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<br>
= Overview  =
 
<br>
 
Solar Air Heaters
 
<br>
 
= Overview -&nbsp; =


Solar air heaters are systems that collect solar energy and transfers the heat to passing air, which is either stored or used for space heating. The collectors are often black to absorb more of the sun's energy and a conductive material, often metal, acts as a [[Heat Exchangers|heat exchanger]]. There are many different designs and systems may include fans to increase the flow rate of air. Alternatively, a passive collector can be built such that when the hot air rises it draws fresh air through the bottom. Fans can often increase the performance of the system, but require additional parts and adds complexity. Solar air heaters can compliment traditional indoor heating systems by providing a free and clean source of heat (after initial costs). While clouds effect the energy output of the system, the metal will store energy on a hot day and will reduce the impact of momentary cloud cover. To achieve best results, the system should be unshaded and facing the general direction of the sun (south for the northern hemisphere, north for the southern hemisphere)<ref>http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/S/AE_solar_air_heater.html</ref>.  
Solar air heaters are systems that collect solar energy and transfers the heat to passing air, which is either stored or used for space heating. The collectors are often black to absorb more of the sun's energy and a conductive material, often metal, acts as a [[Heat Exchangers|heat exchanger]]. There are many different designs and systems may include fans to increase the flow rate of air. Alternatively, a passive collector can be built such that when the hot air rises it draws fresh air through the bottom. Fans can often increase the performance of the system, but require additional parts and adds complexity. Solar air heaters can compliment traditional indoor heating systems by providing a free and clean source of heat (after initial costs). While clouds effect the energy output of the system, the metal will store energy on a hot day and will reduce the impact of momentary cloud cover. To achieve best results, the system should be unshaded and facing the general direction of the sun (south for the northern hemisphere, north for the southern hemisphere)<ref>http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/S/AE_solar_air_heater.html</ref>.  
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The financial and environmental benefits of implementing solar air heaters can be estimated through the use of this [http://www.retscreen.net/ang/g_solara.php RETScreen tool] that was created by the government of [http://canada.gc.ca/home.html Canada] and made freely available to the world.  
The financial and environmental benefits of implementing solar air heaters can be estimated through the use of this [http://www.retscreen.net/ang/g_solara.php RETScreen tool] that was created by the government of [http://canada.gc.ca/home.html Canada] and made freely available to the world.<br>


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= Materials  =
= Materials  =
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To build a "snake" design, a piece of sheet metal for the base would help increase thermal mass and improve heat transfer to the passing air.&nbsp;
To build a "snake" design, a piece of sheet metal for the base would help increase thermal mass and improve heat transfer to the passing air. Also, sand paper may be required.


Alternatively, building the pop can design requires a large number of pop cans and either a mortar or glue to connect the cans.&nbsp;  
Alternatively, building the pop can design requires a large number of pop cans and either a mortar or glue to connect the cans.&nbsp;  
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= Two basic forms of solar air heaters  =
= Two basic forms of solar air heaters  =


=== Pop can ===
=== Pop Can Design<ref>http://greenterrafirma.com/solar-air-heating.html</ref><br> ===


=== Materials:  ===
#Determine the dimensions of the unit and build a box for the number of rows of cans and to include insulation along the walls.
#Build the box to act as a base structure for the air heater. It can be built using 2" x 4" beams and plywood can act as the bottom
#Drill a hole at the top of the unit and at the bottom, make an equal number of holes as rows of cans (In the 2" by 4") to act as the inlet and outlet streams for the air. The holes should be the same size as the opening of the cans
#The box should be sealed along all edges to prevent air leaking out of the system
#Insulation can be added to reduce the amount of heat leaving the unit. The insulation is placed along the inner walls and a second application of sealant can be applied along the edges<br>
#Wash the aluminum cans and then drill holes into the bottom of the aluminum cans or the tops and bottoms can be cut off
#Paint the box and cans black with a matt coating.
#Connect the cans in a row using glue (Tops connected to bottoms usually fits best)
#Attach the rows of cans to their respective positions in the box and add sealant around the air intake holes
#Place the sheet of glass or plexiglass on the top of the unit to complete the box and enclose the system. Fasten the material using the aluminum "L" trim.<br>


