Solar Thermal
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
- Solar Thermal Collector
- Controller
- Storage
- Heat Exchanger
Solar Thermal Collector Options
- Copper tubes (possibly painted black)
- Glass evacuated tubes
- PEX tubing
- research other options
Copper Tubes
- 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.
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
- https://www.ko-pro.black/2020/05/14/black-3-0-vs-musou-black/
- https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/culturehustle/the-blackest-black-paint-in-the-world-black-30
- https://www.fastcompany.com/90300113/move-over-vantablack-you-can-now-buy-the-worlds-blackest-black-paint
Super Black Paint Suppliers
- BLK3.0 (order page). Information Sheet
- Vantablack
- Musou Black
Evacuated Tube Suppliers
Here are some sample evacuated tube supplies (not an endorsement and not an exhaustive list):
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Tues-Tubes-Evacuated-Solar-Vacuum-Tubes_884774329.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.662428deDG8gyQ&s=p
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/evacuated-tube-collector-etc-vacuum-tube_60566422541.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.662428deDG8gyQ
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Tube-Solar-Water-Heater-Parts-Vacuum_1600059361175.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.662428deDG8gyQ&s=p
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Solar-heat-pipe-tube_62586278925.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_image.662428deDG8gyQ
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Vacuum-tubes-solar-water-heating-energy_1713175549.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.662428deDG8gyQ&s=p
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Solar-Evacuated-Tubes_1690502932.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_image.662428deDG8gyQ
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Evacuated-solar-collector-tubes-used-for_60565279249.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.662428deDG8gyQ
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/High-quality-evacuated-tube-three-layer_60614032886.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.662428deDG8gyQ
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Tube-Eacuated-Evacuated-155L-Hot-Sale_1600181431599.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.topad_classic.d_title.662428deDG8gyQ
Project Management Page
Coming soon
Participants/Teams:
Applicants needed
Project Manager
This project is being developed as an open-source project with the following licensing:
- Hardware, Design & other Intellectual Property:
Related Project(s)
Turbine Generator, Thermal Solar Collectors, Greywater Treatment, Blackwater Liquid Electric Treatment