tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69555638539437361142024-02-18T23:20:08.535-08:00Build-It-Solar BlogRenewable energy projects you can build.<br>
Keep up-to-date on what's new on the Build-It-Solar website, and discuss renewable energy topics.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-298597896275116382018-11-06T19:46:00.000-08:002018-11-06T19:46:00.270-08:00Passive Solar Home Using Below Floor Soil Heat StorageJosh built this very unique passive solar home in Missouri. The
house incorporates the usual south glazing to gather solar heat
and good insulation to reduce heating requirements. But, it also
has a unique heat storage capability using the soil under the main
floor. And, a unique cooling system that makes use of the same
soil heat store.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN2RVRSbzrI-AlgqoMuBdasqBmxHPuBhHWE7-ZPBbMZEevW1PH56rvWH3u9BcSxChNPGdpogjHr1V1NEnwx-ZNWkZWQEsoQblwYC7OjicvJJWCeo5iB6lvFRcOc8DAQrsV4fAwefEjm5c/s1600/5CD401A0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN2RVRSbzrI-AlgqoMuBdasqBmxHPuBhHWE7-ZPBbMZEevW1PH56rvWH3u9BcSxChNPGdpogjHr1V1NEnwx-ZNWkZWQEsoQblwYC7OjicvJJWCeo5iB6lvFRcOc8DAQrsV4fAwefEjm5c/s400/5CD401A0.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passive solar home with under floor heat storage</td></tr>
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The home has a 2 foot deep earth heat storage bank under the slab floor of the house. During sunny periods, solar heated air from the main floor is circulated through ducts embedded in the heat store in order to store heat for use during the evening. This has the added benefit of reducing the chance of overheating the main floor as sometimes happens on passive solar homes.<br />
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To provide cooling in the summer, cool well water will be circulated through pex tubes embedded in the under floor heat store. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmx7pJeIm4a7jPRGfG6DZl3fjrM9tt33P69hNTT90ru5-zn6rVT49ONTYiTMS2jIsU2CHzHl5JWtY7XwaLUFjiGvysKU-ga4BXuaWD8xUBYIhDhbE1HVpe4BHG5JVvNo8FA2g7BMKB9x_/s1600/floorducting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="700" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmx7pJeIm4a7jPRGfG6DZl3fjrM9tt33P69hNTT90ru5-zn6rVT49ONTYiTMS2jIsU2CHzHl5JWtY7XwaLUFjiGvysKU-ga4BXuaWD8xUBYIhDhbE1HVpe4BHG5JVvNo8FA2g7BMKB9x_/s320/floorducting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar heated air is circulated through these under floor ducts to add heat to the heat store.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/HeatStorPasSolar/HeatStorPasSolar.htm" target="_blank">All the details on this unique design here... </a><br />
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Thanks very much to Josh for providing information on this unique design.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-35817776113775698562018-02-27T15:14:00.001-08:002018-02-27T15:14:46.255-08:00Rain Harvest CalculatorDarrel sent in a note on the <a href="http://rainharvestcalculator.com/" target="_blank">Rain Harvest Calculator</a> that he has developed and made available free of charge on his website. Its a dandy.<br />
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Its a very good Rain Harvest tool that provides a lot of flexibility -- you have control over all of the following:<br />
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<li>Location -- specify your location and the calculator looks up the average monthly rainfall.</li>
<li>Collection area</li>
<li>Collection efficiency</li>
<li>Water usage by month</li>
<li>Water storage available</li>
<li>Supplementary water available by month</li>
<li>Specify years with less or more than average rainfall</li>
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The calculator provides very nice graphic output that makes it very clear what your rain harvest and water supply situation is and makes it very easy to do what if studies on collection area, storage, usage, ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR_0rHIvyNWvq3nW-M_UFfrx0uFdpaIi6Etd1FN8YjjTXbBIfv0R5Wy9F_0MZ5WzcHJpO4qSeLMZ-JBMyp2_y2cg9CwuddbGXYVPaOva6T7KqFF_kAbKAkqnJiiy0Ptf4fdgKqHvM66d6/s1600/RainHarvest02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR_0rHIvyNWvq3nW-M_UFfrx0uFdpaIi6Etd1FN8YjjTXbBIfv0R5Wy9F_0MZ5WzcHJpO4qSeLMZ-JBMyp2_y2cg9CwuddbGXYVPaOva6T7KqFF_kAbKAkqnJiiy0Ptf4fdgKqHvM66d6/s640/RainHarvest02.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well worth having if you are planning a rain water harvesting system.</div>
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Thanks Darrel!</div>
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Gary</div>
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Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-67363379884129153492018-01-13T19:45:00.001-08:002018-01-13T19:45:41.154-08:00David's DIY drainback solar water heating system<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
David has designed and built a very nice solar water heating system for his energy efficient home. It is a drainback system that uses an EPDM lined, non-pressurized wood tank for heat storage.</div>
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Some of the highlights of Dave's system...</div>
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<li>Tank design suitable for limited height crawlspaces.<br /></li>
<li>Nice tank frame design using half lap joints for the corners<br /></li>
<li>Used new old-stock commercial collectors at a very good price<br /></li>
<li>Efficient heat exchanger installation<br /></li>
<li>Using used and recycled materials kept the cost of the system down</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRPS5mFtKJkOaWmIk0wwM6YQN6JgmQskXSf7OXsnOfZqnC-XgdS3lVS1wFvNqFIKYp5qd2l3llJXhcsm_VpNk97ORyUZKeGVH9l8H9fMjtURN99_p2_R77AASV6RnuehU8nyWJDeV4Vwx/s1600/DavidWithCollectors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="623" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRPS5mFtKJkOaWmIk0wwM6YQN6JgmQskXSf7OXsnOfZqnC-XgdS3lVS1wFvNqFIKYp5qd2l3llJXhcsm_VpNk97ORyUZKeGVH9l8H9fMjtURN99_p2_R77AASV6RnuehU8nyWJDeV4Vwx/s400/DavidWithCollectors.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David with his three drainback collectors</td></tr>
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David's system consists of three collectors mounted vertically on the south wall of his house. The heat storage tank for the system is in the crawl space under the collectors. Its a drainback system, so for freeze protection, the water in the collectors drains back to the heat storage tank when the pump turns off.</div>
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The collectors were obtained on Craig's list as "new old-stock" for a very good price.</div>
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The heat storage tank is a non-presurized, wood framed, insulated with polyiso rigid foam, and then lined with an EPDM liner - this is a design that has been used on quite a few Build It Solar projects, and works well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XUa4QNtWnNzuxcMVAdhyfCzXk1MJxmKfaljJtNBhK7VwXzgztQG1a1vY1NRLOvSx8Si-kdeBK5vvsJ0IFaysB47zkMuO_ap6gSx76guELtSiAo5dT4XPWSYQKOJb-kYtKxiG15X9Su43/s1600/DavidTank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="536" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XUa4QNtWnNzuxcMVAdhyfCzXk1MJxmKfaljJtNBhK7VwXzgztQG1a1vY1NRLOvSx8Si-kdeBK5vvsJ0IFaysB47zkMuO_ap6gSx76guELtSiAo5dT4XPWSYQKOJb-kYtKxiG15X9Su43/s400/DavidTank.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David with heat storage tank in his 29 inch deep crawl space.</td></tr>
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The heat exchanger uses a 300 ft coil of pex pipe that has been used successfully on several Build-It-Solar projects. The scheme that Dave used to support the pipe coil and space the coils out is very nicely done and likely provides a worthwhile gain in heat transfer efficiency. One nice thing about this style of heat exchanger is that it stores several gallons of fully preheated water right in the coil.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwecB6jwPaZh6KGqsML1FCu0HU03J7OfcXRocla1oZYoBYB2ze0kg8f2e0Zn0w-sJzJYuZvqE7acn-ob-E6fmf_cN9N-dJMlFxwG0ZxQsIu3SiQqb_ztyHcCLyU9PTc4187AeJcpa3ic_D/s1600/DavidHeatExchanger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="622" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwecB6jwPaZh6KGqsML1FCu0HU03J7OfcXRocla1oZYoBYB2ze0kg8f2e0Zn0w-sJzJYuZvqE7acn-ob-E6fmf_cN9N-dJMlFxwG0ZxQsIu3SiQqb_ztyHcCLyU9PTc4187AeJcpa3ic_D/s400/DavidHeatExchanger.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PEX coil heat exchanger with nice coil separation and support scheme.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/DavidPoz/DavidPozSolarDHW.htm" target="_blank">See all the details here...</a></h2>
