Posted December 17, 20213 yr Ok, so yes you are correct, there is no Home Assistant BASIC. But for those of us who do not have the knowledge to install and operate Home Assistant, Node Red, MQTT with Pi programming etc., some BASIC options do exist. My inverter started to run a tad hot during these hot summer days when solar PV is at its max to charge the batteries. Yes, the Deye 5kw unit does have a fan but that only clicks in at 65 degrees C. So, I decided to install a small desk-sized USB fan using a small digital timer plug to turn the fan on at 8am and off again at 4pm. And it works like a dream. The fan does have an impact and I am not seeing those 65 degree C spikes on the inverter of previous weeks. So, all in all, the cost for this cooling automation system was the following: Fan (Goldair) – R149 from Pick-n-Pay. Timer plug (Major Tech) – R490 from Takealot. Total Investment – R639 I say that’s Not Too Shabby Nige 🤣 PS, for those of you looking closely at the system, yes, the battery cables on the 2nd battery are not housed in the tubular plastic thingy, the installer did not have any with him at the time of the 2nd battery install. Will be getting that tidied up in the new year 😉 MdF Edited December 18, 20213 yr by MdF
December 18, 20213 yr Looks Good - you can get the tubular plastic things at builders - I think I paid R50 for R4m and a couple of bucks for the fittings The fan is an elegant and pretty robust solution 😀
December 18, 20213 yr On 2021/12/17 at 10:17 AM, MdF said: the battery cables on the 2nd battery are not housed in the tubular plastic thingy tubular plastic thingy = Flexible Sprague = Corrugated Sleeving Conduit, etc. 😆 Most electrical suppliers and hardware shops can supply different diameter sizes and colours. If you wish, just use trunking like the rest of your install. Hope you are enjoying the "Power freedom" of having a solar install, and saving money on monthly bills. 👍
December 19, 20213 yr Author 9 hours ago, TimCam said: tubular plastic thingy = Flexible Sprague = Corrugated Sleeving Conduit, etc. 😆 Most electrical suppliers and hardware shops can supply different diameter sizes and colours. If you wish, just use trunking like the rest of your install. Hope you are enjoying the "Power freedom" of having a solar install, and saving money on monthly bills. 👍 Thanks TinCam, this will be a small project in the new year. Yes, immense satisfaction in the Freedom of Power. Have spent about 3 months fine tuning the system for optimal usage. One aspect which has become interesting to understand is how far to let the batteries discharge at night when you know the next day will be overcast and cloudy, all this just in case there is loadshedding as well 🤔 MdF
January 14, 20232 yr Author Afternoon All, Just an update on my USB external fan to cool the inverter. Over the past year I have had to replace the fan twice. It just does not seem strong enough to run on a USB connection for 12 hours at a time. So I have upgraded to one of these. It is R50 cheaper than the USB fan I bought at Pick-n-Pay and is mains supplied and is much more durable in construction. Yes, it's a bit louder but it does not matter as the inverter is in the garage. The do come in different sizes, but I bought the smallest of the range. https://www.builders.co.za/Gas-%26-Appliances/Fans/Bathroom-Extractor-Fan/P-WORX-EXTRACTOR-FAN-4INCH-SQR/p/000000000000780366 I don't use this fan as an extracor of hot air, but rather still use it to blow air down through the back of the inverter. Getting the same low inverter temeperature readsings as with the previous USB fan so it is working well. MdF
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