Here's the fan.
One of the biggest ways that we are un-green is through our energy consumption in the summer, specifically in our use of air conditioning. Some people suggest conserving energy by turning your thermostat 2 degrees warmer in the summer. For me that’s not a good solution because I’m uncomfortable in the heat. What I did is make a solar powered fan to use so that I don’t waste energy on AC. It uses a fan salvaged from a computer and a boost circuit, similar to the one used in an iPod charger.
Here it is, on digg. It links to an Instructable. Solar Powered Fan
Stay Green everybody!
2 comments
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July 26, 2008 at 10:46 pm
sustainabilitydavid
Hey, all:
I was hoping this was tongue-in-cheek, and the solar powered fan even lower-tech. Sorry, but this really is a silly idea, since the best solar-powered fan inside a living or working structure is an open window. And needing to be in sunlight to be useful greatly restricts its use. A remote PV panel or array properly located and installed is far more efficient.
Claims of being green are subject to discussion, and such a tiny move toward ‘greenness’ is cosmetic and a mere novelty, in light of the need and the potential. Long before we can “stay green”, we have to become green.
David
Messages done with sustainable energy, with Wind and Sun!
July 27, 2008 at 12:49 am
gjdj3
Hi there. I appreciate your input but I have to disagree with you. The fan has worked pretty well and added to my comfort without emissions. I think that by itself is enough to qualify it as “green”.
A remote array would be more efficient, but this is a DIY site. Most DIYers can’t really make an entire remote array, and for this project it would be overkill. This small of a fan runs just fine with the panel mounted directly on.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.