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Gary</div>
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January 13, 2018</div>
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Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-71897875953448162172017-08-10T13:08:00.000-07:002017-08-10T13:08:14.359-07:00An Experimental Trickle Down Solar Water Heating System<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Lu has designed and built a solar water heating system with several innovations.</div>
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The system includes a collector based on the the <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/Thomason/ThomasonPatents.htm">Thomason trickle down design</a> with some new wrinkles.</div>
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Innovative features include:</div>
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<li>The unique trickle down collector.</li>
<li>A storage tank with a new liner design.</li>
<li>An innovative version of a copper heat exchanger.</li>
<li>A PV powered diaphragm pump.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqs1uVs-QH5FXq3B2xvIkWC0s5O8xOlJIvVyv8Jf3hNwTAAbAnkQn15uv_3eCe_acQl9EvxhyphenhyphenYOorqmOMaRwq_uyp1sej4YOrVCQ07s_oa4tYoKr97gCdw0UvkicbvVw_DhOAxUf-ZJpC/s1600/LuWaterHeater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="887" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqs1uVs-QH5FXq3B2xvIkWC0s5O8xOlJIvVyv8Jf3hNwTAAbAnkQn15uv_3eCe_acQl9EvxhyphenhyphenYOorqmOMaRwq_uyp1sej4YOrVCQ07s_oa4tYoKr97gCdw0UvkicbvVw_DhOAxUf-ZJpC/s400/LuWaterHeater.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/LuThomason/LuThomason.htm">Lu provides full construction details as well as measured performance...</a></span></div>
Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-42626263782140061312017-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:002019-01-12T08:46:44.287-08:00Innovative, Energy Efficient, Solar Heated, Cost Effective Home in Montana<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I recently got the chance to see a very innovative solar home being built near Bridger Montana by Andrew Ray of Rational Design/Build.</div>
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Andrew (and his frequent conspirator Clint Wicks of CW2 Construction) have been building homes for fifteen years, with Andrew getting his start with Steve Loken in Missoula. But, this time its a really special home in that its for his own family. He is a very innovative builder and careful planner, and on this home he has taken out all the stops and included all of the best energy efficiency, solar, and material saving features he has used and studied over the years. Its a fascinating home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd99-T6oH9zyZZb7T-OLa7YC-HJjQMj-FNw4g7EYrYODPE2jHqKWmP6A3CsL1UIj_PIxP_GogAdThhlhWKWh1fKNGFptZIMk17G_O80hyCeKzR4dZTkTpsN1a4ZwCHAdNcx4zXLIyehgn5/s1600/IMG_5981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd99-T6oH9zyZZb7T-OLa7YC-HJjQMj-FNw4g7EYrYODPE2jHqKWmP6A3CsL1UIj_PIxP_GogAdThhlhWKWh1fKNGFptZIMk17G_O80hyCeKzR4dZTkTpsN1a4ZwCHAdNcx4zXLIyehgn5/s400/IMG_5981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Low Thermal Mass Sunspace (LTMS) -- provides high solar fraction solar space heating with better control and more efficiency that conventional passive solar heating.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibndcNN2HspNk-s0bvBAh613etPdGWWxWogUjkkncgUUZtitW9gVG7euFxd-OKBLJwFlEwWm7UeQCgSg5lIMYStVvqXmogi9RjEywoNQmnGuWdL4ixntHv4eC5y07xcN0EmcgJe1BJqff4/s1600/LTMS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibndcNN2HspNk-s0bvBAh613etPdGWWxWogUjkkncgUUZtitW9gVG7euFxd-OKBLJwFlEwWm7UeQCgSg5lIMYStVvqXmogi9RjEywoNQmnGuWdL4ixntHv4eC5y07xcN0EmcgJe1BJqff4/s400/LTMS1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Low Thermal Mass Sunspace provides 213 sqft of glazing optimized for solar space heating.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inside-out Mooney Wall -- provides an R34 with near zero thermal bridging. A low cost, high performance wall. The walls are also very efficiently framed with continuous top of wall header and with metal bracing in lieu of sheathing.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF87_0DnDSFvryjEV6MdzUC3ZyePvTHjuoFLNnaoHNr0TjJUyVulz_5u3fu2M3pEHk66zqpgutLuyDHlEHwjdOxMOYOE143I9MPBWeaM-z6zKUeOymvFEovHVkO-z1lXVwPCoTYojBkAzf/s1600/IMG_5943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF87_0DnDSFvryjEV6MdzUC3ZyePvTHjuoFLNnaoHNr0TjJUyVulz_5u3fu2M3pEHk66zqpgutLuyDHlEHwjdOxMOYOE143I9MPBWeaM-z6zKUeOymvFEovHVkO-z1lXVwPCoTYojBkAzf/s400/IMG_5943.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside-out Mooney Wall with metal bracing instead of sheathing, and continuous top header.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Crawl Space Plenum -- serves as a well sealed plenum to distribute the heat from the Low Thermal Mass Sunspace and the wood burner to the house. It is constructed from Insulated Concrete Forms with a unique integrated footer design that requires no forms. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHWl3wbFaeRWLk4xmq9zipbznF_gdd7B8lHsa6bUc8nEEMXFFt2oMydQxJXS4Lm1kTgIwAfT2v50jHAjWOvE-mAgSdoz56h2kJh8SqqbeKyLA-ByUiEA8mcG3zbHZqoj8_dfQgbWKIxaY/s1600/IMG_5962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHWl3wbFaeRWLk4xmq9zipbznF_gdd7B8lHsa6bUc8nEEMXFFt2oMydQxJXS4Lm1kTgIwAfT2v50jHAjWOvE-mAgSdoz56h2kJh8SqqbeKyLA-ByUiEA8mcG3zbHZqoj8_dfQgbWKIxaY/s400/IMG_5962.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sealed crawl space that serves as plenum to distribute solar heat from LTMS</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The house uses many innovative techniques to minimize material use and labor. There are only eight sheets of OSB used in the entire home!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbLsPEWkAns6mbWHXCXug66R1bY2cbavV-eVXCZv-8EHe_SJZcz5kW0LeQPEsZFkAVCvH9eBehNtvC8sTdqT7PzLpJy2DkabfXqLODH5qrVFRCYsrXwu-nTDSNRLIK6xIcjuxqESXO_vP/s1600/IMG_5956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbLsPEWkAns6mbWHXCXug66R1bY2cbavV-eVXCZv-8EHe_SJZcz5kW0LeQPEsZFkAVCvH9eBehNtvC8sTdqT7PzLpJy2DkabfXqLODH5qrVFRCYsrXwu-nTDSNRLIK6xIcjuxqESXO_vP/s400/IMG_5956.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the minimal framing that reduces material use and thermal bridging.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While the home has about half the heat loss of an conventional construction home, the cost is no greater than conventional construction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SolarHomes/SolarEfficient/SolarEfficient.htm"><b>All the details on this solar efficient home...</b></a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lot to be learned from this house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gary</span></div>
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Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-53610959104635215042016-11-14T18:37:00.000-08:002016-11-15T10:38:34.466-08:00Ian Woofenden's Renewable Energy WorkshopsI just want to give people a heads up on some excellent DIY renewable energy workshops provided by Ian Woofenden. <br />
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These workshops cover practical, standalone systems on solar electric, solar thermal, wind power, small hydro power and energy efficiency.<br />
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Ian's workshops are known for a practical and realistic approach to DIY renewable energy -- they are based on Ian's decades of real experience in designing, building and consulting on actual systems and decades of living in an off grid home. Expect to leave one of Ian's workshops with actual hands on knowledge and experience that will get you ready to build a practical system of your own. Just as important, the workshops will provide you with the knowledge and tools to determine if a renewable energy system is a good choice for your situation.<br />
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Ian is also a senior editor and author for <a href="http://www.homepower.com/">Home Power Magazine</a> -- search their archives for his many hands on, practical and honest renewable energy project articles.<br />
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Ian's <b>next workshop</b> will be in Costa Rica and will be on Solar Electricity for the Developing World. This is the overview for the up coming workshop:<br />
