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Make a Simple and Inexpensive Solar Hot Water Heater - How to Build a Solar Hot Water Heating System
Tue 12 Aug 2008 - 09:26
Make a Simple and Inexpensive Solar Hot Water Heater - How to Build a Solar Hot Water Heating System
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Faviano_Torres]Faviano Torres
Domestic hot water is the second highest energy cost for the typical home. A solar hot water system can reduce these costs up to sixty-five percent since it provides good economic payoff. And knowing how to build a solar hot water heater can be of big help to each household.
A solar hot water heater is generally composed of the following :
- Solar collectors- A fluid system to move the heat from the collector to its point of usage.
- Reservoir tank- Typically used for heat storage.
Here is the procedure:
1. Get a used hot water heater, but make sure there are no leaks.
2. Strip off the outer enclosure and insulation and reveal the metal tank. Remove the old pipe fitting. Remove the dried and solidified sediment in the bottom of the tank by rolling and rocking the tank back and forth. Rinse it with water while checking for leaks.
3. After stripping and cleaning, thoroughly sand and spray it with black paint. Put on several coats of the spray paint for maximum coverage and to protect the metal tank from moisture exposures and to increase its ability to protect the metal tank from moisture exposures and to increase its ability to absorb heat.
4. Secure appropriate fitting and plug extra holes. Make sure there are 2 hose fittings, one pressure release valve and a drain spigot.
5. Build a collector box that will accommodate the size of the glass, the size of the tank and for maximum solar exposure. Affix plywood paneling to the interior of the structure. Caulk all the interior seems and the wood should be primed and painted.
6. Cut recycled styrofoam pieces and wedge them into the frame structure to serve as insulation. Add several layers of cardboard beyond the styrofoam to increase insulation even more.
7. Match the tanks curve and firmly fasten it into the collector box. For the glazing, a recycled sliding glass door can be used, however, double paned glass is more preferred because of its superior insulating properties.
8. After building and painting the box, put the ready tank into place.
9. Attach the water supply and return lines from the house into the collector's storage tank. Attach an overflow hose to the valve to carry excess pressure out of the collector.
10. Line the interior with reflectix insulation to direct maximum light towards the tank and to further insulate the box. Also, line the top edge of the box with foam insulating tape before putting the glass in place.
11. Place the heater out in the sun.
From the trailer's water system, the cold water flows into the tank. Sun strikes the water storage and gradually heats the water. The hot water runs to the top portion of the tank while the coldest water remains at the bottom. The hose connected to the tank carries the hottest water into the house.
This is how to build a solar hot water heater that is way too affordable.
Do you know that you can build everything about solar easily with little cost? Be eco-friendly while saving money.
Go to http://www.FullEarth4EnergyReview.com for everything about making solar energy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Faviano_Torres http://EzineArticles.com/?Make-a-Simple-and-Inexpensive-Solar-Hot-Water-Heater---How-to-Build-a-Solar-Hot-Water-Heating-System&id=1391653
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