September 10, 2010
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Solar Pond Aeration

Technology Name:

Solar Pond Aeration (PV)

Date Introduced in the market:

1980s

Maturity of the technology:

Mature

Status of development:

Established industry with continuous growth over 5+ years.

Type of energy that can be produced (i.e. thermal, electrical):

Electrical

Typical applications:

To aerate water for aquaculture, livestock watering, irrigation, recreation
To reduce algae growth, improve water quality, reduce odours

Range of possible dimensions and sizing considerations for the system:

Solar powered water aerators range from very small package systems with panels of only a few watts and a small bubbler for backyard gardens and fountains to larger PV systems of several kW designed to aerate large ponds and lakes. A PV pond aeration system can be designed to meet most aeration needs.

The main components of a PV pond aeration system are the PV panels, controller, compressor, aerator system/diffuser. For larger systems usually mono or poly crystalline panels are used and may be mounted on a pole, ground mount or tracker. Batteries may be used to provide aeration at night or on cloudy days. The design of the system will depend on the amount of water to be aerated, type of aerating system to be used (i.e. surface or submerged), size and type of compressor, aeration time requirements. Generally, submerged aeration is recommended for applications where water quality is the objective. Diffusers that result in smaller air bubbles produce more air surface in the water and more efficient aeration.

It is important to choose an efficient compressor that is sized to meet your aeration requirements. Over sizing may result in purchasing more PV than necessary. An inverter is required if an AC compressor is used. Usually deep cycle batteries are used with off grid PV systems.

Range of performance of the technology per unit installed:

In Canada, if installed on a fixed mount with a clear southern exposure, expect approx 1-1.3 MWh/KW installed/year from PV. More electricity can be expected if PV panels are mounted on a tracker.

Range of costs per unit of energy and per system (installed, and maintenance costs):

PV systems in Canada cost about $9-12/watt installed. Systems can rage from a 20 watt panel and a small aeration system for under $100 for a small garden pond, to A 5 acre pond aeration system with a 1/3 hp compressor with multiple diffusers and several hundred watts of PV for over $10,000. Compressors and aerators will require some regular maintenance. PV systems are virtually maintenance free.

Enquire about maintenance contracts from your system designer and installer.

Expected Pay-Back:

The cost of a PV aeration system can be less than the cost to bring the grid to an unserviced area. While the initial cost of a PV aeration system will be greater than a fossil fuel generator, the PV aeration system will have a lower life cycle cost due to no fuel cost and less maintenance.

Design, Installation, Maintenance & Operation of a PV aeration system:
Design of a PV aeration system:

Expertise/knowledge required can include: sizing the PV system, aeration system design, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, general construction.

Installation of a PV aeration system:

Skills required can include: solar system installation and principles, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, general construction skills.

Maintenance of a PV aeration system:

Maintenance depends on type of system.
Skills required can include plumbing, electrical, mechanical.
Check with manufacturers and retailers of compressors and aerators for recommended maintenance.

Operation of an off grid solar system:

Can be monitored and operated by owner with instruction from contractor/installer.

Training for designers and installers:

CanSIA is working with colleges to implement training programs for designers and installers of PV systems, based on the North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals SDHW certification. A wide variety of training opportunities exist from online courses and free information to hands on workshops and college courses. See www.cansia.ca for more information.

Range of Operational & Maintenance requirements (ex: how much labour time per week for how many people):

Requires only periodic monitoring and maintenance to ensure proper functioning.

Potential problems or challenges:
System performance:

 

Other considerations:

Investigate Maintenance contracts or warrantees.
Ensure system is designed for climate and hot water use.
Ensure southern exposure clear of obstructions between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM or longer.

Permitting:

Investigate possible permit requirements before starting any project

Range of warranties and life expectancy of the systems:
Warranties:

PV panels: 20-30 years
Aeration systems: 1-2 year warrantees

Life Expectancy:

PV panels: 30 years +
Aeration systems should last 10+ years with some maintenance.

Solar Resources Assessment:

Site specific solar resources can be measured by visual techniques and inspection or through commercially available solar site analysis tools. The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory has extensive solar radiation resource information at http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/. Links to Canadian solar radiation data can be found at http://www.canren.gc.ca/resou_asse/index.asp?CaId=55&PgId=452

Canadian Solar Resource maps are available at: http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/ and https://glfc.cfsnet.nfis.org/

Inputs and outputs for the technology:
Outputs:

PV panels directly convert energy from the sun to Direct Current Electricity.

Inputs:
Sun:

A southern exposure unobstructed from the hours of 10 AM to 3 PM is preferred.
Potential combination with other energy systems (hybrids and combination systems):

Links to other sources of information:

 

Sources of supply (in Canada):

Check CanSIA's website for contact information for suppliers and installers in your area. www.cansia.ca
Énergie Solaire Québec sells for a small fee (free with membership) a list of renewable energy suppliers and businesses in Quebec. http://www.esq.qc.ca/

Recommendations on how to proceed with a project development:

Contact CanSIA: check their database for a local installer.
Finding a contractor: As when hiring any contractor, ask for references from other clients or examples of their work and past experience.
Contact your local building inspector and municipal permitting office.
Ensure you have the necessary permits and the inspector is familiar with your plans before construction.
Investigate potential incentive programs, grants and financing.
Check the links above for more information.


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Created: 02-18-2008
Modified: 03-31-2008