"Learn about solar electricity for developing world in the developing world! This workshop provides an introduction to stand-alone solar-electric (PV) system design and installation, with a focus on small, rural systems. The workshop combines classroom sessions with a strong emphasis on real-world projects in the community, along with hands on labs. You will have the opportunity to understand, design, and install lighting and cell phone-charging systems that can dramatically improve the living conditions of the local people. This is an experimental program, with real-world focus. Come and learn the basics of simple stand-alone solar-electric systems for rural people by doing, sharing, and experiencing on projects in the developing world."<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">You can find out more about this and his past and planned workshops at his website </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.renewablereality.net/index.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Renewable Reality</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Thanks to Ian for providing these excellent workshops.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><strong style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gary</strong></i></span><br />
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Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-37256864607030634022016-06-28T14:16:00.001-07:002016-06-29T07:29:30.067-07:00A 35 mpg RV Setup<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lucida grande" , "lucida" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.2px;">Mike and Nancy have come up with this unique and very efficient camping arrangement. They pull a tear drop trailer behind their Honda Insight hybrid. They achieve an amazing 35 mpg and have full sleeping and cooking facilities — they even have a shower!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQKLmd7NIFvQcjmzbRQ9VsSDfrIAI2zbA2DFXxglsL9K16PewNstEmfvFXxpeYCx3bgVwLJliVYsu8op1Yq8P4kZ8E_twzmYZC-bpOf7GuihqGxjwf407-lRaolrIj6JxZ4ba1-Gjr9By/s1600/COTDTeardrop+Driveway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQKLmd7NIFvQcjmzbRQ9VsSDfrIAI2zbA2DFXxglsL9K16PewNstEmfvFXxpeYCx3bgVwLJliVYsu8op1Yq8P4kZ8E_twzmYZC-bpOf7GuihqGxjwf407-lRaolrIj6JxZ4ba1-Gjr9By/s400/COTDTeardrop+Driveway.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honda Insight and Little Guy teardrop trailer.</td></tr>
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The Honda Insight is a standard 2001 with the addition of a custom trailer hitch made by Mike. A transmission cooler has also been added.<br />
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The teardrop trailer is a "Little Guy" that provides a full sized bed for two and a small kitchen accessed via the back hatch on the trailer as is usual for teardrop trailers. The Little Guy weighs only about 500 lbs.<br />
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They have even added a solar heated shower enclosure they can set up to take hot showers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx_-wE6w2wmPzcBQPzzK6JrzdzPX9hyphenhyphenTSMm6LTCDU3cznaG_b0l0d7A2yNGcathmIuptnVKtrIgs7ZuuXzpKW2BTV2fs-pCVprWqDgx7TUf2UU4_Z5_Ax1p3M7D__8zoA3O8pqCQbvseZ/s1600/COTDCamp+Privacy+Tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx_-wE6w2wmPzcBQPzzK6JrzdzPX9hyphenhyphenTSMm6LTCDU3cznaG_b0l0d7A2yNGcathmIuptnVKtrIgs7ZuuXzpKW2BTV2fs-pCVprWqDgx7TUf2UU4_Z5_Ax1p3M7D__8zoA3O8pqCQbvseZ/s320/COTDCamp+Privacy+Tent.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower enclosure with pressure tank water system.</td></tr>
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Without the trailer attached, the Insight gets 50+ mpg and with the teardrop trailer attached and going the full speed limit plus it gets 35 mpg -- pretty amazing for a full function RV.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Little Guy teardrop and added Air Cond and Heating unit.</td></tr>
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While Honda does not advise towing with the Insight, Mike says it works well and has not seen any adverse effects.<br />
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<a href="http://www.buildagreenrv.com/35-mile-per-gallon-tear-drop-trailer-rig/">More here...</a><br />
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Its great to see teardrop trailers becoming popular again.<br />
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Gary<br />
June 27, 2016<br />
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<br />Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-80459996778767783312016-03-30T15:56:00.000-07:002016-03-30T15:56:54.845-07:00FlipFlic - An Innovative Energy Saving KickStarter Project The developers of a new KickStarter project called FlipFlic gave me a heads up about their idea. I was impressed with their design's simplicity, cleanness, low price and its potential to save energy and increase convenience and decided to pass the idea on here.<br />
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FlipFlic is a Smartphone controlled device that automatically opens or closes blinds based on the time of day, or temperature, or light level. <br />
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Some of the nice features:<br />
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<li>Easy to install.</li>
<li>Smartphone controlled.</li>
<li>Blind open/close can be based on time of day, temperature, or light levels.</li>
<li>Solar powered.</li>
<li>Low price.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The FlipFlic compact motor unit replaces the existing wand on the blinds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZmyw0asQAprDWCS2Zsh7koevIk8HY6gNu04lFiek0sIaxbuLZGHvjjmcdQHDAFXdRyGAf34WRXLrUn4j1Zb7Gx14njSCnXnHd7HuxEntA0XCqBjMN70fbgOfSzM1IAAhR1lnDX5JA6Z5/s1600/FlipFlicSolar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZmyw0asQAprDWCS2Zsh7koevIk8HY6gNu04lFiek0sIaxbuLZGHvjjmcdQHDAFXdRyGAf34WRXLrUn4j1Zb7Gx14njSCnXnHd7HuxEntA0XCqBjMN70fbgOfSzM1IAAhR1lnDX5JA6Z5/s320/FlipFlicSolar.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is solar powered, so no batteries to replace or wires to run.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ0aiQ5t4WzPMMlzmBgV0Tnj9qKXgXRMJPN2_SsMql7wbOv1eGchFwIVa0UQynBouoCGVdhVCNAiZ0z6n7yTjaTVq-HEuNgUXV9fASu_LNcoqpJx7z9Fn9yzOSKBLHO3zeTT0WYe5BFHK/s1600/FlipFlicControl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ0aiQ5t4WzPMMlzmBgV0Tnj9qKXgXRMJPN2_SsMql7wbOv1eGchFwIVa0UQynBouoCGVdhVCNAiZ0z6n7yTjaTVq-HEuNgUXV9fASu_LNcoqpJx7z9Fn9yzOSKBLHO3zeTT0WYe5BFHK/s320/FlipFlicControl.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use your Smartphone to set up the times, temperatures, or light levels <br />that control the opening and closing of the blinds.</td></tr>
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The initial offering works with either horizontal or vertical slat style blinds. Kseniia tells me that the team has it in their plans to develop version that will also work with cellular shades, which, I think, offers an even greater potential for energy saving due to the greater insulating value of these blinds.</div>
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jalousier/flipflic">Link to the KickStarter page with full details...</a></div>
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Our house uses lots <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/TopDownShades/TopDonwShades.htm">cellular shades with side tracks </a>to reduce winter heat loss and reduce summer heat gain. They work great and have a <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/References/Half/ProjectsConservation.htm#Shades">large energy saving and short payback period</a>. But, the twice a day ritual of raising and lowering the shades can get to be a hassle. I'm really looking forward to this device to have more control with less hassle.</div>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/conservation.htm#WindowTreatments">More window related energy saving ideas on Build-It-Solar...</a></div>
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Gary</div>
Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-29981494917538086252015-04-03T18:27:00.000-07:002015-04-03T18:30:13.573-07:00A Unique Straw Bale Arch Home Design I really like this new straw bale home design by Brian Waite. Its not very often you see a completely new home design that is energy efficient, sustainable, AND well suited to being built by the home owner, but this one is all of the above.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian's new design straw bale home prototype</td></tr>
