The storms in recent years have caused considerable damage to poly-houses particularly during power cuts when blowers for inflating the roofs are not working. Some growers have used portable generators to overcome the problem. Howe's in Maungakaramea have an inverter system which provides stand-by power from a bank of batteries. Mike Harrison has been working with Bryce Bindon to develop a similar system for his sheds. It is now fully operational and the following text is Bryce's description of the system.
STAND-BY SYSTEM FOR ROOF BLOWERS
Items required:
Inverter
Battery and terminals
Battery charger
240v relay and sparkie (electrician)
The fans draw 60watts each
Inverter
Battery and terminals
Battery charger
240v relay and sparkie (electrician)
The fans draw 60watts each
INVERTER-If for example you have 10x blowers =600 watts, the inverter required would need to at least double this figure, because upon start-up it draws a lot more. An added bonus is if you go 2x larger or more it will also run irrigation timers and solenoid valves-n.b. it will NOT run pumps because of excessive current draw would blow it up.
