My Solar Furnace using downspouts on a sunny day 2nd test results

Solar Funace built from Rich Allen's 5th design with good test results of 225F static air temp and 183F with 90CFM Computer case fan

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Diy
• Science
• Outdoor
• Crafts crafts diy

[OurTroopsRule]

I've seen several video's but none touch on evening-time heat. About how long before sunset will this model operate as designed? Thank you.

[alvinshep51]

@OurTroopsRule As long as it is sunny it works and I cant tell if the angle matters that much. The outdoor temp doesn't seem to matter either and even with a week of cloudy weather its always been above the in coming city water. It needs to be covered at night to reduce temp loss. Its max temp is about 155 so you don't need to be concerned about having a temperature which will cause the relief valve to blow either. Just put this thing in a good location for sun and let it work.

[alvinshep51]

@OurTroopsRule Sir, Not paying attention I replied to your post regarding my solar water heater by mistake and honestly I have decided that water is a better solution for me as my house has alot of shade. I choose water because I am heating my home with hot water circulation as well as boosting my hot water heater system with solar, Thanks.

[chaseme81871]

what kind of glue did you use inside to attach things together? i used hot glue sticks on mine and they melted at 170 degrees. you should check my video out.

[alvinshep51]

@chaseme81871 I used silicone which has a service temperature of over 300F but I can tell you it will have a strong odor using silicone for a few weeks so it needs time to dry well. I recommend 100% silicone (not the 3 hour rain ready) but then leave it in the sun for a couple weeks before hooking it up to your house just to circulate the air through it.

[alvinshep51]

Storm doors are a good material to use especially if you can get one with hinge damage. Many doors get replaced because the metal is so thin the holes get loose for screws and the hinge design doesnt allow them to be relocated. This makes them perfect for use like this and cheap to obtain off sources like Craiglist.

[alvinshep51]

@enticed2zeitgeist No it is a tempered glass storm door which I picked up at no cost it only has a single pane glass but with a 225F temperature I dont see the need for a double pane glass need.

[enticed2zeitgeist]

Is that plexi glass? That must make it rather heavy and expensive right?

[alvinshep51]

@kobie8819591 225F is safe but this temp is only reached when the unit has no air flow. You want your discharge air temp to be above 120F to feel comfortable. So by installing a fan which is controled by a snap disc switch set ar 120F and pushing about 90 CFM your temp will never go below 120F and never above 170F. I think these are good temps to shoot for. Keep in mind all the material you are using never have Pressure treated wood in contact with the airflow and all new units will have an odor

[alvinshep51]

@kobie8819591 A gas furnace runs around 160F degrees, while a heat pump does about 120F. 225F is a temperature that the unit will get to without any air flow. By installing a snap disc switch set at 120F controling a 90 CFM fan. Your solar heater should be between 160F & 120F. 225F is not a problem however wood seems to be a problem with causing odors never use pressure treated wood with anything in contact with the air flow as they contain formaldahyde.Any new unit will have an odor at first.