Passive thermosiphon solar collector
A passive thermosiphon solar collector was designed, built, installed and tested under this grant. The basic premise was to design a simple system that was economical to build and easy to install as a retrofit to many similar homes in the local community. The module is comprised of a 2X4 frame with a sandwiched insert consisting of a flat black painted aluminum absorber panel and a fiberglass reinforced plastic glazing. This insert is completely sealed from the environment with neoprene seals and rubber silicone sealant. The modules are enclosed in an overall framework of 2X8 material bolted to a concrete reinforced footing and attached to the residence at the top. This framework results in an air chamber behind the absorber panel where the air from the basement enters the chamber at the bottom and exits at the top of the chamber into the house. The air chamber is completely insulated with 5/8 inch polyisocyanurate foil covered foam board. Fabrication is detailed in the Design and Construction section and supplemented with the photo series submitted with the Second Quarter report. The test results indicate this modular concept is a viable solution to conserving our national resources and reducing heating expenses. In this specific experiment, the use of solar energy provided a thirty-five percent reduction in natural gas consumption for this home.
- Research Organization:
- Sullivan (J.W.), Derby, KS (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG47-80R701153
- OSTI ID:
- 5126080
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/R7/01153-T1; ON: DE84007849
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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TAP the sun's heat. [thermosiphoning air panel]