How it works

A high efficiency 15W polycrystalline solar panel approximately 300mm square in size with the patented control system is specially optimised for sunny weather, so that more power is available on hot, sunny days.

The solar power is delivered to a high efficiency DC fan, which carries an air stream into the room, down through a central duct in the Windcatcher unit.  The fan runs on ‘sealed for life’ ball bearings and has a brushless motor for zero maintenance and a very long life.

The well established Monodraught Windcatcher technology still provides a flow of fresh air down into the building irrespective of the fan operation and similarly, exhausts stale air in the normal Windcatcher mode.  However, the solar powered fan only cuts in under full sun conditions to increase the ventilation rate by as much as 50%.

The ABS Windcatcher does, of course, still maintain a natural ventilation mode 24 hours a day by encapsulating any prevailing wind from any direction and carrying that fresh air down into the room below.  It is, however, in periods of high solar gain during the middle of the day, that we have experienced this year, when the Sola-boost cuts in to provide this additional energy free ventilation rate.

Internal Control Panel

The control of the ABS Sola-boost is through a simple control panel, which allows the end user a choice of half speed or full speed with LED lights to show whether the system is in operation or is in the off mode. The PowerTrackT optimiser only cuts in once the signal reaches 10V but it then boosts the power by 250% to 25V. Obviously, during night time or under periods of low sun, the Sola-boost is inoperative, but it is under these conditions when this extra ventilation is neither required nor necessary.