Zephyr Vent Fan Installation Guide
- October 30, 2023
- ZEPHYR
Table of Contents
Zephyr Vent Fan Installation
Vent Fan
Product Information
The Zephyr Vent Fan is available in 12V, 24V, and 48V models.
The 12V and 24V models use 2 DWV (Drain-Wastewater-Vent) PVC pipes for both
intake and output, while the 48V model uses 3 pipes for output. The Vent Fan
must be placed vertically with the label right side up in order for the
backdraft damper to function properly. The 48 volt Vent Fans are built with
two 24 volt fans wired in series.
Product Usage Instructions
To install the Vent Fan, follow these instructions:
- Place the Vent Fan vertically with the label right side up.
- Make sure the Vent Fan is placed higher than the top of the battery box and indoors, especially in cold climates to prevent damper from freezing shut due to the moisture in the battery gasses.
- Use no more than four 90-degree bends, including the one at the exterior terminus facing down.
- Put a screen on the outside pipe terminus to keep insects and debris out.
- If installed in a dusty or construction environment, put a porous foam or paper filter on the battery box inlet.
- DO NOT GLUE the Vent Fan in place. Friction fit is adequate.
- DO NOT drip glue onto the Fan blades.
The table below shows the set points for Flooded Lead Acid Batteries:
Battery| Fan ON Voltage set point| Fan OFF Voltage set point (Hystereris)| set
point (some inverters)
---|---|---|---
12V| 13.2 Volt| 13.0 Volt| 0.2
24V| 26.4 Volt| 26.1 Volt| 0.3
48V| 52.8 Volt| 52.2 Volt| 0.6
Please note that there are limitations and a disclaimer associated with this product. Please refer to the user manual for more information.
Wiring
Many inverters and charge controllers have an auxiliary relay that is programmable to turn a Vent Fan on or off based on the battery Voltage. These tend to come in two version: Either a constant Voltage (often 12V), and if the current rating is sufficient this can drive a (12V) fan directly. All the Fans use less than 200 mA (0.2 Amp, this is true for the 12, 24, and 48V Vent Fans).
The other version has a dry contact (a regular unpowered relay). The battery Voltage has to be wired to the switch part of such a relay and the fan should match the battery Voltage. A 12V powered relay can also be used to drive an additional relay to use a 24V or 48V Vent Fan. An automotive relay is an oftenused option. A 1 Ampere fuse is recommended to protect the wiring.
Instructions
The Vent Fan must be placed vertically with the label right side up in order
for the backdraft damper to function properly. Place the Vent Fan higher than
the top of the battery box and indoors, especially in cold climates (the
damper could otherwise freeze shut due to the moisture in the battery gasses).
Use no more than four 90 bends including the one at the exterior terminus
facing down. Put a screen on the outside pipe terminus to keep insects and
debris out. If installed in a dusty or construction environment put a porous
foam or paper filter on the battery box inlet. DO NOT GLUE the Vent Fan in
place. Friction fit is adequate. DO NOT drip glue onto the Fan blades.
Use 2″ PVC dwv pipe on 12 and 24 volt systems. Use 2″ intake and 3″ output PVC
dwv pipe on 48 volt systems. Place a 1 amp fuse at the start of the positive
circuit wire. Thermostat wire and phone splice/tap connectors (ULG or UG))
work well to connect the Power Vent. Use a cable tie around the base of the
Power Vent and wires to provide strain relief and create a neat wire job. A
controller is usually used in the circuit to cycle the Fan. Many inverters and
charge controllers have built-in functionality to switch a fan on/off based on
battery Voltage. Please refer to the appropriate manual for hook up and
programming instructions. The voltage set points for turning the Fan on and
off are above the full State-Of-Charge voltage of the battery but below the
battery gassing voltage. In the case of grid tied systems where the batteries
are kept at float voltage 24 hours/day it may be necessary to run the Fan full
time as the batteries are always gassing. An alternative is to remove the
backdraft damper to allow passive venting and only switch the Fan on when the
batteries are above float voltage.
For the inquisitive, please note that the 48 volt Vents Fans are built with two 24 volt fans wired in series.
Set Points for Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
Battery Voltage| Fan ON set point| Fan OFF set point| Hystereris (some
inverters)
12V| 13.2 Volt| 13.0 Volt| 0.2
24V| 26.4 Volt| 26.1 Volt| 0.3
48V| 52.8 Volt| 52.2 Volt| 0.6
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The Zephyr Vent Fan only moves a small volume of air. It is designed for home
systems with typical charging capabilities of 150 DC amps or less. Hydrogen
gas creates an explosion risk at concentrations of only 4%. Make sure vent
openings are free and clear including the safety vent hole at the bottom of
the Vent Fan. Periodically check to make sure the Vent Fan is running during
charge periods. Keep your batteries and connections clean and tight. Having no
control over the use or installation of this product, we assume no liability
connected with its use. The Zephyr Vent Fan itself is warranted for 2 years if
installed in accordance with these instructions.
Zephyr Vent Fan Made in Canada by Solacity Inc. www.Solacity.com/zephyr-
vent-fan/