solar heater question: materials

[sashurlow]

Here in Vermont aluminum cans cost 5 cents each (refundable deposit) but tin cans are free. Is there any reason why tin would not work?
I will probably build a three sided shelter with a solar heater on one side.
Scott

 

[patandchickens]

No reason why regular "tin" (actually they're steel) cans, like Campbells soup cans, shouldn't work just fine. It is debatable how essential the cans are to the design anyhow, really

By three-sided, you mean three solid walls plus the south wall being occupied by the popcan heater? That would work just fine. The big thing is to make sure that the air intake to the heater panel is as low as possible, and the air outlet (for the heated air to go into the building) is as high as possible.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[NorthernOntario]

You may find the aluminium can heater is more efficient. Aluminium is a better conductor of heat, which is important when you're trying to heat the air passing through the solar heater.

Copper and aluminium are best. There is a reason they make heat-sinks for computers from aluminium and not steel.

Also, an aluminium can won't rust due to the moisture in the air.