solar water using tank

[Jim Asprey]

I have a stainless steel round tank that measures 4ft long 17.5 in dia.Any ideas on how to use it for a hot water solar htr would be appreciated.I was thinking of putting it in an insulated box with a glass top with a pump and a cast iron radiator.I would appreciate any input.

By the way i used 1 inch pink styrofoam board on a solar air heater and it couldn't take the heat.It all shriveled up.I just wanted to add this so someone else doesn't make this mistake.

thank you all for your good advice
jim

[John Canivan]

Hi Jim
Sounds like you want to build a batch heater
Don't expect to collect too much heat with a batch heater. They are mainly used in warm sunny climates.

fairly simple to build with plywood and aluminum flashing and polyisocyanurate insulation... for a small system you could collect some heat... but most of that collected heat will be lost through the glazing at night. Are you going to mount it on the roof or on the ground?


I would just use this tank to store heat... keep it isolated from a solar collector...
i recommend a DIY close loop system or an open loop MTD system.
John www.jc-solarhomes.com :huh:

[Jim Asprey]

Thank you john.I bookmarked the page.I'll be researching this farther.



jim

[Mabel Smith]

Even though your idea seems to be good, you will not be able to trap much heat using this type of heater.:cool: