Topic: Using Supercapcitors to winterize WH41 and improve cold temp performance

[Autofill]

Here's a 7 week update on the supercap mod...and we're stll going. As you can see with the traces, as the temperature warms up (as in the last week or so), the readings start to become more "clean" as the high humidity doesn't freeze when the temps get so cold. So far, so good. I'll have to look back in the historical records to see if high humidity levels in the winter is normal for our region.

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[Autofill]

1 year later, and the WH41 with supercapacitor modification is still going!

Today, we hit -32.9oC:

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and still reporting:

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The unit of course thinks frozen fog is harmful PM, but that clears the moment the sun hits the unit.

I can, with 100% confidence recommend the mod after a 1 year review

[kheller2]

This makes me wonder if one could plug in a USB solar panel into this unit and keep it going.  I guess it depends on the SC voltage drop in the darkness and how much the panel can recharge during the day. 

Something like this:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDRK7B39  I've been picking up cheap wi-fi cameras to play with.

[whitecitadel]

I have been wondering the same, as I can live about a week at the moment in the UK before I need to charge it, if its dark, grey and wet (our traditional national weather) its a few days only. Some extra solar should be all that is needed to keep it running all year here - we do not have the extreme cold that would require the super-cap.

I also need to build a small enclosure/weather shield with a transparent top to try and keep the worse of the weather off it - especially given the cost of the WH41 this year if it dies I am not buying another in the current market prices!

[Rover1822]

If it is just a charging issue, using an external solar panel is an option to the USB. Just another option to a supercap. I have the external solar , and works fine, my battery level , since install is always pegged

https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=44513.msg452665#msg452665

[Autofill]

Hi all, all the above is great, but I should make it clear that the supercap mod is only advisable if temperatures drop below -20oC.

If your temps rarely or never get close to -20oC, then for sure, some sort of solar charging beyond what the WH41 already does, is highly recommended.

[Autofill]

Today I was about to announce the death of my Supercap modified WH41 unit. Data was showing unusually clean PM values of 2 to 3 ug/m3, even with the morning dew. I for sure thought this unit is finally toast but no just needed a quick cleaning there was a cobweb blocking the channels and its back up and running!

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This thing really takes a beating but doesn't complain.

[hiljo]

Today I was about to announce the death of my Supercap modified WH41 unit. Data was showing unusually clean PM values of 2 to 3 ug/m3, even with the morning dew. I for sure thought this unit is finally toast but no just needed a quick cleaning there was a cobweb blocking the channels and its back up and running!

Had this too a few times. Once you recognize the pattern in the graphs, you know when it is time to clean 

[Autofill]

Update:

Its -41oC in Edmonton Alberta and the WH41 is still running. It squeals pretty badly on every measurement but it going...lol

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There is frozen fog outside its its registering it as a pollutant.

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PS. I believe my WH69 array has reached the bottom measurement...I think its actaully -41oC outside.