Pellet Stove Project Part 4
Following part 1, part 2 and part 3 of this project, we have acquired additional lumber, so we completed the floor, last wall and door frame. For such a small door, two hinges are sufficient to support it easily.
After making a door frame and installing the remaining tin, we now have the basic shed completed on the outside. As the floor is plain OSB, the shed now protects it from the rain. We may place a coat of Penofin waterproofing on it anyway, as it helps prevent splinters. We were able to use scrap OSB pieces for the floor so didn’t purchase additional sheets.
The main bench will support the charge controller, the 12 volt battery which weight 130 lbs, and the 120 VAC inverter. So we took the time to install a center pillar to prevent sagging.
We had to make a latch to secure the door as we had nothing available. So we welded a couple of bolts together for the latch, and used a piece of one inch strap for the handle on the outside. Perhaps not very elegant, but we were able to use what we had instead of spending on some commercial solution.
As the solar panels will be mounted on the roof, our next step will most likely be building the frame to support the panels and to raise them up a bit to allow more sun in the early morning. We shouldn’t need full sun all day, as the only draw on the system will be the pellet stove electronics, auger and fans. The total start-up draw, on high setting, is approximately 4.7 amperes, with the various draws as shown in the below list.
- Room blower, 0.62 amps,
- Auger motor, 0.26 amps,
- Combustion blower, 0.55 amps,
- Pellet igniter, 3.2 amps.
Normal operation draws about 1.5 amps, with nominal BTU output from 13,000 to 26,000, more or less. So, we estimate solar illumination from approximately 9 AM to sundown will be sufficient, as the stove will not be running at night, and is only for backup heating when commercial power is not available for normal furnace operation. Or perhaps those occasions where we wish to add some ambiance to the room.
So, until the next installment God Bless!