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The design uses a number of identical prebuilt arches for the main structure of the house. The arches are spaced one straw bale apart so that the bales can be stacked between the arches with no trimming.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1pK04TqZnUS5fDHeeGmXavXxzDEL70U_uXYmkjoKcRDs-Ptaryc5Ru1weS5cAQLa074u9pW1DIyaNslFmyTe1LTDgRsq35IoWQYzG15uM932H6QOQqAGBxIoIqPHdoWkMrwUJ-wR2x1j/s1600/BWArches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1pK04TqZnUS5fDHeeGmXavXxzDEL70U_uXYmkjoKcRDs-Ptaryc5Ru1weS5cAQLa074u9pW1DIyaNslFmyTe1LTDgRsq35IoWQYzG15uM932H6QOQqAGBxIoIqPHdoWkMrwUJ-wR2x1j/s1600/BWArches.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arches being set up.</td></tr>
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The arches are light enough to be erected by one person with the aid of a hand winch. In fact, the entire house was built by Brain with only common tools.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohWJolsQHxRyEbufrDvmAD0CILKlonu_M59DgG6qyfX7q4uYQL7pT0G-rXLiQ_KhK0Hqx6UXXT9FxXXhOko_blmXCjtzcilJRY4LPnya5QZTzpCgSjqoDt5y7lGYyJDjP0pJ7yJ-EqaIU/s1600/BWBales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohWJolsQHxRyEbufrDvmAD0CILKlonu_M59DgG6qyfX7q4uYQL7pT0G-rXLiQ_KhK0Hqx6UXXT9FxXXhOko_blmXCjtzcilJRY4LPnya5QZTzpCgSjqoDt5y7lGYyJDjP0pJ7yJ-EqaIU/s1600/BWBales.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straw bales install snugly between arches.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The straw bales are stacked from the floor up to the peak in one continuous stack.<br />
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Because the arches provide all of the structural support for the roof, all of the interior walls (if used) are non-structural and would be easy to move over time. <br />
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The house has a number of other unique features, including a means to secure the straw bales without settling, and a passive vent system that keeps the straw bales dry.<br />
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Another unique feature that Brain is testing is a quad glazed window design that is made from two standard double glazed glass units. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2PpxwuMIS9pI8HZTePYRqoV5Oge_O1dBpxtAwINsLV2aHmj024GQDC_sJzmeflxsCcWbUbNw0ZjhfrqbfTBfM7IZbucIWy7JGGehmDSArEZhNJWjxV0L8uNWYgeG3sfGkT0j6ooQl3Dp/s1600/BWQuadGlaze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2PpxwuMIS9pI8HZTePYRqoV5Oge_O1dBpxtAwINsLV2aHmj024GQDC_sJzmeflxsCcWbUbNw0ZjhfrqbfTBfM7IZbucIWy7JGGehmDSArEZhNJWjxV0L8uNWYgeG3sfGkT0j6ooQl3Dp/s1600/BWQuadGlaze.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quad glazed window made from two standard double glazed units.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It seems to me that this is a simple design that is well suited to owner builders while offering an R value up toward US 6.<br />
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SolarHomes/SBArch/SBArch.htm">All the details here... </a><br />
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I want to thank Doug alerting me to this fine new design.<br />
<br />
Gary<br />
April 3, 2015<br />
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<br />Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-78475910301450275752015-03-07T08:35:00.003-08:002015-03-07T08:39:39.628-08:00The Kume Shade: Simple, Homemade, Low-cost Insulating CurtainsThe Kume "family" in Chile has come up with a new design for thermal shades that I think is very interesting and may be a good solution for you if you are looking for thermal shades.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDGx0BHmk3_zQpGh9-zHq-tjPWQAdAvMsAuQ_fXqGwXlMkKLSUqBtRvge8ILtGqDB-n3JDZg7uAnvFK8zjtcKKoWh40ybeHbKzBB3BoMovwlPQMBftomXnEwUIDeey2x8skEY-5oqZssA/s1600/KukmeShadeOV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDGx0BHmk3_zQpGh9-zHq-tjPWQAdAvMsAuQ_fXqGwXlMkKLSUqBtRvge8ILtGqDB-n3JDZg7uAnvFK8zjtcKKoWh40ybeHbKzBB3BoMovwlPQMBftomXnEwUIDeey2x8skEY-5oqZssA/s1600/KukmeShadeOV.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kume shade if various states of rollup</td></tr>
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The Kume shades fit in the window frame and roll up to stow in a built in catch at the top -- the rollup only takes a few seconds.<br />
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The shades use four layers to provide better insulating value.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidb3velGEzr36eTtP0pUzQBFfdCn4wJc8vCbjMPkpBqypRO6CWp_BuBE1VU17bUDAwy28yk_8SeJvvWCuVZEHwkNiSTH1DFRCeYP9bDpv1OFVJaDXqnfIteTx0reQ_88dQ6ZYXe_B_WjDY/s1600/KumeShadeInternals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidb3velGEzr36eTtP0pUzQBFfdCn4wJc8vCbjMPkpBqypRO6CWp_BuBE1VU17bUDAwy28yk_8SeJvvWCuVZEHwkNiSTH1DFRCeYP9bDpv1OFVJaDXqnfIteTx0reQ_88dQ6ZYXe_B_WjDY/s1600/KumeShadeInternals.jpg" /></a></div>
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Layer 1 is a front insulating (and decorative) material, 2 is a moisture barrier, 3 and 4 are wood batten spacers, and 5 is the back insulation panel.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlYfncQ8ShHUqEop0q0ogRt5ObBEiCl7iuQ6toS1tpUmQMkt-r6oU6uQ8edT3pSabXaFKNsSK85XmOsT_WSzj63X8aJwCJTHxazR6K_hjmFuYqtLeCsc5l7bZjQ5iJsJTEcirg31Q0zTg/s1600/KumeShadeIR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlYfncQ8ShHUqEop0q0ogRt5ObBEiCl7iuQ6toS1tpUmQMkt-r6oU6uQ8edT3pSabXaFKNsSK85XmOsT_WSzj63X8aJwCJTHxazR6K_hjmFuYqtLeCsc5l7bZjQ5iJsJTEcirg31Q0zTg/s1600/KumeShadeIR.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IR picture shows the Kume shade in action</td></tr>
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The shade materials are relatively cheap and the shade is easy to build. The instructions are very complete.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6PJbsqEf5Uw7bihr3sDQeJWwPx6V-Sp940VD2vaWWiIuYYOgNIZJe_V810-osqRhs5I65e-kAnRIqtorrsPPn51w8rcUthYaXO0l4OQqu94SDcVEDnBo1ggMStGd1AzlArFKkAdawbOW/s1600/KumeShadeBuild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6PJbsqEf5Uw7bihr3sDQeJWwPx6V-Sp940VD2vaWWiIuYYOgNIZJe_V810-osqRhs5I65e-kAnRIqtorrsPPn51w8rcUthYaXO0l4OQqu94SDcVEDnBo1ggMStGd1AzlArFKkAdawbOW/s1600/KumeShadeBuild.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good, detailed build instructions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The room facing layer can be a decorative insulating fabric, so the shades can be very nice looking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBZ_2BXZrizxUBXJTNSUUPnGWE0HlRmLlZv12bSbiwJWIwJiyfQwPg41MBQ7VnU891DC9lhSa1b6ni2tAkWf66uXoL-QWIWAt091VMbHoKku6vu5k-VEe_x2L8obkEiSOERsZJW9QYUg9/s1600/KumeShadeColored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBZ_2BXZrizxUBXJTNSUUPnGWE0HlRmLlZv12bSbiwJWIwJiyfQwPg41MBQ7VnU891DC9lhSa1b6ni2tAkWf66uXoL-QWIWAt091VMbHoKku6vu5k-VEe_x2L8obkEiSOERsZJW9QYUg9/s1600/KumeShadeColored.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></div>
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One thing this shade appears to address is the problem of condensation on the window and frame that can occur the room air is humid, the outside temperature is cold, and the shade does not prevent room air from circulating behind the shade. This design's combination of fabric that seals against the window frame and a moisture barrier address this problem.<br />
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I'd be very interested in hearing from anyone who build these shades on how well they do.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.kumeproject.com/about-us.html">Kume "family" </a>is a group of friends and relatives living in Chile who are working together on projects that will have a positive effect on climate change.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kumeproject.com/home-page.html"><b>For complete details on the design and build ...</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/conservation.htm#WindowTreatments"><b>For lots more on other thermal shade and window insulating techniques...</b></a><br />
<br />
Gary<br />
March 7, 2015<br />
<br />Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-50765537908701868312015-01-19T18:36:00.001-08:002015-01-19T18:36:48.899-08:00Large DIY Serpentine Drainback Solar Space Heating Project<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Tim, Doug, and Will provide a very detailed description of a unique solar space heating system along with quite a bit of design information.</div>
