exposed wires
Battery only partially charges Measure the specific gravity of the battery fluid. Ensure it is adequately filled with DI water. If specific gravity varies by >0.025, conduct an equalization

Suggestions for future changes

Implementation of a CCAT yurt sign up sheet will help to maximize the yurt's potential and make it available to host more gatherings. The sign up sheet could be held by a CCAT codirector, or tacked near the door outside of the yurt.

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