Water filled windows heating up

This video shows the water filled solar windows heating up to 112.6F when it was 34F outside, with a night time low of 8F, nice and toasty 75F inside on a cold winters day with no other heat running.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• passive solar
• water windows
• solar windows
• water filled window
• solar home
• solar energy
• energy efficient

[JoeMSIE]

Any plans to put the extra window heat into the thermal mass? Will excess air heat be vented automatically?

[eebuilder]

Hi Joe, The water in the windows are the thermal mass. I can tell you that these windows give off heat well into the night. Currently the heat pump is only kicking on for 3 or 4 hours every other day, just to keep the slab at a comfortable temp. There really isn't any air heat, it is strictly radiant, and at times you may have to open a window or two even on some cold days. Tom

[DavoFrito]

Very cool. Is there any alcohol or freeze prevention in the water? If not, what prevents them from freezing during a multi-day overcast condition in sub freezing temps?

Is there a one way film on the outer surface to minimize radiation to the outside?

Have you considered other materials for decorative stained glass like liquid wax? A liquid wax would have a higher mass and retain heat for longer.

...makes my engineering mind fill with possiblities

[JoeMSIE]

I'd love it if you could measure the air tempature without the radiant component.

I' m wondering if there is not a way to sink the extra heat into the slab efficiently rather than vent it.