BioDesign N/L 25.5.11 - DIY Solar Car Battery Charger - Wick Progress - Organic Training in Kenya May 27, 2011

 

I have been commissioned to produce a pv array for charging a 12v battery (or laptop or small water pump) so that others in Kenya can learn how to assemble simple solar arrays.

This one has 12 - 7v pv modules to give 6 x 1.8w  = 11 watts @ 12v.

This is enough power for a small £10 caravan pump to raise water 2-3 m @ 10l/min.

These pv parts will cost about £80 ($150) but would be less for a slower battery charger and will mean no electricity costs for years!

 

A detailed pdf, as well as a video, will be made so you can judge if you are up to making a 'cheap' solar battery charger.

This is really cost effective in the long run but people often forget that once you have a solar panel the electricity costs nothing for many years!

 

 

 

We have learnt how important it is to carefully check the flows in wicks for different ropes/cords etc before deciding what is best for each situation!

The best for flow, so far, is acrylic yarn (looks like and often sold as wool!) which is found almost everywhere. It is stronger than real wool and does not need 'cleaning' like many ropes.

It is easy to use once put into a flexible tube.

 

Contact me for the latest pdf outlining how to start learning about wick irrigation.

 

One different use of wicks is to irrigate plants/trees in distress with a quite high flow to the roots.

We have a drought in the UK and my wife asked what I could do to save an apple sapling.

A small hole was made down to near the roots and a large container is now feeding water down through a 'wool' wick so that about a litre is supplied every day!

This is better than the usual inverted bottle as the water container can now be large and the water flow controlled.

 

It now looks as if we will be able to use wicks to replace porous pots - ask for details!

 

 

 

We are in contact with an organic farming NGO in the Emuhaya district offering free training from time to time.

Candidates must find their own local accomodation and travel expenses.

 

Graham