power shed design

[Tim]

I need put up a building to house 1) a diesel generator 2) an inverter/charge controller etc. and 3) a battery bank. I will isolate the batteries from the rest of the equipment and would like to keep them around 70 degrees F. The inverter likes to run cooler than that and the generator likes to be as warm as it can to start quickly. I would appreciate any design ideas or plans that have been worked out well for someone else. Thanks.

Tim

[Mike90250]

I'm building 2 sheds, 8x12 each, one for genset, and one for battery & electronics. Batteries will be boxed to vent any acid fumes away from the electronics. I figured split my pain if one self-immolated. A bit more work, and they will both be at ambient or so, and not preheated.

[Tim]

One site I found recommended recessing the battery box into the ground to keep them at a more constant temp. I live in the cascades in Oregon so the average ambient may be too cool. Also, any ideas - hardy board etc. - for battery box construction?

Tim

[Mike90250]

One site I found recommended recessing the battery box into the ground to keep them at a more constant temp. I live in the cascades in Oregon so the average ambient may be too cool. Also, any ideas - hardy board etc. - for battery box construction?
Tim

Cold batteries are happy batteries, but lower capacity when cold.
I don't know what hardy board is, but even .5" plywood will deflect battery fumes. And it's cheap. Unless you do a lot of over-charging and getting the batteries really bubbling, there is not a lot of hydrogen and oxygen generated. Mostly about keeping acid mist away from the electronics

[Tim]

Thanks for the input Mike. Having 2 structures to split the "self-immolation" risk is a good idea.

Time to get started.

Tim

[Mike90250]

Attaching a overview shot of my planned system. (well, not planned - permit pulled). It may help inspire you. Pole mount will hold 15, 200w panels. Pole is in concrete, 10' deep, 24" di. Pipe is 6" sch80 18' tall

For the generator shed, I'm just going to have a chain link gate, as a door. Help solve ventilation issues.

This is the style of generator going in, simple, rugged, hand crank. Should be able to run on the acre of sunflowers I plant.

http://www.centralmainediesel.com/order/09912.asp?page=L09912

[ed2kayak]

Are you going to press the sunflower seeds yourself?

[philpaine]

Hi Mike

If you need some free shed plans, have a look at my site. I have a dozen links to shed plans hat you can download without having to sign up for anything or pay any money.

See www.mywoodengardensheds.com

Hope this is of some use.

Phil

[Mike90250]

Hi Mike

If you need some free shed plans, have a look at my site. I have a dozen links to shed plans hat you can download without having to sign up for anything or pay any money.

See www.mywoodengardensheds.com

Hope this is of some use.

Phil

Thanks - some look pretty good

[Vern2]

Mike,

Great plans!
On the pole array, How does the shade stay off of the other pole array? Your two arrays seem like their huge. I wanted that but figured the space between panels would take up two much land.

Is it time to turn the hotdog over? Ha!

Vern

[Mike90250]

The arrays are at a 50 deg angle, to catch the best winter sun, without hurting summer production. Front pole is about 8'. Rear - if/when installed, would be higher, to clear.

Yes, they are HUGE mounts, 15, 200W panels. Pole is 6" di, cement mount is 10' deep, 24" di. Gotta be strong, this is my Fusion Powered Power Plant,

[Vern2]

I see! Their non tracking pole mounts. I know with all your knowledge (and your the man!) that a simple single tracking system may keep you from adding that second pole and a lot cheaper to boot. And also, I know, you know dual tracking is the golden grail.

(I can see it now). Mike:, "Honey, I'm taking out the trash.", Wife:, "Again!" (Mikes tracking system.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm54VcEQMaY Ha!

This is Mikes plug-in electric car he built. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhGco52SJ_A

Vern