Older solar intake vent.

DStegs49

DStegs49

.
Feb 22, 2011
80
Hunter Legend 37 Muskegon, MI
I don't even know who made or makes it (circa 1987). It is a single speed, single direction intake fan with a dead C size nicad battery. Couple of questions. 1-Can I replace the battery with a lithium equivalent? It works perfectly on solar. I'd like day/night ventilation. 2-Can I reverse polarity and make it an exhaust fan? No bells or whistles needed, it keeps working when the sun shines.
 
C

colemj

.
Jul 13, 2004
661
Dolphin Catamaran Dolphin 460 Mystic, CT
I suspect you cannot replace the NiCad with a lithium because most rechargeable lithiums require a charger with some smarts built into it. A direct connection to a solar panel like these fans use will not be sufficient. Why not just stick with a NiCad replacement? They last for years.

Interesting question on reversing the polarity. These fans came with both exhaust and intake blades, with the exhaust blade being the default one installed. Are you sure yours isn't already setup for exhaust? I don't know if the motor will run in reverse with reverse polarity. I have spare motors for these that I could test for that, but I'm away from the boat for a few weeks.

Mark
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,322
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Conceptually yes. Unless an engineering student decided to install a diode to prevent the reverse polarity. You know batteries do not do well when you play with the polarity of the cells.

You might try to swap the wires on the fan motor. The motor is not sensitive to polarity it accepts the flow either way then just turns.

At least that is my understanding. I’d try it and be attentive to any sparking/smoke/ or burning smells
 
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DStegs49

DStegs49

.
Feb 22, 2011
80
Hunter Legend 37 Muskegon, MI
Didn't know about the "smart" chargers for lithium or swapping, so I asked and got an answer. Nicad it is. Thanks jssailem and colemj. Everything looks sealed and the wires disappear in the case so I think I'll just replace the nicad and live with. Might try some jumpers from the battery to the fan for a test. If it had a replacement blade it's long gone via PO. Have some green to remove and then it'll be as good as can be expected for an old fan.
 
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