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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Solar for your present home

Journal Article · · Sol. Age; (United States)
OSTI ID:5628613

A review of various solar heating components that are suitable for retrofit operations is presented. For water heating, a storage type water heater such as the breadbox type is suitable and may be constructed for about $400. Flat plate water heaters consist of collectors, a tank, pump, and controls. Windows and skylights which permit the infiltration of solar energy can provide additional space heating. To provide storage for heat gain through windows and skylights, water filled drums may be placed in the direct path of the insolation or incorporated into a south facing wall. A tube wall is similar to the drum wall and incorporates a row of 6-12 inch diameter water filled tubes installed in a south facing wall with double glazing. The Trombe wall, a glazed concrete or masonry wall on the south side of a structure, operates by natural convection for heating room air. An attached greenhouse may collect and store heat in a concrete, brick or dirt floor, water filled drums or tubes, or a masonry wall common with the building and heat is distributed by opening adjoining doors and vents. Active flat plate collector systems may operate with water or with air as the heat transfer fluid. Examples of these systems and their integration into existing heating systems in retrofit operations are provided.

OSTI ID:
5628613
Journal Information:
Sol. Age; (United States), Journal Name: Sol. Age; (United States) Vol. 4:7; ISSN SOAGD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English