<br>  
<br>  


<br>  
=== Snake Design<ref>http://www.solarsponge.com/article.htm</ref><br> ===


#Determine the dimensions of the unit and build a box to include insulation along the walls.
#Build the box to act as a base structure for the air heater. It can be built using 2" x 4" beams and plywood can act as the bottom. Alternatively, using a sheet of metal as the bottom would significantly help the unit's heat transfer properties.
#Drill a hole at the top and bottom of the unit (In the 2" by 4" or plywood) to act as the inlet and outlet streams for the air
#The box should be sealed along all edges to prevent air leaking out of the system
#Insulation can be added to reduce the amount of heat leaving the unit. The insulation is placed along the inner walls and a second application of sealant can be applied along the edges<br>
#Add baffles by positioning additional pieces of 2" x 4" perpendicular to the air flow which do not span the entire width of the unit but alternate between touching the "left" and the "right" walls
#Paint the box and the baffles black using a matt paint<br>
#Position the glass or plexiglass to enclose the unit and adjust the height of the baffles to create a snug fit against the glass. This can be done using sand paper or adding sealant as necessary
#Place the sheet of glass or plexiglass on the top of the unit to complete the box and enclose the system. Fasten the material using the aluminum "L" trim.<br>
<div><br></div><div>Here is a sample schematic to build the [http://www.solarsponge.com/images/SolarSpongeMechanicalDrawing.gif "snake" design]</div>
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<br>
= Optimal Locations and Angles  =


<br>
*[http://www.meteonorm.com/media/maps_online/world_global_8100.png Meteonorm ]- Provides a visual reference to understand how much energy your geographic location receives from the sun
 
*[http://www.solarpathfinder.com/industry Solar Path Finder]&nbsp;- Helps determine which angle the collector should be positioned, based on your location
http://greenterrafirma.com/solar-air-heating.html
*[http://weatherbase.com/ Weatherbase]&nbsp;- Has a large database of temperature and weather data that could be helpful in learning more about your heating and cooling demands


<br>  
<br>  


Solar ”Can” Air Heater
= Estimated costs  =


This simple small passive solar heater, made from recycled aluminum drink cans, can be used to heat an insulated garage or small room. A larger heater or a number of similar heaters can be used to heat larger spaces, or to heat smaller spaces to a higher temperature.
The cost for to build a solar air heater varies significantly depending on whether the materials are purchased "new" or if they were salvaged. In addition, the decision between glass and plexiglass has a very large impact on total cost of the system. Finally, there are other factors such as the use of a fan, [[Solar panel|solar panels]], back-up battery, wires and sheet metal that could be incorporated in the design and would certainly increase the budget.  
 
<br>The box is built from 2″ x 4″ studs and a sheet of plywood, measured to tightly hold 5 rows of 10 black-painted aluminum drink cans. The inside of the box is sealed using caulk to prevent hot air from escaping. Cold air is drawn in from a hole at the bottom of the box and heated air emerges from the top passing through a pipe into the space to be heated. A Plexiglas sheet is glued to the top of the box to let sunlight in but not let the hot air escape.<br>This solar space heater works by drawing the air to be heated into the bottom can of a column of cans. The air is then heated inside the cans by the sun’s energy and the hot air within them rises upwards (thanks to convection) to be fed into a pipe which re-enters the building to be heated.
 
For the air to pass through a column of cans, holes must be drilled into them. There is already a hole at the top of each can out of which the drink is poured. That just leaves holes at the bottom of each can to be drilled. In the bottom can of each column, a 1 inch hole is drilled in the side.  


<br>  
<br>  
The cans of each column are glued together using caulk or silicon adhesive and painted using black paint to help them absorb the sun’s energy. Barbecue,fireplace or stove paint is excellent for this as it will not flake off. Make sure it has a totally matt finish.
The inside of the box must also be painted with the same paint before the columns of cans are glued into position using caulk or silicon adhesive. The outside of the box should be treated with preservative, varnish, or paint to help it survive the elements for many years.
Ideally the whole unit will be sealed with a sheet of tempered glass. However, tempered glass (unless you can find and recycle a sheet) is also very expensive. Therefore Plexiglas (plastic) can be used, but it will degrade far more quickly and become opaque blocking out the sunlight.
A hole at the top of the box acts as the hot air outlet and can be connected to the building/room to be heated using an insulated pipe.
Required Improvements to this Design
“Snake” the cans together so the air travels farther and has more opportunity to take the heat from the aluminum cans.<br>Add a fan to both the intake and output sides of the unit, to move more air.<br>Insulate the box - bottom, sides and ends. One inch rigid foam is easy to work with.<br>Keep the input and output pipes short and super insulated.
<div><br></div>
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<br>
=== "S" collector  ===
===  ===
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== &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Regional considerations  ==
= <br>  =
= skills and knowledge required  =
=== Solar data (maps)<br>  ===
http://www.meteonorm.com/media/maps_online/world_global_8100.png
<br>
angle of collector - General rule of thumb is to place the collector at an angle equivalent to the lattitude of your location. For more details, please follow this link
http://www.solarpathfinder.com/industry
<br>
= technical specs (schematic)  =
= Estimated costs  =
The cost for to build a solar air heater varies significantly depending on whether the materials are purchased "new" or if they were salvaged. In addition, the decision between glass and plexiglass has a very large impact on total cost of the system. Finally, there are other factors such as the use of a fan, solar panels, back-up battery, wires and sheet metal that could be incorporated in the design and would certainly increase the budget.


