Hi all,
I'm trying to collect materials to build a solar hot water
heater. I have a few questions for the initiated. I have been thinking that my
most affordable way to go would be to use abandoned sliding glass doors (double
pane of course) for my glazing. I can't imagine that there would be
Ken
The bulk of the heat is from radiation from the sun. The best
collectors are actually vaccuum tubes, to reduce convective losses.
They also use a selective surface on the collector plates in order to
reduce radiative losses as well. Pretty much any sort of glass should
work okay for this as
On 9/20/05, Zeke Yewdall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
The bulk of the heat is from radiation from the sun.
Good! I think that would make the idea of 3 or 4 serpentines in series efficient.
The best collectors are actually vaccuum tubes, to reduce convective losses.
This doesn't sound like something
On 9/20/05, Zeke Yewdall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
The best collectors are actually vaccuum tubes, to reduce convective losses.
This leads me to believe that creating a lower profile box and reducing
dead airspace would be very advantageous. Is that correct?
Thanks again,
Take care,
Ken
Ken Dunn wrote:
On 9/20/05, *Zeke Yewdall* [EMAIL PROTECTED]
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
The best collectors are actually vaccuum tubes, to reduce
convective losses.
This leads me to believe that creating a lower profile box and
reducing dead airspace would be very
On 9/20/05, David Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
It probably wouldn't make much difference.Windows need an inch or sobetween the panes for best R-value; less is not always better.There'sa point where more wouldn't be better either, and a wide range in between.
If there were a way to evacuate even
Ken Dunn wrote:
On 9/20/05, *David Miller* [EMAIL PROTECTED]
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
It probably wouldn't make much difference. Windows need an inch or so
between the panes for best R-value; less is not always
better. There's
a point where more wouldn't be
I would echo David's comments. Go for a simple box with a glass lid,
and good insulation on the back and sides. That'll probably get you to
60 - 80% as much energy capture as the good commercial units, at a
quarter the cost. Even commercially produced windows with argon and
such tend to leak
On 9/20/05, Zeke Yewdall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Although alot of the collectors have little vents in the top to let out moisture thatmakes it's way in somehow.Otherwise you get condensation inside theglass in the mornings.
What about using silica desiccant gel to stabilize the humidity?
Seems
Also, does anyone know what would be considered a good
difference in outlet water temperature? For testing purposes, If
I'm using water starting at 70F, what should I strive for? I plan
to use an indirect system with non-toxic anti-freeze, so, I shouldn't
be working with temps as low as 70F anyway
Collectors are usually quantified by the efficiency at a given
temperature difference between ambient temp and average collector
temp. Check out the SRCC website to see what different collectors
generatlly come in at. Usually when running a closed loop glycol
system with a heat exchanger in the
A scientific approach to this would be to eliminate the variables that
can be eliminated, and keep records of those that can't be eliminated.
For example, measuring ambient temperatures and comparing those to the
temperatures in the collector will let you know to some degree what your
On 9/20/05, Zeke Yewdall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Check out the SRCC website to see what different collectorsgenerally come in at.
Hmmm - http://www.solar-rating.org/ - Great site!
The rest is all good too. It all makes sense after I put some thought into it.
Thanks,
Take care,
Ken
On 9/20/05, des [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
A scientific approach to this would be to eliminate the variables thatcan be eliminated, and keep records of those that can't be eliminated.For example, measuring ambient temperatures and comparing those to the
temperatures in the collector will let you
FSEC (Florida Solar Energy Center) has been around for decades. They're
into a lot more than just solar and have a cornucopia for a library for
anyone who finds themself in their area.
On 9/20/05, *Zeke Yewdall* [EMAIL PROTECTED]
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Check out the SRCC
On 9/20/05, Appal Energy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
FSEC (Florida Solar Energy Center) has been around for decades. They'reinto a lot more than just solar and have a cornucopia for a library foranyone who finds themself in their area.
Excellent!
Thanks,
Take care,
Ken
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