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The system uses solar to heat water, which is in turn used for space heating in a radiant floor system. One of the most unique features of the system is that the drain back solar collector uses serpentine path absorbers rather than the usual vertical riser tubes. This arrangement allows the entire south face of the building to be used as a collector, right up to the peak of the roof. In addition to providing more collector area and more heat, it has a very nice look.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mqdqkgaa2jo3_NoN-1QrLLTziyFMKurlwAMfOJwnmrtTsofAafURjNMEftGThUpPfpNYnl9Zqw1KkaGn6tXiTS_K_oecS5tUo-JCwjn9dEJouVyCkFX7vTDB1z2UM1L5K5RWeIY9-hrW/s1600/SerpOV1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mqdqkgaa2jo3_NoN-1QrLLTziyFMKurlwAMfOJwnmrtTsofAafURjNMEftGThUpPfpNYnl9Zqw1KkaGn6tXiTS_K_oecS5tUo-JCwjn9dEJouVyCkFX7vTDB1z2UM1L5K5RWeIY9-hrW/s1600/SerpOV1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the full wall drain back collector.</td></tr>
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The absorber uses a serpentine arrangement of tubes to carry heat from the absorber to the tank rather than the more usual vertical riser tube arrangement. This allows the absorber to cover the entire wall all the way up to the peak. This makes for a very nice looking full glazed wall.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpp2-Blns2ohJ8kWFvJOx3gz4c9KYDNiysoylfavd6gH3Z8-07OOhNKlGMwn92jVBMgBhJEdZWnqXzqjdivCRQKdbxppm7xAD7_xPrVBKX1HFljpXZ_jnlhuF68zSmT-HEUtcnslkjNV6/s1600/SerpAbsorber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpp2-Blns2ohJ8kWFvJOx3gz4c9KYDNiysoylfavd6gH3Z8-07OOhNKlGMwn92jVBMgBhJEdZWnqXzqjdivCRQKdbxppm7xAD7_xPrVBKX1HFljpXZ_jnlhuF68zSmT-HEUtcnslkjNV6/s1600/SerpAbsorber.png" height="242" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shows the serpentine absorber being fitted to the wall. </td></tr>
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The entire south wall is glazed with greenhouse style twinwall polycarbonate. The full glazed wall makes for a very nice looking collector.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSesroH85L43U5e_Be8kQrA5LGDzYdTEtPakr3SouJQT2p66o2xLmKvTyjB2F6ScKQKcwV5xu3WhyVTyx9KP09iyJtAD5c9ZeQZ__hd6A-f8A2wSCE3pF6JlfYYzNKe3ohKlIo1YwmiO-X/s1600/SerpGlazed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSesroH85L43U5e_Be8kQrA5LGDzYdTEtPakr3SouJQT2p66o2xLmKvTyjB2F6ScKQKcwV5xu3WhyVTyx9KP09iyJtAD5c9ZeQZ__hd6A-f8A2wSCE3pF6JlfYYzNKe3ohKlIo1YwmiO-X/s1600/SerpGlazed.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full wall collector with glazing in place.</td></tr>
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The system also uses a unique heat storage tank design that is partitioned into a warmer and a cooler section. The collector circuit pulls water from the cold side of the tank and returns it to the warm side, and the radiant floor circuit pulls water from the warm side of the tank and returns it to the cooler side. The idea is to allow the collector to run cooler, and therefore more efficiently.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfgaxV1q94ka7c7ycGEt8f7tzSH-Kc-uO-s1uf1Sh2EcBD0opcXO7ezfeZA435QMGrgBeoYBAfgSIkoi1AF-lHhfpESx26_4jdyLk4820yXOwPpsGJ5s8kjcvk88jHBW21PdQZlOq7VQu/s1600/SerpPartitionedTank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfgaxV1q94ka7c7ycGEt8f7tzSH-Kc-uO-s1uf1Sh2EcBD0opcXO7ezfeZA435QMGrgBeoYBAfgSIkoi1AF-lHhfpESx26_4jdyLk4820yXOwPpsGJ5s8kjcvk88jHBW21PdQZlOq7VQu/s1600/SerpPartitionedTank.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The partitioned solar heat storage tank under construction.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/Serpentine/SerpentineDrainBack.htm">Tim, Doug, and Will provide a very complete 36 page manual describing the logic behind the design and complete build details ...</a></div>
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Gary</div>
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January 19, 2015</div>
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Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-39676736227832060052014-10-22T19:18:00.001-07:002014-10-22T19:28:14.532-07:00Progress on the Fuel Efficient Camper ConversionAs I described a while back when we are working on a fuel efficient and lower emissions RV-Camper Van. Ours is based on a converting a RAM ProMaster van into a self-sufficient camper. <br />
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Last time we gave an initial description of our thoughts and deeds so far on the conversion -- this is an update on what has been done since then -- its getting pretty close.<br />
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<b>Electrical:</b><br />
The electrical system has been completed except for the installation of the solar panel on the roof.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66kfaGTRl2vWSiGFTCrAL8soIZ9N79tnLG6cGZVttzhBvTYp3kmB9pA919Ydtu9CD7AM6oN8d82n3_0RK86aJPQKweSGsrau_a4b-sHIyWfJMItBPKWEk_DJ0UOt83pbzLxv7QzZWno4N/s1600/CVElectricalDiag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66kfaGTRl2vWSiGFTCrAL8soIZ9N79tnLG6cGZVttzhBvTYp3kmB9pA919Ydtu9CD7AM6oN8d82n3_0RK86aJPQKweSGsrau_a4b-sHIyWfJMItBPKWEk_DJ0UOt83pbzLxv7QzZWno4N/s1600/CVElectricalDiag.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overview diagram of the electrical system.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntJGEzTHAeLO5O-xeZBAPp7ZFfMXprU19zS5CiNumBbmkcU5qiuIwkUIzeKrxgQ1UTlCvVT5GYLComr_WLPHSLlblHfegEkUYJXaFsmE0VqUdrgS2Lx9-MFxae1mcTwqSkFWwGXwoGPyw/s1600/CVElectricalAlllab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntJGEzTHAeLO5O-xeZBAPp7ZFfMXprU19zS5CiNumBbmkcU5qiuIwkUIzeKrxgQ1UTlCvVT5GYLComr_WLPHSLlblHfegEkUYJXaFsmE0VqUdrgS2Lx9-MFxae1mcTwqSkFWwGXwoGPyw/s1600/CVElectricalAlllab.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly all of the electrical system -- batteries, inverter/charger, solar charge<br />
controller, breakers and distribution panel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvxYnwphZUd27TVf_qLNOSh7_oWmMPqINeTk31ocFmjMq3P7W1CD_5LVELBr5d5nsVQ0nlPRVDMLv7sn02beupzTKzCcTqDeA2o1_ccnadTk8FsDGfbNRpYaO5HH0v0QhfByFu6eRWZKn/s1600/CVElectricalPVpanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvxYnwphZUd27TVf_qLNOSh7_oWmMPqINeTk31ocFmjMq3P7W1CD_5LVELBr5d5nsVQ0nlPRVDMLv7sn02beupzTKzCcTqDeA2o1_ccnadTk8FsDGfbNRpYaO5HH0v0QhfByFu6eRWZKn/s1600/CVElectricalPVpanel.jpg" height="281" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the solar panel (which will go on the roof) with rest of system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The electrical system provides power as 12 volts DC or as 120 volts AC from the batteries, and provides for charging the batteries from solar, or the van engine, or shore power.<br />
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<b>Floor and Paneling:</b><br />
The floor and the paneling for the walls and the ceiling are completed.<br />
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The floor incorporates an inch of polyiso rigid board insulation and is finished off with some conventional kitchen flooring.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfBN0FQiFVkrgIjHZryVWYXexbpkoBPbD3dVv2B3gknSpyu6PV_kHYhTHa3tzpx1U_E2bS6bkySEyjf41PE8d2Vhra04lUONlQd9QXTd_4wMLE8AD95w_98UfT0-czL5ByVdxSa2qwp62/s1600/CVFloor2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfBN0FQiFVkrgIjHZryVWYXexbpkoBPbD3dVv2B3gknSpyu6PV_kHYhTHa3tzpx1U_E2bS6bkySEyjf41PE8d2Vhra04lUONlQd9QXTd_4wMLE8AD95w_98UfT0-czL5ByVdxSa2qwp62/s1600/CVFloor2.JPG" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JObALsRuX7sye0AP6apQcoy9y2DvxU26-rCPDCaR6HbAbKTG7Fib0ThSeUNnIqgpHp9U__tQt1q7e8tUCAwNcI50bafPimv8ChbQKBCg8-VrfSS6Vzz83j1DJv2T6friVHw7IqcrjeJ8/s1600/CVFloor1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JObALsRuX7sye0AP6apQcoy9y2DvxU26-rCPDCaR6HbAbKTG7Fib0ThSeUNnIqgpHp9U__tQt1q7e8tUCAwNcI50bafPimv8ChbQKBCg8-VrfSS6Vzz83j1DJv2T6friVHw7IqcrjeJ8/s1600/CVFloor1.JPG" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insulation board and underlayment going in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The wall and ceiling paneling are both hardboard paneling with insulation underneath.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98ulYA78BeTqzk_z7w1qLiq3EemxCfGaFDrdbB4aqVfYMXXo87an9u0ZeXQo6VyVFuPnpngKoQwzrykWP0XtsVmtL2iK-dIDvsicP1ozWCNUWYgKI7ICHeF4LDTpf_z0ycPjrDwQrRMzN/s1600/CVPaneling2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98ulYA78BeTqzk_z7w1qLiq3EemxCfGaFDrdbB4aqVfYMXXo87an9u0ZeXQo6VyVFuPnpngKoQwzrykWP0XtsVmtL2iK-dIDvsicP1ozWCNUWYgKI7ICHeF4LDTpf_z0ycPjrDwQrRMzN/s1600/CVPaneling2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paneling going up </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPJjwmLx_06BCSdXS13VoYz6TppQwLWQ65h5TJ1lCvbV3bTns_6neQGbGjoJeDXdxW8Qtg7FZkCTt4hPMMAN_N21-Y819w4RPZFK6LLeDUYxCRKPqw8BMlkpp3_tb0QSR3Fm_VfkZS9T-/s1600/CVPaneling1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPJjwmLx_06BCSdXS13VoYz6TppQwLWQ65h5TJ1lCvbV3bTns_6neQGbGjoJeDXdxW8Qtg7FZkCTt4hPMMAN_N21-Y819w4RPZFK6LLeDUYxCRKPqw8BMlkpp3_tb0QSR3Fm_VfkZS9T-/s1600/CVPaneling1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just about completed paneling with trim.</td></tr>
