Power in the Field
SEIS-UK supplies 40W, 36W and 20W solar panels. The 40W and 36W panels are typically used with broadband systems, and the 20W panels with the non-broadband systems. Solar cells are normally provided with power regulation units, and can allow up to six solar cells to power a single instrument. The power regulation units also protect the instrument from voltage spikes, and charge/discharge the battery in an efficient way.
Whilst SEIS-UK does not normally provide batteries, a stock of specially adapted waterproof Peli cases is available. These can house either 24 D-cell batteries (outputting at 18V), or a single 10Ah 12V gel-cell. These cases have an in-line bulgin socket to allow for easy connection to the power regulation unit or the seismometer.
The 20W panels are available in three styles - new framed, old framed and old unframed. The old framed panels allow up to two panels to be held at a fixed angle. The materials for fixing the panels to the ground and protecting them from livestock must be provided by the user. SEIS-UK can offer advice on all aspects of the installation, and an online manual is available under the FAQ section.
SEIS-UK can also advise on the number and type of solar panels needed for deployment at specific latitudes and times of year.
Specification - 36W & 40W solar panels
| 36W | 40W | |
|---|---|---|
| Total number | 32 | 86 |
| Maximum power | 36W | 40W |
| Maximum voltage | 17V | 17.3V |
| Rated current | 2.1A | 2.31A |
Dimensions |
640mm x 530mm x 35mm | 660mm x 540mm x 50mm |
| Weight | 4.7kg | |
Specification - 20W solar panels
| Old style framed | Old style unframed | New style framed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number | 124 | 79 | 46 |
| Maximum power | 20W | ||
| Maximum voltage | 16.8V | ||
| Rated current | 1.19A | ||
Dimensions |
530mm x 460mm x 50mm | 510mm x 430mm x 25mm | 550mm x 430mm x 60mm |
| Weight | 3.7kg | 2.8kg | 4.3kg |
Specification - Rutland 503 Wind charger
| Total number | 5 |
|---|---|
| Maximum power | Produces up to 60w, nominally 5A @ 12V at 50 knots |
| Minimum power | Trickle charges in wind speeds as low as 5 knots |
Dimensions |
Turbine diameter of 510mm |
| Nett weight | 3.5kg |
Solar Panel Shipping information
The number of 20W panels shipped per box will vary, depending on how many are fitted into frames.
Old framed 20W solar panels
| Number of panels per box | 6 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 755mm x 555mm x 380mm |
| Volume | 0.16 cubic metres |
| Weight | 32.5kg |
Unframed 20W solar panels
| Number of panels per box | 8 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 755mm x 555mm x 380mm |
| Volume | 0.16 cubic metres |
| Weight | 33kg |
New framed 20W solar panels
| Number of panels per box | 4 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 755mm x 555mm x 380mm |
| Volume | 0.16 cubic metres |
| Weight | 27.5kg |
36W solar panels
| Number of panels per box | 6 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 750mm x 660mm x 400mm |
| Volume | 0.2 cubic metres |
| Weight | 37kg |
40W solar panels
| Number of panels per box | 6 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 730mm x 700mm x 450mm |
| Volume | 0.23 cubic metres |
| Weight | 39.5kg |
Rutland 503 Wind charger Shipping Information
| Number per box | 1 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 550 x 550 x 260 |
| Dimensions of spindle | ? |
| Volume | 0.1 cubic meters |
| Weight | Nett:3.5Kg, Gross: 6kg |
Links and downloads
Solar Panels
40W solar panel data sheet
36W solar panel data sheet
20W solar panel data sheet
Solar Panel Regulators
SS-10L regulator data sheet
SS-10L regulator manual (Broadband & HF)
BR1/6A Beco voltage shunt unit
Batteries
Information page on deep cycle batteries
Battery charging methods
Charging NiMH cells
Mains Battery Chargers
Mascot 3 Phase Charger 9040