Solar heat

[Bobbiw2]

Is anyone currently using a diy aluminum can solar panel to heat a coop? If so, how well does it work?
I am considering this as a source of heat to take the nip out of the air in the coop this winter. Any input, opinions, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://www.instructables.com/howto/solar+can/

I did see some of those on instructables if you scroll down through the search results...hopefully this helps you.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Fall project. I have 3 planters which should hold about 30 cans each. Plan to fill the cans with Zolite to act as a bit of a heat sink.

 

[Bobbiw2]

Thanks for the link ChickensAreSweet! Lots of great information on there!

 

[Bobbiw2]

Thanks CalgaryFarmer. I wouldn't have thought of using the zeolite to fill the cans. Great idea!

 

[marcyflock]

CalgaryFarmer what is zeolite? Common brand name? Thank you!

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Zeolite is a generic term for a porous mineral. It is naturally occurring as a volcanic rock.

http://www.techthefuture.com/energy/zeolite-stores-thermal-energy-for-unlimited-amount-of-time/

"Zeolite is a mineral that can store up to four times more heat than water. And what’s better, unlike water which gradually cools off, zeolite retains a hundred percent of the heat for an unlimited amount of time."

Zeolite is porous so it should allow the air to flow through the system. During the day the air and sun should heat the zeolite and when the sun goes down the zeolite should continue to heat the air for a while.

You might be able to find zeolite at a garden center as it is also added to soil to help aerate the soil and perhaps as decorative rock.

 

[Bobbiw2]

If I am not mistaken, sweet pdz is a zeolite product. You could use it, but it may be a bit expensive to use for this purpose. Although, it may be easier to find than plain zeolite!

 

[aart]

Zeolite is a generic term for a porous mineral. It is naturally occurring as a volcanic rock.

http://www.techthefuture.com/energy/zeolite-stores-thermal-energy-for-unlimited-amount-of-time/

"Zeolite is a mineral that can store up to four times more heat than water. And what’s better, unlike water which gradually cools off, zeolite retains a hundred percent of the heat for an unlimited amount of time."

Zeolite is porous so it should allow the air to flow through the system. During the day the air and sun should heat the zeolite and when the sun goes down the zeolite should continue to heat the air for a while.

You might be able to find zeolite at a garden center as it is also added to soil to help aerate the soil and perhaps as decorative rock.

Really?!

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

"zeolite retains a hundred percent of the heat for an unlimited amount of time."

When it is heated water vapourizes. This does not raise the temperature of the mineral. When water is added again, the mineral then heats up. That is what is meant by an unlimited amount of time. No heat released until you add water.

I doubt this application of zeolite will make use of that property. Most likely act as a simple heat sink. Not sure though.