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Carefully read safety information when you see any safety symbols:...
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Safety Crush Hazard CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE ANY FLOAT ARM OR TURNBUCKLE PINS OR BOLTS WHILE THE SOLARBEE IS FLOATING IN THE WATER! THE SOLARBEE MUST BE RESTING ON THE GROUND OR SAFELY SUPPORTED TO RELIEVE THE FORCES ON THE FLOAT ARM AND TURNBUCKLE STRUCTURES PRIOR TO DISASSEMBLY! FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD LEAD TO SINKING THE SOLARBEE, OR CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY!
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It is very important that all operators and the public having access to the SolarBee equipment be informed of the associated safety hazards. If English is not the dominant language in the region, Medora Corporation strongly recommends that all warning signage and instructions be translated to the dominant language.
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SolarBee is tested and inspected at our manufacturing facility before being delivered • Durable brushless motor to you. An experienced and trained Medora • Advanced controls system Corp. field team will deliver and install your SolarBee. During the installation, the...
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Operation The SolarBee is designed to circulate water by bringing water from below and sending it out across the top in a thin layer causing a mixing effect. The laminar layer flows outward radially, in diverging “stream lines” from the distribution dish.
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Features 35 Degree The SolarBee with technology includes new features which enhance its performance through more efficient and durable components, improved operation monitoring capablilities, easy component access, and a robust frame structure. Solar / Electronics Photovoltaic (PV) Modules -The PV modules are often referred to as the solar panels.
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Features For cable tethered anchoring, the north facing panel may be flipped to face the south using Latch End a special panel gate. A tethered machine is PV Module Gate fixed and will not rotate, so the north facing panel will receive the least sunlight, unless flipped using the special gate.
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Features Digital Controller - The digital controller is located near the top center of the SolarBee. The digital controller can be easily accessed Digital Controller by opening the PV module gate directly above and in front of it. The digital controller PV Module is constructed with a NEMA 4X (IP 66) Gate Open...
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Features SCADA outputs offering machine operation parameters reside within the digital controller. Please contact Medora Corp. if you are interested in receiving these parameters. Motor Controller - The motor controller is located near the motor just below the top plate of the SolarBee.
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Features Brushless Motor / Impeller Brushless Motor - The brushless motor is located directly below the Top Deck. 4 bolts run down through the Top Deck and into the housing of the brushless motor fastening it onto the machine. Brushless Motor CAUTION: THE BRUSHLESS MOTOR WEIGHS APPROXIMATELY 80 LBS (36KG).
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Features Impeller Assembly - The impeller assembly is made up of the stainless steel impeller shaft, stainless steel flag indicator, freeze sleeve, stainless steel impeller blades, and plastic impeller bushing. The impeller assembly is easily removed by pulling a pin on the shaft coupling.
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Features Distributor Dish / Hose / Intake Plate The distributor dish, structural members, structural fasteners, and mounting brackets are constructed of stainless steel. Distributor Dish - Near-laminar flow is achieved by the SolarBee due to its uniquely designed distributor dish. The impeller rotates while sitting within the lower half of the distributor dish.
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Features Float Arms / Floats The SolarBee contains 3 float arms and 3 floats. The float arms allow vertical positioning of the machine and the floats provide Turnbuckle buoyancy. Float Arm Float Arms - The float arms are constructed Handle of stainless steel components.
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Features If the distributor dish lip is too low, the water coming off the lip will flow just underneath the surface of the pond and the surface will not be renewed. Each float arm is connected to the central machine structure with 1 bolt and 1 pin. Each float is connected to the float arm by 2 pins.
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Features Anchoring Systems The SolarBee uses one of the following anchoring systems. The mooring block system consists of submerged anchors and doesn't require lines running from the shoreline. The tethering system uses cable that spans across the pond or reservoir connecting to tethering posts on the shorline.
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Features Following severe weather conditions (greater than 80-mph (129 km/hr) wind, higher than 4-ft (1.2m) waves, or ice thaw), it is possible for the SolarBee to drag the anchors and move out of position. If this should happen, the pond or reservoir operator will need to re-locate the machine to its original position.
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During installation, an experienced Medora Corp. field team thoroughly trains the operator on how to keep the SolarBee performing at its best. In most applications, it is strongly encouraged...
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment PV Module Cleaning The solar panels are the SolarBee's primary source of energy, so it is important that they be kept clean. Over time, dust collects on the PV modules or birds are not kept completely off by the bird deterrent resulting in the panel's effective surface area decreasing.
