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
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
- 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
- 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.
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.