DIY 12V water heater (+advice/thoughts?)

[ewerbos]

Probably about 28W when it is on. Most days, it won't be on for very long; if I connect both batteries, it should be able to run for 24 hours continuous on them (though solar panel might not keep up if it is cloudy/suboptimal).

 

[ewerbos]

Well, as I was getting in the car for work this morning my husband told me the nipples were frozen again--the battery was at 12.3V. I didn't have time to open the bucket/thermal controller, but my guess is that the water was liquid, but that the nipples were frozen. I guess I'll turn the temperature up to 12C and hope--At this point it's probably a good idea to add another couple of the 13W polyamide heaters under the bucket. I also hope to install the solar panel this weekend.

I am starting to get a little discouraged, though. :/

 

[jthornton]

That's what R&D is trial and learn. Looking back you have horizontal nipples. Do you have any insulation around the nipples? Is the bucket in a draft free area?

Until I insulated my vertical nipples both the horizontal and the vertical was freezing with a 250 watt heater. Now they stay unfrozen down to 1°F.

JT

 

[ewerbos]

The bucket is definitely in a draft-free area (back corner of the coop, next to the feeder). The nipples are insulated--But *away* from the heat source (I put holes in the insulation, then screwed the nipples through the insulation and the bucket, so the insulation is sandwiched between the bucket and the nipples). I actually suspect that might be part of the problem. If the higher water temperature doesn't work, I could get rid of the insulation between the nipples and the bucket and see if that helps.

I suspect *some* higher temperature will work--It's just a question of how inefficient it will be to maintain a temperature that high.

I looked at your solution and I'm not sure how I'd do something similar for horizontal nipples, because of their wider base.

 

[ewerbos]

(also thanks for helping out--I really appreciate the feedback!)

 

[aart]

I guess I'll turn the temperature up to 12C

This is the water temp?
Posting the water and ambient temps would be good.
Pics of vessel with insulation?

 

[ewerbos]

Not sure of either... I needed to leave for work and my husband didn't look (weather report said down to about 12F). However... I checked this morning, the voltage was the same as before, and it was off. So, voltage reporting on charge controller is apparently wonky. I switched out the battery, but won't have more tests for a while, since it is supposed to be above freezing for the next few days.

 

[ewerbos]

Not sure of either... I needed to leave for work and my husband didn't look (weather report said down to about 12F). However... I checked this morning, the voltage was the same as before, and it was off. So, voltage reporting on charge controller is apparently wonky. I switched out the battery, but won't have more tests for a while, since it is supposed to be above freezing for the next few days.

And water temp is currently heats to 7C, turns on when below 5C.

 

[jthornton]

When you get a chance a photo or two of the current setup would help.

JT

 

[aart]

weather report said down to about 12F

And water temp is currently heats to 7C, turns on when below 5C

47-41F and 12F sounds about right for freezing. Warmer the water the lower ambient temp it will stay thawed.
My water is 68F good to -12F so far.
Saving watts may cost you freezing....
.....not sure if you can 'turn up the heat' with this device tho.