Sep 21, 2008 12:30 pm
Re: Solar Thermal - Adding heat to crawl space
Tom,
I like your suggestion more and more, but I trying to visualize the best way to get the hot air in to the crawl space ... from the 'green-house/collector'
Am I close with this description ...
Would there be a large pipe near the apex of the structure, going in to the crawl space?
Where the apex of the structure is at the same height as the top of the crawl space.
And then a same size pipe going from the crawl space / near the base ... and in to the base of the structure.
And if so, I'm guessing some sort of flow valve to keep it all going one way.
And finally ... A small solar powered fan to pull the hot air flow in to crawl space. This would force the passive flow control valve to only open when the sun is shinning enough to power the fan ... and assumingly heat the structure air space.
the pipes should be insulated and flexible and detachable for summer break down of the structure?
... in my case this means a 3 foot tall collector structure. which leads me to thinking 3 foot wide and 6 feet long. for a 3x6 concrete base. In case it factors in, My foundation is brick covered concrete block, and the house is vinyl sided.
Would the structure need to be glass covered? Or could it be plastic instead? For easier break down and storage during warm to hot months.
also, with all that said ... do you think the simple black pad contact with the foundation be enough of a heat transfer that air movement not even be necessary?