solar tour

solar thermal, solar hot water, evacuated tube

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• solar
• hot
• water
• evacuated
• tubes
• heat
• pipes

[TribalGlobe]

Does the diameter of the copper tubing make a huge difference in the willingness of the water to flow up? How much pressure might it build roughtly? Could I say, use the 30' copper tube wrap to push water through an in floor heating system in my bus? 7' wide by 25' long. floor space. I know it would be a guess, but do you think it's possible? without any extra pump?

[sundug69]

@TribalGlobe Yes, diameter and other restrictions make a big difference in thermosyphon systems. It's a weak force. Forget thermosyphon in the system you describe, use a pump, but if you are burning wood and have a pump failure, it could get dangerous. Use a pressure/temperature relief valve near the heat source.

[xexorz]

Doug great stuff - you're living the dream!

Where on the planet are you (or at least what latitude?)

If you were to do it differently what is the #1 thing you would change?

[sundug69]

@xexorz My wife and I have been enjoying the rural solar life in central TN for over 25 years. 35* N lat. I would insulate better around the slab and buried walls. It performs well, but could be better yet.

[TribalGlobe]

Nice work Doug! How does your water heating part of your masonry stove work? You said that the water rizes naturally? I want to build something similar - would you happen to have any diagrams or website links I should talk a look at?

[sundug69]

The wood fired water heater is just 30' of soft copper tubing wound tightly around the stack, right above the firebox. It works well, heated water rising almost immediately after lighting a fire.

[SolarCoordinates]

@TribalGlobe Thermosyphon systems are inefficient. It doesn't make sense to spend thousands on a system only to get 60% of its potential performance on account of not wanting to pay for a $125 pump and $0.25/mo. in electricity. Double-pumped drainback (i.e. no antifreeze) systems are the way to go. Antifreeze requires replacement every 3-6 years and shortens the life of the system. The system seen here isn't bad, but it could be better.

[sundug69]

It would be a boring video. Basically put item in oven realign every so often, take out cooked food. Join solar cooking Yahoo group for lots of info.

[urbanfirth]

Way to go there Doug. We could all do with more inspiration like this. I wondered if you had any video footage of your solar oven working. would like to see a demonstration. Thanx

[kchedville]

Great House Doug.... really nice Video.