» Altern. energy » Solar power »Solar thermal panel from old refrigerators

Solar thermal panel from old refrigerators


In this article, the Master will present us with his design of a solar thermal panel. Moreover, for its manufacture does not require large expenditures.

Tools and materials:
-A few old refrigerators;
-Brush;
-Compressor;
Soap solution;
-Nippers;
-Screwdriver;
- Metalwork keys;
-Hacksaw;
- Clamps;
-Bar wooden;
-Fasteners;
-Silicone;
- Roller;
-Paint;
-Copper tube;
-Soldering accessories;
-Glass;
- Glass cutter;
-Chisel;
-Hammer;

Step One: Theory
According to the master, solar radiation, in the latitudes of the author's residence, generates up to 1000 W m². Using solar panels, you can "collect" up to 500 W / m², and using thermal panels up to 800 W / m².

Solar thermal panels are especially useful for producing domestic hot water. In this case, they are called solar water heaters.

3 - 4 m² of solar thermal panels cover 90% of the hot water requirements for two people throughout the year. In cloudy weather, a hot water storage tank is used.

The project payback period is 2-3 years.
The design of the panel is similar to the industrial one: a solar collector containing coolant is sandwiched between the insulator and a sheet of glass. The master uses the radiator of the refrigerator as a collector, and uses the refrigerator door as an insulator.

Step Two: Material Selection
For maximum efficiency of the solar thermal panel, the tubes should have a small diameter (in this case 4 mm). Due to this, the temperature of the liquid in the coolant increases rapidly when exposed to sunlight. To reduce heat loss, the space between the radiator, glass and the heat insulator should be minimized, but the radiator should not touch them.

The temperature inside the panel can reach 150 ° C, respectively, you need to choose a material resistant to high temperature and ultraviolet radiation.

It is also necessary to take into account low temperatures in winter night time.

Refrigerator radiators should be painted black and facing the sun at the right angle.

Step Three: Radiator
For his purposes, the master used faulty refrigerators purchased at scrap metal collection points.
Bite off the radiator tubes as close to the compressor as possible. Washed the grate with soapy water. Blown radiator tubes with air.



Step Four: The Door
The master will use the door as a heat-insulating panel. Disassembles the door, removes all protruding parts of the handle, bolts, rubber bands, plastic panels. The surface should be flat, and the master cuts off the protrusions.


Step Five: Build
According to the master, the best panel size is 1.5 - 2 m². If the panel is larger, it will be heavier and it needs a larger glass. If less, it will be less effective and will have to increase the number of panels.

Depending on the refrigerator model, for a 2 m² panel, 3-4 grilles and 2-3 doors will be needed.
Using a wooden block, the master assembles three doors into one frame. Carefully insulates the slots around the perimeter of the frame.





Paints the frame with black acrylic paint.

Then the master fixes the radiators to the frame. Installs cork gaskets between the radiators and the frame.


Now you need to connect the radiator tubes in one piece. For the main tube, you need to plus the diameter of each radiator tube. Those. three radiators with a tube diameter of 3 mm, which means the main tube should be 9 mm. There should be two main pipes, one at the input, the other at the output.







For the project you need glass 4-5 mm thick. Glass master "extracted" from the old double-glazed windows. Dismantled them. Cut to size. Glued to the frame with sealant.




Step Six: Installation
When connecting several panels, it is necessary to isolate the pipes coming to the surface. It is also necessary to add 2 mm to the diameter of the main tube for each subsequent panel. Those. end panel 9 mm, next 11 mm, next 13 mm, etc.
Solar thermal panel from old refrigerators

When installing the panels, the angle should be taken into account. Ideally, the solar panel should be perpendicular to the sun's rays and located on the southern, unshaded side.

Panels should be located as close to the heat exchanger as possible. An expansion tank and a thermal valve are built into the trunk. The thermal valve should open at a liquid temperature in the panel above 10 ° C than in the heat exchanger and close if the temperature is only 5 ° C higher.
In winter, antifreeze should be used as a liquid.


The panel is made and according to the wizard works and saves money.

