[ 3 / biz / cgl / ck / diy / fa / ic / jp / lit / sci / vr / vt ] [ index / top / reports ] [ become a patron ] [ status ]
2023-11: Warosu is now out of extended maintenance.

/diy/ - Do It Yourself

View post   
File: 95 KB, 1000x600, SOLAR AIR SYPHON.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
324227 No.324227 [Reply] [Original]

some anon posted something in a thread, that, after i googled, learned it was a solar syphon

apparently they get very hot

is this how they work? i made an example, i would like to be sure i understand it before i think of ideas for it

i havent seen syphons with mirrors or polished metal, an anon said it could have a deathray-like effect, that sounds very awesome to me

anyone know a thing or two about this stuff?

>> No.324230

google thermosiphon for descriptions of how the heated fluid circulates

>> No.324242

>>324230
interesting, im really curious to see how hot the air can get.

>> No.324256
File: 13 KB, 491x382, Passive Solar Thermosiphon Water Heater 04.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
324256

>>324227
>is this how they work?

Fundamentally, yes.

>i havent seen syphons with mirrors or polished metal

I've made a couple, as practical conceptualizing.

The best way to design them is with a use in mind. If you will be adding reflector panels, the air or liquid passing through the collector will get very hot dependent on its speed and volume. This will allow a faster flow rate. Since the flow rate can be faster, you can increase the diameter of the channels or piping and make them straight vertically instead of zig-zag.

However, the amount of heat you put into the system needs to be taken out just as quickly on the other end for whatever use you are using it for. Otherwise, you are essentially wasting all that extra reflector space.

>>324242
That depends on too many factors to accurately determine; unless you have those variables to calculate. If there's no flow, it is well insulated, and the collector size is large, then it can get so hot that it will ignite wood. Conversely if the flow is very fast and volume high it will be barely warm to the touch.

Essentially, you will need a square area of full sun equal to about 3 feet x 7 feet to make enough warm water for a good shower or bath. Adding reflector panels can increase the temperature, but might not increase the flow rate very much.

I think I've reworded the same information enough to give you an idea. Here's some quick tips,

1: larger diameter piping = easier flow starting faster flow
2: fewer bends = easier flow starting faster flow
3: reflector panels = hotter, which can allow for a faster flow design
4: zig-zag is good for slow heating applications
5: straight pipe is good for fast heating applications
6: good flow will only occur when you have a good heat exchanger to remove the heat

>> No.324257

>>324227
Oh, I like that image.

>> No.324275

>>324256
in your experience could this output of hot air be used to generate electricity?

i have many ideas in mind

>> No.324326

>>324275
Yes. Although, there's too many variables to gauge efficiency. Converting solar energy into thermal energy then into mechanical energy then into electrical energy is wasteful. It is better to have a two stage process. Either solar to thermal or solar to electrical.

There are steam engines and Stirling engines that convert solar to thermal to mechanical to electrical.

There are also hybrid systems that have PV cells and thermal collection build together. The PV cells convert solar into electrical and also heat up as normal PV cells do. They are backed with pipes and act as a heat sink. Liquid is pumped through the pipes to cool the PV cells. It increases the longevity of the PV cells and gives heating for things like water or houses.