Homemade Solar Thermal Air Heater! This “steel downspout” solar air heater may be my best one yet. is easy to make, sustains hot temps (130-140F+).
source/image(PrtSc): desertsun02
It has a 3 speed fan for extra temperature regulation, has strong airflow and is solar powered. And the design allows for the addition of extra thermal mass (crushed aluminum cans (or even rocks) down the downspouts as examples).
The collector is similar to a metal can solar heater but uses steel rain gutter “downspout pipe” instead. One advantage; makes it easy to add extra thermal mass (*one example, just drop crushed aluminum cans (or rocks if you don’t mind the weight) down the downspouts to add significant thermal mass.
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Couple of things not noted in the video: the downspout used is pretty standard (2″ x 3″ and made of galvanized steel) and a 1 1/4″ hole saw was used to drill the inlet holes at bottom. Lastly, when you’re done experimenting, seal it up according to your climate conditions.The “extended version” version of the video.
