Solar Heater
Solar Heater photos and results
This is a side project that I have been meaning to test. It involves using the sun's energy to heat the air in order to save on energy costs. I have seen this on other sites but wanted to test for the results. I started out with a corrogated plastic sign about 2x3 feet and painted it with flat black spray paint. I then used 2 screws at the bottom to function as a spacer so air can be drawn in from the bottom. I attached a digital thermometer (outside probe) to the top of the unit and placed the display (indoor probe) on the floor next to the poster. Since cooler air is at the bottom and drawn upwards as the heat increased, I figured that this arrangement would give the most accurate result (difference between air going in at the bottom and air going out at the top). Finally I placed the entire thing in front of the patio door. Within 5 minutes the unit began to show some results (about 20F warmer). I feel that 20F warmer is an impressive result. Modifications can yield greater gains (larger black panel, an enclosure, greater number of panels on different windows etc) Anyway, here are some photos I put together.
Old poster, Now is a good time to get a mortgage.
Thermometer Sensor taped to top
The results, after 5 minutes in semi-direct sunlight.