automatic hopper feeding

[iceguy4]

any info on whats needed to fabrocate the necessary switches for auto feeding my hopper. I found a augar assembly..http://www.hayspear.com/product/LU_...nk-Feed-Grain-Material-Auger-12-Jet-Flow.html. I also have a connection for buying the Harman bulk feed parts only but can see that is looking like a pricey way to go. I kinda have everything figured out but having it turn its self on and off... ideas?

 

[Pelleting In NJ]

Put a photocell on one side of the stoves hopper, and an illumination light on the opposite side. Have the photo cell trigger a "one-shot" timing module. The timer is set to how long it takes to re-fill the hopper, to the top, that the added auger requires. The timer output applies power to the added auger motor. The biggest problem with this set-up is the sensitivity of the photocell to pellet dust on its lens. If it gets too dusty, the new auger will not run when its supposed to, and the stove will run out of pellets. That's at least a fail-safe scenario, better than the stove hopper being overfed pellets.

Another idea is to replace the photocell with a spring-loaded "sail" or paddle switch, so when the stove hopper level drops above the sail switch, the spring pulls the sail back up, closing a switch, which triggers the timer module. When the stove hopper is filling with pellets, the sail switch will be pushed back down.

I was thinking of doing this, but to activate an audible alarm, to warn when the hopper needs to be refilled, before the stove goes-out. I wonder why no stove manufacturer has not put this type of feature into their stoves?????

 

[glenc0322]

can you run your pellet boilers with the lid to the hopper open? I was thinking the photocell option too.

 

[iceguy4]

can you run your pellet boilers with the lid to the hopper open? I was thinking the photocell option too.

[QUOTEcan you run your pellet boilers with the lid to the hopper open][/QUOTE]

not on my boiler... does anyone know how the harman system(1500lb hopper) work

 

[glenc0322]

[QUOTEcan you run your pellet boilers with the lid to the hopper open]

So then how are you planning on attaching the auger to the stove

 

[iceguy4]

So then how are you planning on attaching the auger to the stove

It will go through the side...see picture

 

[PassionForFire&Water]

I would recommend a capacitive proximity switch (not resistive: this does not work with wood pellets) and a timer relay that you can dial in the time of filling the pellets.

 

[glenc0322]

It will go through the side...see picture

Thats a great Idea. You can also add another motor to fill the fill hopper and so on and so on and so on lol. Can you get bulk deliveries on pellets or do you need to purchase by the bag.

 

[Centurion]

I wonder how Harman's accessory hopper/auger system maintains negative pressure. Seems like alot of connections involved that would be hard to seal and maintain that seal over many years of use. I'm sure they do....just curious. Maybe someone that has this system can pipe in with some info.

 

[iceguy4]

I wonder how Harman's accessory hopper/auger system maintains negative pressure. Seems like alot of connections involved that would be hard to seal and maintain that seal over many years of use. I'm sure they do....just curious. Maybe someone that has this system can pipe in with some info.

I have broken down and ordered the complete system. It will arrive around 2/27. I'll keep you apprized...

 

[Centurion]

I have broken down and ordered the complete system. It will arrive around 2/27. I'll keep you apprized...

Excellent Ice, looking forward to your comments. Are you ordering the Harman bin as well?

 

[iceguy4]

Excellent Ice, looking forward to your comments. Are you ordering the Harman bin as well?

yes...the whole enchilada...