{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|-
|-
|  
|  
'''Item'''
'''Item'''  


| '''Cost'''
| '''Cost'''
|-
|-
| Plywood
| Plywood  
| $20
| $20
|-
|-
| Wood Beams
| Wood Beams  
| $15
| $15
|-
|-
| Glass or Plexiglass
| Glass or Plexiglass  
| $40
| $40
|-
|-
| Sealant
| Sealant  
| $5
| $5
|-
|-
| Insulation
| Insulation  
| $5
| $5
|-
|-
| Black Paint
| Black Paint  
| $5
| $5
|-
|-
| Aluminum "L" Trim
| Aluminum "L" Trim  
| $3
| $3
|-
|-
| Screws
| Screws  
| $2
| $2
|}
|}


<br>Overall, a basic system can be constructed for approximately $95, which could easily be reduced by being resourceful when gathering the components.&nbsp;
<br>Overall, a basic system can be constructed for approximately $95, which could easily be reduced by being resourceful when gathering the components.&nbsp;  
 
<br>


= Alternative designs  =
= Alternative designs  =


http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Residential/Safety-Security_Window_Films/<br>
To improve the durability of your unit, a [http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Residential/Safety-Security_Window_Films/ protective coating] can be added to the glass to improve its expected life due to the elements.


http://www.solarsponge.com/article.htm
You can also try to increase turbulence to the air flow by adding [http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/burywsd/beercanheater/ deflectors] to the pop cans. This should help increase the [[Heat transfer|heat transfer]] from the metal to the air.  


http://www.solarsponge.com/images/SolarSpongeMechanicalDrawing.gif
<br>
 
Also, feel free to consult or contribute to any of the following online forums about solar air heaters:
 
*[http://www.ata.org.au/forums/topic/solar-heating-cooling-systems Alternative Technology Assn Forums]
*[http://www.solarpowerforum.net/forumVB/solar-heating/2498-soda-can-furnace-most-efficient-cutting-pattern-cans.html SolarPowerForum.net]
*[http://www.instructables.com/id/Almost-Free-Solar-Hot-Air-Collector/# Instructables]
*[http://transitionvictoria.ning.com/group/greenenergy/forum/topics/solar-air-heater-materials-and Transition Victoria: A Regional Initiative]


<br>  
<br>  


= Videos  =
= Videos  =
Here are a couple videos to help you build a solar air heater and maybe even get inspired to improve the designs.
 
Here are a couple instructional videos to help you build a solar air heater and maybe even get inspired to improve the designs.  


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{{#widget:YouTube|id=QLNViUsRCVU}}  


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{{#widget:YouTube|id=pXYaO596cgY&amp;feature=related}}<br>


{{#widget:YouTube|id=pXYaO596cgY&amp;feature=related}}<br>
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Revision as of 02:01, 1 February 2011

Template:Courseinprogress

Overview

Solar air heaters are systems that collect solar energy and transfers the heat to passing air, which is either stored or used for space heating. The collectors are often black to absorb more of the sun's energy and a conductive material, often metal, acts as a heat exchanger. There are many different designs and systems may include fans to increase the flow rate of air. Alternatively, a passive collector can be built such that when the hot air rises it draws fresh air through the bottom. Fans can often increase the performance of the system, but require additional parts and adds complexity. Solar air heaters can compliment traditional indoor heating systems by providing a free and clean source of heat (after initial costs). While clouds effect the energy output of the system, the metal will store energy on a hot day and will reduce the impact of momentary cloud cover. To achieve best results, the system should be unshaded and facing the general direction of the sun (south for the northern hemisphere, north for the southern hemisphere)[1].


In the UK, 40% of all energy consumption was dedicated to space heating[2]. This percentage is the largest component of energy use and can be reduced by simply using solar air heaters as a means of enabling the sun to passively heat our in door areas without consuming the Earth's finite resources.

 

Breakdown of energy use in the UK
Breakdown of energy use in the UK


 











The financial and environmental benefits of implementing solar air heaters can be estimated through the use of this RETScreen tool that was created by the government of Canada and made freely available to the world.


