Chris Bonneau's posts

Thanks Ken
That helps a bunch

Thank You for the advice.
I am learning more each day. I hope to put together a 12 volt cooling system with fairly inexpensive parts, maybe with components that are used on boats or RVs. The DC fan motor seems to be the biggest obstacle. Are there any very effecient fans/ fan motors(capable of spining a metal wheel)that could blow around 4500cfm that would use very little amperage (maybe 10 amps or so?)The Radiator Fans for Cars seem to be a great alternative, but would need to modify the cooler housing and remove the old wheel. I have a Bilge Pump that  uses 1.5 amps at 12 volts and it pumps 450 gpm(gallons per minute)I am hoping to construct a system including pv panel for about $500 that would cool approx 1200 sqft.

Thanks for the advice. I am gonna try a mock up DC cooler with 55gallon plastic barrel and see what hapens.

Check out this link. This is similar to what I was thinking about doing, except a 12 volt motor for the existing fan. Their system, with this type of Fan(12 Volt Auto \Radiator Fan) makes about 2500cfm using less than 10amps, just wondering what a I could find out about electric motors. They are using 100 watts on a Tracker. I could afford 100 watts already fabricated or make my own PV Panels.
Thanks for the advice about the inverter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FpaSKazhNY

I have a Swamp Cooler that I would like to power with Solar. It has a 115 volt, Approx 8-9 amp, 600-700 watt motor. Would it be better to try to convert the whole thing to DC power or use an inverter off of my battery ? I am trying to make a good working cooler with little or no cost, and spend very little on PV Panels.

Thanks Chris