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*[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.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] - Helps determine which angle the collector should be positioned, based on your location  
*[http://www.solarpathfinder.com/industry Solar Path Finder] - Helps determine which angle the collector should be positioned, based on your location  
*[http://weatherbase.com/ Weatherbase] - Has a large database of temperature and weather data that could be helpful in learning more about your heating and cooling demands
*[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>  
 
*[http://practicallyoffthegrid.com/SAH%20Analysis%20of%20high%20efficiency%20solar%20air%20heater.pdf Report on Efficiency]&nbsp;- An investigation into the efficiency of solar air heaters in cold climates
<br>  


= Estimated costs  =
= Estimated costs  =

Revision as of 02:41, 1 February 2011

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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
  • Report on Efficiency - An investigation into the efficiency of solar air heaters in cold climates

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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Footnotes




               

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