This is the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manual for CCAT yurt. Please refer to it regularly and keep it up to date with any O&M changes.
Operation[edit | edit source]
The operation of the CCAT yurt is straightforward 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 center 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 completely unavailable during the darkest three months of the year.
Maintenance[edit | edit source]
To ensure the yurt lives a long productive life, regular maintenance of its different components is essential.
Schedule[edit | edit source]
Daily
- 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/dust Liter-of-Light bottles
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
- Inspect Liter-of-Light flashings for leaks
Yearly
- Conduct IV curve to assess health of PV panel
Every 5 years
- Replace the water/bleach solution in the Liter-of-Light bottles
Instructions[edit | edit source]
Below are instructions from manuals regarding the maintenance of different CCAT yurt projects. Those regarding the CCAT yurt roof were developed in the SALIRAJA Yurt Project and those describing the PV system were adopted from the 2006 Cal Poly Humboldt ENGR 535 class CCAT Yurt Solar PV System Users Manual.
Identify loose or rusty shingle
Remove rusty single using small crowbar or similar lever
Scrub the rust off with steel wool. Or, if beyond repair, cut a clean tin can using tin snips and flatten
Use pliers to bend the edges of the cans so they are less dangerous to work with
Spray cans with rust resistant paint (Eye and respiratory protection required)
After drying, attach the refreshed shingle using a staple gun
Disconnect the battery
Disconnect the leads from the back of the panel
Test the open circuit voltage (Voc) by setting the multimeter to test DC Voltage (don't forget to check the placement of the cables) and then holding the probes across the input and output terminals of the panel Step 4: Test the short circuit current (Isc) by setting the multimeter to test DC current, and again hold the probes across the terminals
Record the readings for each panel and the ambient conditions (time, cloud cover, wind) in the comments section of the maintenance log. If the panels vary by more than 20% in either voltage or current, contact a solar technician
The readings should be taken as quickly as possible for minimizing the effect of the outside conditions and angle of the incoming sunlight. Ideally, readings will be taken on a day with either no cloud cover, or no moving clouds so that the available solar radiation stays constant
Disconnect the battery
Clean off specific gravity hydrometer to ensure no foreign material could be introduced into the battery (Eye protection required) Step 3: Open battery box and ensure door is secure.
Step 4: Open left-most cell door
Depress hydrometer ball. Note: Never depress ball while hydrometer tube is in battery cell!
Step 6: Insert hydrometer tube into the cell completely and release
Note and record the level of the hydrometer float in the tube. Step 8: Record fluid level of cell
Repeat for all cells
With the help of the funnel add distilled water to any cell below the full line (approx. ¼ to ½ inch below bottom of battery vent) on the battery
Ensure all cell doors are securely closed Step 12: Close battery box
Step 13: Perform battery equalization if specific gravity of any of the cells varies from the mean by 0.025 or greater
Rinse the hydrometer thoroughly and return to hydrometer holder. The hydrometer holder should also be removed occasionally and rinsed to prevent corrosion
Lift the lid of the battery box (the section of the bench)
Disconnect the battery from the system by turning the switch off within the battery box.
Identify positive (red) and negative (black) battery terminals
Connect corresponding positive (red) and negative (black) clips of battery charger to charging tabs Step 5: Plug in and turn on battery charger
Monitor battery display every hour Step 7: Note time when display shows battery is full
Battery should be allowed to remain charging at a low current (approx. 5% of battery's 20 hr capacity in amps) for 1-2 hours after it is full Caution: Leave yurt door open for maximum ventilation. If battery becomes heated over 125°F, the battery should be disconnected and equalization continued after battery cools.
If two specific gravity readings taken within ½ hour are equal, equalization is complete
Turn off and unplug battery charger
Disconnect clips from battery terminals
Record date of equalization and specific gravity measurements of each cell before and after equalization
Troubleshooting[edit | edit source]
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 | Inspect the electrolyte level in battery cells. Add DI water. Conduct battery equalization. |
For a more in depth trouble shooting key, please see HSU's 2006 Engr-535 report: CCAT Yurt Solar PV Users Manual located at[2]
Suggestions for future changes[edit | edit source]
Implementation of a CCAT yurt sign up sheet will help to maximize the yurt's potential as a gathering space and make it more accessible to different groups. The sign up sheet could be held by a CCAT co-director, or tacked near the door outside of the yurt.