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A direct thermosyphoning water heater

Journal Article · · Southwest Bull., N.M. Sol. Energy Assoc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5380448

A passive solar water heating system installed in a greenhouse in Corrales, New Mexico incorporates 76 ft/sup 2/ of collector area and two 40 gal insulated storage tanks located in a loft about 2.5 ft above the collectors. The site-built thermosyphoning system has a collector constructed of four runs of copper tubing snapped onto aluminum fin extrusions 6 in. wide by 38 ft long behind the double pane glazing of the greenhouse. The outward facing sides of the fins are painted black and the collector is not insulated. At a greenhouse temperature of 58/sup 0/F, the water was still heated to a regular temperature of 140/sup 0/F. A low collector efficiency measured on one clear March day was attributed to heat loss to the greenhouse. A total of 320 ft/sup 2/ of aluminum clad cardboard honeycomb shutters cover the glazing not utilized by the collector for heat retention in winter and shading in summer. The system cost $1,750, including labor.

OSTI ID:
5380448
Journal Information:
Southwest Bull., N.M. Sol. Energy Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: Southwest Bull., N.M. Sol. Energy Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 4:3; ISSN SNMAD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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