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Solar Thermal

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Project Outcomes

The outcome of this project is to be able to efficiently collect solar thermal energy coming from the sun and store it in water storage tanks with minimal losses of heat at any point in the system. The best method may vary with geographic location (how close the user is to the equator) and other factors. We need to determine all of the elements that are needed for make this system work from start to finish with details for all of the parts in between.

 

Overall System

Example of a complete system: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Hot-sale-evacuated-tube-heat-pipe_60582023749.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.662428deDG8gyQ

  1. Solar Thermal Collector
  2. Controller
  3. Storage
  4. Heat Exchanger

 

Solar Thermal Collector Options
  • Copper tubes (possibly painted black)
  • Glass evacuated tubes
  • PEX tubing
  • research other options

 

Copper Tubes

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  • We need to determine the ideal outer diameter for copper tubes and thickness of the tubes.
  • We need to determine if a transparent cover is needed over the tubes so that the wind does not cool the copper.
  • We need to experiment with painting the copper tube to see if it will increase solar heat energy absorption. See super black pain section below.

 

Thermal Storage

A properly insulated storage tank will act as a thermal battery. This can be used either for providing hot water for the kitchen & bathroom sinks, shower, bath, or solar turbine generator.

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Thermal Controller

We may need a Solar Thermal Controller (sample only, not a recommendation): https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/HWC05-new-solar-controller-for-controlling_62218275063.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_image.5c971d56OLNclC

 

Super Black Paint - General Info

 

Super Black Paint Suppliers

 

Evacuated Tube Suppliers

image-1615149005617.jpgHere are some sample evacuated tube supplies (not an endorsement and not an exhaustive list):

 

Project Management Page

Coming soon

 

Participants/Teams:

Applicants needed

Project Manager
Grant Romundt (temporary). The main project manager will be announced soon.
This project is being developed as an open-source project with the following licensing:
  • Hardware, Design & other Intellectual Property: 

 

Turbine Generator, Thermal Solar Collectors, Greywater Treatment, Blackwater Liquid Electric Treatment