Joe Trotter
12-03-2006, 6:13 PM
I built a simple solar collector this past weekend. It pulls cold air in from the bottom and as it rises it heats it.
It is made from a old double pane patio door about 28" X 76". It has a simple 2X6 frame, an osb back, a sheet of 1 1/2 foam insulation and some 2X2 material.
The sun passes through the glass and hits a black painted steel collector plate ( a piece of barn metal). The 2X2 material creates runs and the air has to pass from left to right and the right to left through six runs.
I put a small cfm computer fan at the outlet to pull air through the collector. It will flow on it's own through convection, but the fan helps give it a boost.
I tested it this weekend and it was pumping 100 degree air at the outlet. This was with a 24 degree Colorado day.
I was pleased with the results. It wont heat my garage but it will help :)
Joe
As soon as I can figure out where to store the pictures on this site I will post them.
OK, I found the link for posting.... Thanks Frank :)
It is made from a old double pane patio door about 28" X 76". It has a simple 2X6 frame, an osb back, a sheet of 1 1/2 foam insulation and some 2X2 material.
The sun passes through the glass and hits a black painted steel collector plate ( a piece of barn metal). The 2X2 material creates runs and the air has to pass from left to right and the right to left through six runs.
I put a small cfm computer fan at the outlet to pull air through the collector. It will flow on it's own through convection, but the fan helps give it a boost.
I tested it this weekend and it was pumping 100 degree air at the outlet. This was with a 24 degree Colorado day.
I was pleased with the results. It wont heat my garage but it will help :)
Joe
As soon as I can figure out where to store the pictures on this site I will post them.
OK, I found the link for posting.... Thanks Frank :)