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;PV System
;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 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 battery is housed in part of the bench adjacent to the power center box.
[[File:yurtpowerpic.jpg|frame|left|Yurt Power]]
 
*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.
*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.
[[File:Yurtpower.jpg|frame|left|Yurt Power. Image credit: HSU Engr-535 Fall 2006 http://techjoey.com/resources/Report-AT-SolarPoweredLighting.pdf]]
[[File:Yurtpower.jpg|frame|left|Yurt Power. Image credit: HSU Engr-535 Fall 2006 http://techjoey.com/resources/Report-AT-SolarPoweredLighting.pdf]]

Revision as of 00:49, 24 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 regularly 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 center box that houses the inverter, charge controller, and spare fuses. The battery is housed in part of the bench adjacent to the power center box.
Yurt Power
  • 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.
Yurt Power. Image credit: HSU Engr-535 Fall 2006 http://techjoey.com/resources/Report-AT-SolarPoweredLighting.pdf

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/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


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 Inspect the electrolyte level in battery cells. 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 http://techjoey.com/resources/Report-AT-SolarPoweredLighting.pdf

Suggestions for future changes

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.

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