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Solar Panel Angle Adjustment TOOLS RECOMMENDED: Two 1/2" or 13mm wrenches The SolarBee technology includes tilting PV modules to allow for optimal solar collection for STEP 1: Loosen 2 bolts on each end of the PV different geographical regions and changing module using 1/2"...
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Impeller Rotational Speed Check During clear skies and good sunlight weather conditions, the drive system of the SolarBee unit should operate: 1) At a rotational speed between 55 and 85 revolutions per minute (rpm). 2) In a clockwise direction when looking down at the impeller.
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Impeller Cleaning In some applications, the autoreverse function will not completely eliminate floating debris or aquatic weeds from catching on the impeller blades and shaft. In these applications, impeller cleaning and impeller removal may be necessary. Impeller Cleaning TOOLS RECOMMENDED: Elbow High Rubber Gloves...
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Impeller Removal Upper Coupling In the case that there is buildup below the impeller that cannot be reached, the impeller assembly can easily be removed. Clevis Pin Hair Pin Impeller Removal TOOLS RECOMMENDED: Lower Coupling Elbow High Rubber Gloves Coupling Sleeve STEP 1: With SolarBee machine off and PV module gate open, locate the clevis pin going...
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Distributor Dish Level Setting The SolarBee distribuitor dish depth in the water is a key factor in maintaining the near- 2-in to 2.5- in (5.1-cm to 6.4-cm) laminar flow of water coming off the machine. Water Level Dish Level The distributor dish level setting is measured from the top lip of the dish up to the water...
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Hose Strainer Depth Setting The hose strainer depth is either set by a buoyant float inside the strainer or chained up at a specific depth. If the hose strainer is not tied up using the attached chain, the water will enter the hose approximately 1.5 to 2 feet (0.45 White Float Ball to 0.6 meters) above solid bottom of the pond.
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Hose Strainer Cleaning In some applications where floating debris or garbage is present in the pond, the hose strainer may become plugged. In these applications, the strainer will need to be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain optimal performance of the SolarBee.
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Battery Replacement Battery The SolarBee contains an onboard battery Compartment just below the dish that will require infrequent replacement. Between 2 and 3 replacments are expected over the course of the machine life. Battery Replacement TOOLS RECOMMENDED: 13 mm wrench 13 mm socket wrench Battery...
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Repositioning The SolarBee Anchor Chain Connection Under some circumstances, the SolarBee unit may need to be moved or placed back into its original location if severe weather hits. Repositioning Mooring Block Systems TOOLS RECOMMENDED: Motor Powered Boat SolarBee Anchored With Mooring Block System STEP 1: Locate the white float ball that marks the strainer chain.
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WARNING: DURING WINTER CONDITIONS traffic, or other activities on the water body WHEN THE SOLARBEE IS FROZEN IN OR during winter. For these locations, Medora PARTIALLY FROZEN IN, THE MACHINE SHOULD NOT BE APPROACHED. THE ICE AND SNOW Corp. strongly recommends turning the AROUND THE SOLARBEE SHOULD NOT BE machine off by late fall (Nov 15th in U.S.)
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Maintenance and Field Adjustment Complete Power Down Procedure ON / OFF NO TOOLS REQUIRED: SWITCH (OPTIONAL) STEP 1: Turn the On/Off switch to Off position. GRID DIGITAL POWER CONTROLLER STEP 2: Unscrew all PV module leads on the front side of the digital controller. MOTOR STEP 3: Unscrew the on-shore (grid power) MOTOR...
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Corp. Customer Service Representative Connection Check - if you experience any problems with your SolarBee. At Medora Corp, we will get you 1) Locate the digital controller and be sure that technical support, parts, or a service visit each PV module cord is properly connected.
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DIGITAL 5X Blinking Red - Battery out of range, CONTROLLER machine battery is too low. Check and record battery voltage if possible, then contact Medora Corp. Customer Service. For all other blink codes, please contact Medora Corp.Customer Service.
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Medora Corporation may choose to send the replacement parts to the owner postage- paid and may pay the owner a reasonable labor allowance, as determined solely by Medora, to install the parts. There is no liability for consequential damages of any type. The warranty that is submitted and provided with the purchased equipment is the valid warranty.
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IN NO EVENT WILL MEDORA CORPORATION OR ITS AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAILURE OF BUYER TO PERFORM BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES OR FOR FOLLOWING MEDORA CORPORATION ADVICE. IN NO EVENT WILL MEDORA CORPORATION OR ITS AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR USE OR OTHER PUNITIVE, SPECIAL,...