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<b>Windows:</b><br />
We added three windows. Nothing like cutting big holes in the side of your new van!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7Tf3hes94uIWCupAgJFh50_j6NLhrSKodLlLRig4WfSQCJbBmw9-DP__FOU7ut9DwXeb-KB7y0LZq4QVWKbfJn0vLhjkp7PqXLHg9gW7jkzmTRbri7igvelQ2_Cor4qwg2T7lDB35cWm/s1600/CVWindow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7Tf3hes94uIWCupAgJFh50_j6NLhrSKodLlLRig4WfSQCJbBmw9-DP__FOU7ut9DwXeb-KB7y0LZq4QVWKbfJn0vLhjkp7PqXLHg9gW7jkzmTRbri7igvelQ2_Cor4qwg2T7lDB35cWm/s1600/CVWindow1.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now with windows!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QxoF7sptu4PWojhbMWnT-5w_o9UNTt8sTYUg1RVHeb6Acplgb9vS6pySPLcdSykaXYoxzI5JhNI8vPCDMjS0ZfRBtuc7uoy51WbQmXVSjLh95pcy_FAN_yggQPbc1-fiwQZE_ZwwRene/s1600/CVWindow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QxoF7sptu4PWojhbMWnT-5w_o9UNTt8sTYUg1RVHeb6Acplgb9vS6pySPLcdSykaXYoxzI5JhNI8vPCDMjS0ZfRBtuc7uoy51WbQmXVSjLh95pcy_FAN_yggQPbc1-fiwQZE_ZwwRene/s1600/CVWindow2.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kind of breezy in this configuration.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Other:</b><br />
Also completed or mostly done:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Furnace</li>
<li>Grey and fresh water tanks and plumbing</li>
<li>Roof ventilation fan</li>
<li>Galley, sink, stove.</li>
<li>High efficiency electric refrigerator </li>
</ul>
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.builditsolarblog.com/2014/08/diy-composting-toilet-for-rvs-and-small.html">Gordon's post</a>, we are probably going to go with a homemade composting toilet.<br />
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The grey water tank is a bit unusual in that its <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/Plumbing/Plumbing.htm">home made...</a></div>
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All the details on <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/PMRV.htm">progress so far here...</a></div>
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Gary</div>
Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-78478951203306496152014-10-09T08:11:00.000-07:002014-10-09T08:11:01.332-07:00Solar Heated Stock Tank Does Well In Really Cold ClimateIts the time of year to think about doing a solar heated stock tank that will save a lot of ice breaking and electricity for tank heaters over the window.<br />
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Karolyn has worked out a nice design for a solar heated stock than that performed well over the very cold winter last year in Minnesota.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmVmC1fXYjOrfZuasQjBUULA0_zNVlops7qRylFHeplMQ-mGaTx79sxAT7EloEtt2HShtjHb20MAzEpXxtfZAl3W-5M4Lixx8Zo61YQdYqOuv-MhOFl2ZVJyaZs74Y3nK4ABwFJTIudZJ/s1600/ST2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmVmC1fXYjOrfZuasQjBUULA0_zNVlops7qRylFHeplMQ-mGaTx79sxAT7EloEtt2HShtjHb20MAzEpXxtfZAl3W-5M4Lixx8Zo61YQdYqOuv-MhOFl2ZVJyaZs74Y3nK4ABwFJTIudZJ/s1600/ST2.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_UnEu4JwGa5vxk3klhW3Su5X8Xgaxw_Po3hQ7woHyS6no7iKEfUzE55hLfygAx2Rg_Hle1bYUC4iu_9hX6YNAtrjldsAQHLNDI7mj6_JKMUXVkh4VK4OTTauv4yowe1VmWK6XF02Johd/s1600/ST3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_UnEu4JwGa5vxk3klhW3Su5X8Xgaxw_Po3hQ7woHyS6no7iKEfUzE55hLfygAx2Rg_Hle1bYUC4iu_9hX6YNAtrjldsAQHLNDI7mj6_JKMUXVkh4VK4OTTauv4yowe1VmWK6XF02Johd/s1600/ST3.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South wall of tank is solar collector that heats tank.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW8kJwxgPKYK_Vfrt87KL_nkWQk6dLRaiAV9dxKu6_cEwq_5sQtDKny7hbefC2F1q87OW8xVpIyuDlxetQLvIAVkbbBPXRmuSnrxixRUZ9M3QFtoH4Ny3QlubEEauK4b93ine9A0EM18p/s1600/ST5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW8kJwxgPKYK_Vfrt87KL_nkWQk6dLRaiAV9dxKu6_cEwq_5sQtDKny7hbefC2F1q87OW8xVpIyuDlxetQLvIAVkbbBPXRmuSnrxixRUZ9M3QFtoH4Ny3QlubEEauK4b93ine9A0EM18p/s1600/ST5.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking opening with flaps provides improved freeze protection.</td></tr>
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This design is rugged and provides good freeze protection.</div>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/MNStockTank/MNStockTank.htm">All the details here...</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/water_heating.htm#Animals">More information on freeze resistant stock tanks you can build...</a></div>
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Gary<br />
October 9, 2014Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-66316867951675237602014-08-28T12:26:00.000-07:002014-08-28T12:26:12.019-07:00DIY Composting Toilet for RV's and Small SpacesGordon and Sue provide detailed information on designing, building, and successfully using a compact composting toilet that he built for their small RV.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-9yPc_vVMYTsi7YWML-unhsWxIBru_6pCjjJvazwx3WB6v4ns3A3X8e7W25yuYDXanU6Gue5fFg75ODWgoCTNJ-EzoF8ZhMFSAfuZPMhvX2DeTxUHT0WNm6ROJoxuRFqmBzE_OmVXsXe/s1600/CT01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-9yPc_vVMYTsi7YWML-unhsWxIBru_6pCjjJvazwx3WB6v4ns3A3X8e7W25yuYDXanU6Gue5fFg75ODWgoCTNJ-EzoF8ZhMFSAfuZPMhvX2DeTxUHT0WNm6ROJoxuRFqmBzE_OmVXsXe/s1600/CT01.JPG" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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Gordon's DIY composting toilet is based on a recycled plastic barrel that was used to ship olives. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrYP-Jv__wLO6ybTulXXEMr4jJVatjnUzDLHeZ9H0NvYp6Hug8lJryPpDEhOYR5LmEgm9AlZfTWXYnsED_HzcPxt-Vzpc703AJvM_uW9egqVw7rvNVBzyxx40nHd7iRvfY1vrrduj12AK/s1600/CT02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrYP-Jv__wLO6ybTulXXEMr4jJVatjnUzDLHeZ9H0NvYp6Hug8lJryPpDEhOYR5LmEgm9AlZfTWXYnsED_HzcPxt-Vzpc703AJvM_uW9egqVw7rvNVBzyxx40nHd7iRvfY1vrrduj12AK/s1600/CT02.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRx-HAoislAi-YJCQZKapOMa-pChW3K6Cd6Va3ad1mccMyibdkVPFWLegng44aoRDxu8YZYUJ9727pHqzrNbAN1gC_eMO7qTArPy4P_hnQCn2Q4ZBaJjoPexneRcbSpPD_26pJjf1XnNc/s1600/CT03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRx-HAoislAi-YJCQZKapOMa-pChW3K6Cd6Va3ad1mccMyibdkVPFWLegng44aoRDxu8YZYUJ9727pHqzrNbAN1gC_eMO7qTArPy4P_hnQCn2Q4ZBaJjoPexneRcbSpPD_26pJjf1XnNc/s1600/CT03.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The toilet seat was salvaged from an RV toilet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BUqjGKw5GiWCR8PzwoTQB6YKatupO-U0JVTRpRHHE79PBKlx2eiU6aWErcT9i0HL9MDt84PjzSQauQ__MTA8brKiMsx_GyY3YozBa7rU5XBD_IA6SdRy9IEMIm5mMGmyu8hQ610lfFe8/s1600/CT04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BUqjGKw5GiWCR8PzwoTQB6YKatupO-U0JVTRpRHHE79PBKlx2eiU6aWErcT9i0HL9MDt84PjzSQauQ__MTA8brKiMsx_GyY3YozBa7rU5XBD_IA6SdRy9IEMIm5mMGmyu8hQ610lfFe8/s1600/CT04.JPG" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
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The box surrounding the barrel has all the supplies needed to keep the toilet running smoothly.</div>
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A small muffin fan (1.3 watts) continuously draws fresh air from the RV into the composting chamber and exhausts it to the black duct to the outside. This keeps the composting process aerobic and eliminates any smell.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaP205iHV9KhJUtt4FbjWXtPVsLGseOBBsKYzY07Mrrr8sr5gV0binB9pP9coQ6tHVjzr7XYQfbDZWFcu52R6pX5I2E9NqUzrsENsGuYe86UmdJqHtcmbxlAcjDrL1S1BcbCuykcYuPkJw/s1600/CT05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaP205iHV9KhJUtt4FbjWXtPVsLGseOBBsKYzY07Mrrr8sr5gV0binB9pP9coQ6tHVjzr7XYQfbDZWFcu52R6pX5I2E9NqUzrsENsGuYe86UmdJqHtcmbxlAcjDrL1S1BcbCuykcYuPkJw/s1600/CT05.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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A picture of the small RV that the composting toilet is used in and the venting outlet for the toilet.<br />
