of November, December and January. These are clear sky tables and seasonal overcast must
be considered in individual locals. Table N1 comprises locations at various US latitudes and
indicates operational months vs. sampling schedules.
There are other factors which will reduce the energy replenishment of the system and make
accurate performance predictions difficult. Amongst these are:
1. Dirt on the solar panel.
2. Extreme cold weather affecting battery performance.
3. Extremely high particulate loadings causing high filter resistance and
consequent high current drain.
4. Old Aused up@ batteries -- more than two years old.
While all the preceding factors are to be considered in the deployment of a solar powered
PQ100. They are not easy to quantitate. The effect of too little sunlight will be noticed on
the Apercent charge remaining@ on the PQ100's main screen. Given perfect replenishment, it
will always read 99%. If at any time it falls below 50% it is well to consider replacing the
large battery with a fully charged one. At a minimum, given winter gloom, a fully charged
battery and an every other day sampling schedule, a one month operating period is achievable
at any location below 45Ε latitude.
Setting up
Subsequent to unpacking a new unit, it is attached to the rear leg of the PQ100 as shown in
Figure N1. It is important that the board provided be located as shown in the figure with the
battery placed on top of it. This serves to anchor the lower end of the panel to prevent its
lifting during high winds. Failure to do so could result in damage to the solar panel and the
PQ100. NOTE: In due consideration of weight, shipping expense and ready, local
availability, a battery is not furnished with the solar panel kit.
However, the recommended battery is known as a Atrolling motor@ battery. This is a marine
type battery used for low speed, electric outboard motors. They are equipped with handles
and 5/16 inch binding posts with wing nuts. Because of their marine specifications, they are
a Adeep discharge@ battery, which is also the type recommended for solar panel
applications
(1)
.
Direction
The direction of the solar panel will be with its long axis from the north to south, with the
foot (low) end of the panel to the south. Inasmuch as the cell will be attached to the rear leg
of the PQ100, this means that the back of the PQ100 is pointing due south and the front of
the instrument is due North as illustrated in Figure N2.
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