Solar Hot Air Collector
Status: Completed
This is a look back at a project from 2006-2008. The concept is based on similar projects using panels with metal sheet plates, pop cans, and similar systems to gather solar energy in a passive collector. A fan is used to circulate air through a closed duct system, heating the air as it flows through the area heated by the sun.
General Details:
- External dimensions approx 4′ X 8′
- 6″ wide extruded aluminum exterior frame (used in commercial signage) (~$110)
- 3/4″ sides and 1″ back foiled faced foam board insulation core – Polyisocyanurate Foam Sheathing (John Manville AP Foiled Face) (~$40)
- 14 – 3″ aluminum ducting collector tubes (dryer vent flexible ducting) (~$85)
- Painted with Solkote selective solar coating paint (1L) sprayed on (~$60)
- 1/8″ Lexan/Tuffak XL glazing (~$100-$120)
- Johnson Controls A419 temperature control (~$80)
- 6″ Inlet fan, ~150CFM on 5″ outlet (Dayton 4WT42A or Fantec FA-6) (~$50-$110)
- Ducts and foam glued in place with silicon (regular and high heat for top box) (~$15)
- 3M 5200 Adhesive/Selant to seal glazing to frame. (~$15)
- Assembly brackets, rivets, etc (~$25)
- Mounting aluminum angle iron 8′ (~$35)
- Collector box front aluminum panels ~1/16 10.5″X4′ (~$15)
- Total materials cost approx $625-$725 depending on materials used and current pricing.
- All prices are approx in $CDN before taxes.
Heating Performace:
- Under clear bright conditions at mid day typically see a ~40F-45F temperature rise from inlet to outlet (from ~65-70F in to ~100-115F out). Air is ducted from basement floor through unit and out into basement ceiling.
- Airflow on outlet of ~150CFM
- Typical output of ~5500-7000BTUs output per hour