Materials

There are two common methods used to create a solar air heater. The first is a pop can design and the other directs the air through a channel in a "snake" pattern. Both methods use similar materials and tools with only a few exceptions. 

Both designs require the following materials: [3]  [4]          

  • Plywood 
  • Wood - 2"x4"
  • Glass or plexiglass
  • Sealant
  • Insulation
  • Black paint
  • Aluminum "L" trim
  • Screws
  • Drill


To build a "snake" design, a piece of sheet metal for the base would help increase thermal mass and improve heat transfer to the passing air. Also, sand paper may be required.

Alternatively, building the pop can design requires a large number of pop cans and either a mortar or glue to connect the cans. 


Two basic forms of solar air heaters

Pop Can Design[5]

  1. Determine the dimensions of the unit and build a box for the number of rows of cans and to include insulation along the walls.
  2. Build the box to act as a base structure for the air heater. It can be built using 2" x 4" beams and plywood can act as the bottom
  3. Drill a hole at the top of the unit and at the bottom, make an equal number of holes as rows of cans (In the 2" by 4") to act as the inlet and outlet streams for the air. The holes should be the same size as the opening of the cans
  4. The box should be sealed along all edges to prevent air leaking out of the system
  5. Insulation can be added to reduce the amount of heat leaving the unit. The insulation is placed along the inner walls and a second application of sealant can be applied along the edges
  6. Wash the aluminum cans and then drill holes into the bottom of the aluminum cans or the tops and bottoms can be cut off
  7. Paint the box and cans black with a matt coating.
  8. Connect the cans in a row using glue (Tops connected to bottoms usually fits best)
  9. Attach the rows of cans to their respective positions in the box and add sealant around the air intake holes
  10. Place the sheet of glass or plexiglass on the top of the unit to complete the box and enclose the system. Fasten the material using the aluminum "L" trim.


Snake Design[6]

  1. Determine the dimensions of the unit and build a box to include insulation along the walls.
  2. Build the box to act as a base structure for the air heater. It can be built using 2" x 4" beams and plywood can act as the bottom. Alternatively, using a sheet of metal as the bottom would significantly help the unit's heat transfer properties.
  3. Drill a hole at the top and bottom of the unit (In the 2" by 4" or plywood) to act as the inlet and outlet streams for the air
  4. The box should be sealed along all edges to prevent air leaking out of the system
  5. Insulation can be added to reduce the amount of heat leaving the unit. The insulation is placed along the inner walls and a second application of sealant can be applied along the edges
  6. Add baffles by positioning additional pieces of 2" x 4" perpendicular to the air flow which do not span the entire width of the unit but alternate between touching the "left" and the "right" walls
  7. Paint the box and the baffles black using a matt paint
  8. Position the glass or plexiglass to enclose the unit and adjust the height of the baffles to create a snug fit against the glass. This can be done using sand paper or adding sealant as necessary
  9. Place the sheet of glass or plexiglass on the top of the unit to complete the box and enclose the system. Fasten the material using the aluminum "L" trim.

Here is a sample schematic to build the "snake" design


Optimal Locations and Angles

  • Meteonorm - Provides a visual reference to understand how much energy your geographic location receives from the sun
  • Solar Path Finder - Helps determine which angle the collector should be positioned, based on your location
  • Weatherbase - Has a large database of temperature and weather data that could be helpful in learning more about your heating and cooling demands


Estimated costs

The cost for to build a solar air heater varies significantly depending on whether the materials are purchased "new" or if they were salvaged. In addition, the decision between glass and plexiglass has a very large impact on total cost of the system. Finally, there are other factors such as the use of a fan, solar panels, back-up battery, wires and sheet metal that could be incorporated in the design and would certainly increase the budget.


Item

Cost
Plywood $20
Wood Beams $15
Glass or Plexiglass $40
Sealant $5
Insulation $5
Black Paint $5
Aluminum "L" Trim $3
Screws $2


Overall, a basic system can be constructed for approximately $95, which could easily be reduced by being resourceful when gathering the components. 


Alternative designs

To improve the durability of your unit, a protective coating can be added to the glass to improve its expected life due to the elements.

You can also try to increase turbulence to the air flow by adding deflectors to the pop cans. This should help increase the heat transfer from the metal to the air.


Also, feel free to consult or contribute to any of the following online forums about solar air heaters:


Videos

Here are a couple instructional videos to help you build a solar air heater and maybe even get inspired to improve the designs.

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Error in widget YouTube: Unable to load template 'wiki:YouTube'




Footnotes

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