The whole process of manufacturing a solar thermal panel can be seen in the video.
8.4
7.7
8.1

Add a comment

    • smilesmilesxaxaokdontknowyahoonea
      bossscratchfoolyesyes-yesaggressivesecret
      sorrydancedance2dance3pardonhelpdrinks
      stopfriendsgoodgoodgoodwhistleswoontongue
      smokeclappingcraydeclarederisivedon-t_mentiondownload
      heatirefullaugh1mdameetingmoskingnegative
      not_ipopcornpunishreadscarescaressearch
      tauntthank_youthisto_clueumnikacuteagree
      badbeeeblack_eyeblum3blushboastboredom
      censoredpleasantrysecret2threatenvictoryyusun_bespectacled
      shokrespektlolprevedwelcomekrutoyya_za
      ya_dobryihelperne_huliganne_othodifludbanclose
13 comments
(just kidding)!
But not me!!!
Simply, I talked about five OLD refrigerators. And if there are no neighbors at home, then there are also five new ones! )))))
If you set a goal, in a week I will find and take apart five old refrigerators!
As well as televisions, computers, etc.! The main thing is that there are no neighbors at home (just kidding)! xaxa
Not all the clouds of radiators from the "old refrigerators"
Oh, and you have problems! )))) If you set a goal, in a week I will find and sort out five old refrigerators!
and devices for soldering copper pipes!
Yes gods you are mine !!! Well, you don’t have an autogen! (I agree! Not everyone has it!) Well, solder it with an ordinary gas burner! Or the usual "hammer" soldering iron. Yes, the electric wattage can do it !!! This is copper !!! There are no special fluxes needed, no special solder! ...
And without a pump, this scheme, even without a translation into Russian, but stupidly taken "from the open spaces" will not give real effectiveness!
Oh well? ... Have you already canceled the natural circulation of the coolant? Do we live in zero gravity?
And who is the heat carrier? propylene glycol?

Words are what catchy! smiles But just any antifreeze will not work? Even the one leaked from the car? Or measure its density - is the problem for you too ????
For homemade is not very suitable. Only for a narrow circle of refrigerators / air conditioners!


It's just you - NOT a master !!! You are better off ready to buy! Or order!
Happy for you. But I didn’t get so far into Africa. Was only in Egypt. By the way, there is not only hot, but in general CENTRAL water supply !!! Everyone makes for himself who is what much ....
For some reason, it seems that you have not even been to many European countries ... Because there, too, mainly local water heating is used there. (And, by the way, often, this is quite an expensive pleasure) ...
Simply, "spoiled by the seseser" our population sometimes thinks that everything abroad is better and more accessible ...))))
Author
1) Radiators are full on any purchase of metal.
2) If you do not know how to solder tubes, there are ways to do without soldering.
3) In the south of Russia this will work.
4) In winter, floods with antifreeze (the author writes).
5) The pump is most likely not needed. Built-in thermal valve, just will not let it work. The valve opened, the pump turned on, it blew out in a few minutes, the entire warm carrier valve closed.
in Zimbabwe there is definitely no "hot water"!
For homemade is not very suitable. Only for a narrow circle of refrigerators / air conditioners!
Not all clouds of radiators from the "old refrigerators" and devices for soldering copper pipes!
And without a pump, this scheme, even without a translation into Russian, but stupidly taken "from the open spaces" will not give real effectiveness!
And who is the heat carrier? propylene glycol?
Request to AFFtrams to at least slightly adapt what they found on the Internet to reality!
For example, in Turkey there is no such service as "hot water". Although, faucets are installed and there is warm water. All this is autonomous. And who have been to Turkish cities. I think, drew attention to the fact that all the roofs are lined with autonomous solar water heaters ...
True, their winters are not the same as ours ... But, even at subzero temperatures, there is an effect. Warm water.
If you have several old refrigerators, several old double-glazed windows, several helpers and some tool for soldering and other things, then it can be!
We also need a circulation pump, a boiler and antifreeze. Well, also a warm climate without blizzards. And the need for warm water is reduced to the minimum.
the photo shows how the panel is shaded, it is unreasonable at least, the more free space that is. Window glass 4-5 mm is not suitable here, it is necessary a special anti-reflective, tempered. For fluid, the tubes are too thin and long, give a high hydraulic resistance.
meaning electric
Yeah, what I have, oh, and I’ll introduce it! smile
Author
Well, just solar panels mean electrical. And so they are both sunny.
cover 90% of hot water requirements for two people during the whole year
And in the winter straight boils water! smile
Via solar panels can be "assembled" up to 500 W / m², and with thermal panels up to 800 W / m². Solar thermal panels are especially useful
Understand the definitions! smile

We advise you to read:

Hand it for the smartphone ...