I am researching to build a hot water system for a dorm (housing 30-35 people) for a school located in Tijuana, MX. This is mostly hot water for showers, and some staff laundry. The dorm roof has a south facing slope and plenty of roof space.
Where can I find information on ideal manifold size vs riser size? Ideal number of risers per linear/square ft of collector? And then ideal gpm flow for a large array of panels (250 sq ft)? The builditsolar site has most of the risers at 1/2" diameter with 6' spacing. I am looking at 3/8" diameter risers with 2" spacing. I'd assume more risers with a smaller diameter will give me a better heat transfer.
Has anyone tried stranded uninsulated copper wire for use as heat sinks? I was thinking about trying to "weave" it across my collector every 1/2" or so. I can wrap it around a riser and spot solder it for good contact and then on to the next riser.
If I use double layer reflective insulation behind my tubing, should I paint it or leave it silver? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reach-Bar...3054/203536788 My idea was to build my copper pipe manifold with wire for heat sink and paint it black. I would place corrugated tin (leave it silver) behind it about 1"-2" (with a riser above each "valley" to act kind of like a parabolic mirror). Behind the tin would be the reflective insulation - followed by foam insulation. Maybe I don't need both the reflective insulation and the corrugated tin? I figured the tin would protect the insulation from UV damage and the angles may help direct reflected light.
I have access to sheets of single pane tempered glass from patio doors. Which means my panels will be 45" x 75". A little smaller than most collectors but you work with what you got. Based on builditsolar I figure I need to build about 10 of these to generate enough hot water.
I hope to use the existing LP waterheaters as backup heatsources. I still have to figure out my large storage tank. I am figuring on needing 275-350 gallons.
I have not been able to view the draws and pictures attached to posts here because I do not have any posts yet. I did a intro post but I still cannot view them. Hopefully this post will allow for viewing as well as glean info from you guys. Please give input into my design plans and/or point me to more information.
Where can I find information on ideal manifold size vs riser size? Ideal number of risers per linear/square ft of collector? And then ideal gpm flow for a large array of panels (250 sq ft)? The builditsolar site has most of the risers at 1/2" diameter with 6' spacing. I am looking at 3/8" diameter risers with 2" spacing. I'd assume more risers with a smaller diameter will give me a better heat transfer.
Has anyone tried stranded uninsulated copper wire for use as heat sinks? I was thinking about trying to "weave" it across my collector every 1/2" or so. I can wrap it around a riser and spot solder it for good contact and then on to the next riser.
If I use double layer reflective insulation behind my tubing, should I paint it or leave it silver? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reach-Bar...3054/203536788 My idea was to build my copper pipe manifold with wire for heat sink and paint it black. I would place corrugated tin (leave it silver) behind it about 1"-2" (with a riser above each "valley" to act kind of like a parabolic mirror). Behind the tin would be the reflective insulation - followed by foam insulation. Maybe I don't need both the reflective insulation and the corrugated tin? I figured the tin would protect the insulation from UV damage and the angles may help direct reflected light.
I have access to sheets of single pane tempered glass from patio doors. Which means my panels will be 45" x 75". A little smaller than most collectors but you work with what you got. Based on builditsolar I figure I need to build about 10 of these to generate enough hot water.
I hope to use the existing LP waterheaters as backup heatsources. I still have to figure out my large storage tank. I am figuring on needing 275-350 gallons.
I have not been able to view the draws and pictures attached to posts here because I do not have any posts yet. I did a intro post but I still cannot view them. Hopefully this post will allow for viewing as well as glean info from you guys. Please give input into my design plans and/or point me to more information.
Comment