connecting solar vent to electrics

[woodman-46]

I have a problem with condensation in my plastic shed that apparently is common and want to use a vent to do away with this by circulating the air. I have seen solar powered vents for sale that obviously rely on sunlight. The shed is at the back of my workshop and therefore unlikely to be hit directly by the sun. I could presumably either get around this by using a small solar panel situated around the corner and connecting it to the vent or connecting it to my supply in my workshop using one of those low voltage adaptors with the volt selection switch(normally 3-12 volts). If I go for the latter option and it is on permanently is it likely to be very cheap to run on low voltage if the motor itself is very small( normally can be run by 2 x AA batteries when dark). Any advice welcome. Thanks. Jim

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm sure you'll be delighted to learn that if you wish to remain within the law you have to notify this work to Building Control in advance....

 

[JohnD]

Might be easier to cut a small hole in opposite sides, there will usually be enough wind to move the air.

BTW, does your polyshed have a plastic floor, or is it on earth/slabs/concrete with no dpc? that may be where the moisture's coming from.

 

[woodman-46]

The shed has a plastic floor and is sealed apart from two small openings at one end, but I have found out since buying it that plastic and metal sheds often have problem with condensation especially on the ceiling. The vent was recommended by two separate shed manufacturers.
What I really need to know is if I have the solar vent(which also runs off batteries) running from a low voltage adaptor at 1.5 volts would the cost of running it permanently be low cost, I would have assumed that the power used is very low. The motor runs on two AA batteries. Thanks Jim

 

[ibruceuk]

The current draw will be negligable, as you said, it normally runs on two AA batteries.

And you'll be delighted to learn, despite what bas said, you do NOT need to notify building control as you are simply plugging something in!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It counts as a generator.

Photovoltaic I agree, rather than petrol or diesel, but still a generator.

But you'd have to be completely bonkers to notify...

 

[ibruceuk]

Ok, I kinda see you're point!

N.b. Note to self: Ring BC tomorrow to inform them I'm buying a dynamo for my bicycle!