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Probably even more valuable than the how to build it information is the how to successfully use the composting toilet so that it works well and produces no odor. Between the RV and their tiny cabin, Gordon and Sue have many years of experience living successfully with various composting toilets.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Water/RVCompostToilet/RVCompostToilet.htm">For the full story on Gordon and Sue's composting toilet...</a></b><br />
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In addition to the material on Gordon's composting toilet, I've added a section on composting toilets for RV's and small spaces with some good info on <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Water/Water.htm#RVCT"><b>compact commercial composting toilets and how to use them...</b></a><br />
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Gary<br />
August 28, 2014Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-24444143545522531892014-07-22T09:08:00.000-07:002014-07-22T09:08:17.243-07:00Small, Simple, Efficient RAM ProMaster DIY Camper Van Conversion<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
We have enjoyed RVing over the years, but lost our last RV in a highway crunch.</div>
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One thing we did not enjoy about RVing was the 10 mpg gas bills and the 2 lbs per mile of CO2 emissions. So, this project is about getting back into RVing with a smaller footprint.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0BVpSLIdE45bkxQ1U1p0pWb9KJ8dSWV-W15_pwUX4Jlns3H5NHEklCdaXD_gZZ0VQewdyUlRvZgdt0-rwMqhxh96h1xsT39jVmOqrRyBX2xwZBQhGV84wAtiRYaWSjXkpxKXRvtj_6KO/s1600/CamperVanPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0BVpSLIdE45bkxQ1U1p0pWb9KJ8dSWV-W15_pwUX4Jlns3H5NHEklCdaXD_gZZ0VQewdyUlRvZgdt0-rwMqhxh96h1xsT39jVmOqrRyBX2xwZBQhGV84wAtiRYaWSjXkpxKXRvtj_6KO/s1600/CamperVanPM.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The RAM ProMaster 1500, hi roof, 136 WB at start of conversion</td></tr>
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Objectives for the new van conversion:<br />
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<li> Keep it simple </li>
<li> An open feel inside</li>
<li> 20+ mpg</li>
<li> Comfortable beds for 2</li>
<li> No need for hookups </li>
<li> Drives like a car</li>
<li> Able to handle some back roads </li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The RAM ProMaster we bought for the conversion is a high roof, 1500, 136 WB. This gives us an area to work with of about 10.1 ft long by 6.5 ft wide (behind the driver/passenger seats). The inside height is about 76 inches. A really Tiny House :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the smallest and lightest vehicle we could find that we think will also provide enough space and stand up height. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as an aside, it would be very interesting to see what could be done with an even smaller vehicle -- maybe something like the Ford Transit Connect -- a 30 mpg RV!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, this is going to be a several month project, and I'm just going to be adding to it as things go along. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>I'd very much like to hear ideas, comments, and suggestions that we might be able to incorporate as things progress.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've put up a new section on BuildItSolar with pages for each major part of the conversion: layout, insulation, paneling, flooring, electrical system, ... <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/PMRV.htm"><b>The main page for the conversion is here...</b></a></span><br />
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Progress so far...</h2>
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Layout:</h3>
We have pretty much decided on this layout:<br />
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We did a very crude mockup of this layout in the van:<br />
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The two beds are in the back and make into a seating area during the day, galley is on right behind drivers seat. There will be some more storage cabinets around the edge up high. New windows will be added in 3 or 4 locations (about where the blue tape is).<br />
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We like this nice open feel of this and the high quality beds.<br />
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/Layout.htm">More on other layouts we considered...</a><br />
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Insulation:</h3>
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Did the insulation of the walls and ceiling using spray foam polyurethane insulation. I used one of the two component kits that provide the two pressurized bottles and spray nozzle and hoses. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had never used one of these kits before, but it worked out pretty well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/Insulation.htm">All the details on insulating here...</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Electrical:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been working on the electrical system design.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its a bit more complicated than I would like in that we want to be able to spend a couple days (or more) away from hookups. It has a fairly large battery and the battery can be charged via solar (on the roof), the van alternator, or from shore power.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've worked out a tentative list of components.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would appreciate any comments on the design or the components.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/Electrical.htm">All the details on the electrical system plan here...</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Floor:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's project is the floor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've put up a new section on BuildItSolar with pages for each major part of the conversion: layout, insulation, paneling, flooring, electrical system, ... </span><a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/PMRV.htm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The main page for the conversion is here...</b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gary July 22, 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-22864025801652726392014-07-03T19:07:00.000-07:002014-07-03T19:07:11.286-07:00Solar Powered DIY RV Evaporative Cooler<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom has come up with a very nice evaporative cooler for his RV. The cooler is effective, uses very little electrical power, and is inexpensive and relatively easy to build.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished cooler in position on the solar powered RV</td></tr>
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The system uses fans to blow outside air through a porous wet cooling pad. Evaporation of water in the cooling pad cools the air, dropping the temperature by as much as 25 F.</div>
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The compact unit contains a water reservoir, water pump, aspen cooling pad, and circulation fans as shown in the diagram.</div>
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It runs on 12 volt DC power and is powered by the RV's solar panel and battery -- pretty cool :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-5l3tIoyXZG9VbomWFbSQPIvBu-2AxpGYaceE8pHghC6q-6ZDZDzGcb3HSMeJd1grLA-2Uv76dnRxYrudPvZnL8Ct4_9yW3gDGzDAL7YEZ3MwZrz4Kmprl-dsTVMy5G7MwNc2_yZdgzX/s1600/RVSwampDiagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-5l3tIoyXZG9VbomWFbSQPIvBu-2AxpGYaceE8pHghC6q-6ZDZDzGcb3HSMeJd1grLA-2Uv76dnRxYrudPvZnL8Ct4_9yW3gDGzDAL7YEZ3MwZrz4Kmprl-dsTVMy5G7MwNc2_yZdgzX/s1600/RVSwampDiagram.jpg" height="400" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram showing how the cooler operates.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfBxgF7sUo8CD5jNmDuuBf3HC1e8J-joUsQUB751HxLRXx0z0xq2Pm3OVKkpzaVqmte_BLltGnvuULJXQu51f7kiYqRhS2SXHduBz7vzjBW90VAex7SJnH_CkKuyFXSSqh3EmXnZPiuqv/s1600/RVSwamp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfBxgF7sUo8CD5jNmDuuBf3HC1e8J-joUsQUB751HxLRXx0z0xq2Pm3OVKkpzaVqmte_BLltGnvuULJXQu51f7kiYqRhS2SXHduBz7vzjBW90VAex7SJnH_CkKuyFXSSqh3EmXnZPiuqv/s1600/RVSwamp2.jpg" height="343" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished unit ready to install.</td></tr>