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Medora Corporation MODEL NO. 3225 Hwy 22 • Dickinson, ND 58601 +1 866 437 8076 • +1 701 225 4495 • Fax +1 701 225 0002 SERIAL NO. www.medoraco.com The SolarBee is a patented product, protected by U.S. patents: US 6,439,853...
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SolarBee Removal If temporary removal of the SolarBee from the water body is required, please carefully read and follow the instructions in this section. TOOLS / EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: • Small Boat with 3+ HP Motor • 25 ft (7.5 m) Tow Strap/Rope •...
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SolarBee Removal 1. Locate Removal and Staging Area The first step in removing the SolarBee from a water body is to find a good location to, 1) tow the SolarBee to, 2) hoist it out of the water, and 3) disassemble it into its major componets for transportation and storage.
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SolarBee Removal 2. Prepare SolarBee for Towing TOOLS: Pliers, 13mm socket & wrench Once a location has been chosen for towing the SolarBee to, the next step is to go out to the SolarBee and prepare it for towing. The following steps need to be followed before towing the SolarBee: STEP 1: Turn the machine off and adjust the...
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SolarBee Removal 3. Tow SolarBee to Removal Area TOOLS: Boat and Boat Motor, Tow Strap/Rope Towing the SolarBee can be done using several methods, however it is very important to tow slowly, preventing damage to the SolarBee. One method is to hook a towing strap or rope around one of the float arms at the anchor connection point and pull the SolarBee with a boat.
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SolarBee Removal 4. Hoist SolarBee From Water TOOLS: Crane, Backhoe, or Hoist; 3-Point Lifting Chain/Strap Now that the SolarBee is at the pond edge where it can be reached, it is ready to be hoisted out of the water. The following steps need to be followed when removing the SolarBee from the water: STEP 1: Connect the 3-Point Lifting Chain or Strap to all 3 lifting points on the top frame of...
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SolarBee Removal 5. Disassembly Of Major Components TOOLS: Metric Socket and Wrench Set (10mm, 13mm, & 19mm) Marker (Sharpie) Once the SolarBee is on shore, it is ready for disassembly to make it ready to store or transport. STEP 1: Disconnect the hose chain from the float plate.
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SolarBee Storage Transporting and Storage SPACE: 8 ft X 10 ft (2.5 m X 3 m) per Unit TOOLS: Crane, Backhoe, or Hoist; 3-Point Lifting Chain/Strap Now that the SolarBee is disassembled, the following procedures will help to make the SolarBee compact for transporting and storage.
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BATTERY controller. 2) Using a 12VDC battery charger and special battery cord adapter (request from Medora Corp. Customer Service 1-800-437-8076), WARNING: ONCE BATTERY IS CONNECTED TO charge the battery at a rate of 8 Amps or less BATTERY ADAPTER CORD, DO NOT ALLOW until fully charged.
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SolarBee Installation When re-installing your SolarBee, please carefully read and follow the instructions in this section. TOOLS / EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: • Small Boat with 3+ HP Motor • 25 ft (7.5 m) Tow Strap/Rope • Crane, Back Hoe, or other equipment Towing SolarBee Using Small Boat capable of reaching out into the water and hoisting 2000 lb (900 kg).
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SolarBee Installation 1. Locate Staging & Deployment Area The first step to installing the SolarBee into a water body is finding a good location to, 1) unload major components, 2) lowering SolarBee into the water, and 3) towing into position from The following considerations should be made when choosing a staging and deployment area:...
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SolarBee Installation 4. Tow SolarBee Into Final Position TOOLS: Boat and Boat Motor, Tow Strap/Rope Towing the SolarBee can be done using several methods, however it is very important to tow slowly, preventing damage to the SolarBee. One method is to hook a towing strap or rope around one of the float arms at the anchor connection point and pull the SolarBee with a boat.
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STEP 6: Do a rotational speed check. DIGITAL POWER CONTROLLER The SolarBee should now be completely MOTOR operational. If you have questions or concerns MOTOR about it being properly installed, please CONTROLLER contact Medora Corporation Customer Service (1-866-437-8076). MODULE(S) BATTERY...
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Protection, and other related subjects as required by OSHA to perform the necessary work to install or remove SolarBee equipment. If you need to remove your Medora circulation equipment from your tank, reservoir, pond, or lake, please contact Medora's Customer Service Department at:...
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