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Tom uses this to cool his RV -- it uses only a fraction of the power that conventional coolers use and allows him to rely solely on solar power when camping off the grid.</div>
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The same sort of design could be used for all sorts of cooling applications -- cooling a living space or shop or greenhouse with no grid power, cooling when the power grid goes down, ... For this size cooler, the fans and pump only use about 18 watts at 12 volts -- so a modest size PV panel could direct drive the cooler. The design could be scaled up for larger spaces.</div>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Cooling/RVSwampCooler/RVSwampCooler.htm"><b>See all the details on the design and build and download pdf...</b></a></div>
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Gary</div>
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July 3, 2014</div>
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Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-48056175486368491282014-06-20T11:38:00.000-07:002014-06-20T11:38:09.613-07:00Dryer Heat Recovery and Dark Sky LightingThese are two nice DIY projects from <a href="http://georgesworkshop.blogspot.ca/">George Plhak's blog</a>.<br />
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Dryer Heat Recovery Using a Furnace Filter</h3>
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Venting clothes dryers to the outside is very wasteful. It wastes the heat contained in the vented air stream, much of which could be recovered for space heating. And, venting the air to the outdoors causes new air to be pulled into the house which then has to be heated to the house temperature by the furnace. The energy wasted can be as much as 4 KWH per dryer load -- clearly one of the largest potential home energy savings available.</div>
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While there are various approaches to recovering dryer heat, the simplest one is to just vent the dryer air stream inside the house. One problem with this is capturing the lint in the dryer stream so it does not end up in your house. George has worked out a nice way to vent to the inside and to capture the lint using a furnace filter. The furnace filter provides a lot of filter area, is easy to replace, and is inexpensive.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dry vent filter box is on the wall next to the dryer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The filter goes in a slot in the box.</td></tr>
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<i><b>Important Note:</b> For some climates and some homes, venting the dryer inside can result in moisture problems, so if you go this way, be sure to monitor the situation after you starting venting inside. Also, this is for electric dryers only -- gas dryers should never be vented inside.</i></div>
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<a href="http://georgesworkshop.blogspot.ca/2014/06/clothes-dryer-heat-recovery.html"><b>All the details on George's blog ...</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Experimental/DryerHX/DryerHXProto.htm">Another scheme that vents dryer air outside and recovers heat...</a></div>
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<h3>
A DIY Garden Light that Preserves Dark Sky</h3>
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This is a very nice design that uses inexpensive and recycled parts to make a low energy use (LED) garden light that does not allow any upward light radiation that would pollute the night skies.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrOrYVKNmnvxn6dVDx3AQQiTqsgZUN5LrXQFvpWa057yTAt5rgZDNEYhE1TYvVj23-X4dlR-Z5a7zXMu94N2uJGU6AAzS5REjQdBQsOvpgIZgxpJr2KrhAc4SqI6DUqMqdmDEz_FauINK/s1600/GeorgeDS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrOrYVKNmnvxn6dVDx3AQQiTqsgZUN5LrXQFvpWa057yTAt5rgZDNEYhE1TYvVj23-X4dlR-Z5a7zXMu94N2uJGU6AAzS5REjQdBQsOvpgIZgxpJr2KrhAc4SqI6DUqMqdmDEz_FauINK/s1600/GeorgeDS1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The light in action.</td></tr>
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It uses a used stainless steel mixing bowl and a jelly jar to hold the LED and reflect its light downward toward the ground. Makes a very nice light pattern on the ground.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJoQQHezE5JpJjwwHucMAoBzxOtDH13C4mY5eXBXwPk87Y-KyHNjQgf6pLp8tenWoCzSFb_87kaO4WBn6DsDyfu5bxrEbTJCVKIICKTEncJTQc9Gat499e9R0z0Id6qUyb_KeRmGuXyJX/s1600/GeorgeDS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJoQQHezE5JpJjwwHucMAoBzxOtDH13C4mY5eXBXwPk87Y-KyHNjQgf6pLp8tenWoCzSFb_87kaO4WBn6DsDyfu5bxrEbTJCVKIICKTEncJTQc9Gat499e9R0z0Id6qUyb_KeRmGuXyJX/s1600/GeorgeDS2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The mixing bowl and jelly jar to house the light </div>
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<a href="http://georgesworkshop.blogspot.ca/2014/04/a-shielded-low-power-diy-garden-lamp.html"><b>All the details on George's blog...</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1964198288"></span>George's blog<span id="goog_1964198289"></span></a> has a lot of interesting material, including his extensive work on a DIY concentrating solar water heating collector.</div>
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Gary</div>
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June 17, 2014</div>
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Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-27968674918542946062014-06-09T19:32:00.000-07:002014-06-09T19:32:35.897-07:00A Large Shop Thermosyphon Solar Air Heating Collector<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is Ivan's large shop heating thermosyphon solar air heating collector.</div>
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It is 6 ft high by 40 ft wide. This 240 sqft of collector will likely provide in excess of 40,000 BTU per hour on a sunny winter day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcqmqtyKaW54llWBskVlrVf_LsAmyTTdyRuYEJbsesiCp6H1GfUkP6zSDQoUim-DTg2CqnXZ6Dfuo8CTn2EnhUljulQGb4wlvuGZAulADZS6L7JkUMLOiePDOMyaE17nDR2XVIO7J9n0D/s1600/STSfinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcqmqtyKaW54llWBskVlrVf_LsAmyTTdyRuYEJbsesiCp6H1GfUkP6zSDQoUim-DTg2CqnXZ6Dfuo8CTn2EnhUljulQGb4wlvuGZAulADZS6L7JkUMLOiePDOMyaE17nDR2XVIO7J9n0D/s1600/STSfinished.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished 6 by 40 ft collector</td></tr>
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These collectors are very effective heaters and since they rely only on thermosyphoning to move air through the collector they do not need any fans, controls, or power. The only moving parts in the whole collector are the simple backdraft dampers that prevent reverse flow at night. At about $3 to $5 per sqft of collector, these are one of the fastest payback solar projects that it is possible to build.</div>
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This is the south wall of the shop before the collector was added:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoaXf5qCFGbc70-L2wIt-miQknM3QFHmAGRaEUIoFREshltL8BHeBcYs4-koXMpEiKrR925NlEp1RTCeCbMEHwcuD6Ay5PLGopchmSk9l7EgZ8zPZrUhBULRdMudieAuQuZJRKCCuLhDa/s1600/STSbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoaXf5qCFGbc70-L2wIt-miQknM3QFHmAGRaEUIoFREshltL8BHeBcYs4-koXMpEiKrR925NlEp1RTCeCbMEHwcuD6Ay5PLGopchmSk9l7EgZ8zPZrUhBULRdMudieAuQuZJRKCCuLhDa/s1600/STSbefore.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ivan just built the collector right over the windows. This allows a nice, wide and simple collector. I think this will work quite well as the windows will still get quite a bit of light through the collector absorber (which is two layers of screen). How to handle existing windows is a question that comes up quite a bit in adding collectors, and I think Ivan's method is definitely worth considering.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTXEyuGMkYRwqHNB-uocY5SfuUlQ3E3h_Ib5b9q1A7N9ewk8u_b4WeW43yNHbr4sn2s6Zr4XbwtjhQyTVV8Pa68VPuWxuvwB6xPN7G4Piow4dG5X9b1ehH5nw59tlhZKc-1e9UzV1thz4/s1600/STSframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTXEyuGMkYRwqHNB-uocY5SfuUlQ3E3h_Ib5b9q1A7N9ewk8u_b4WeW43yNHbr4sn2s6Zr4XbwtjhQyTVV8Pa68VPuWxuvwB6xPN7G4Piow4dG5X9b1ehH5nw59tlhZKc-1e9UzV1thz4/s1600/STSframe.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The collector frame is built right on the existing shop wall. The upper and lower vents that connect the collector and the shop are visible in the picture. After the frame is done, the back wall is covered with rigid insulation, painted black, and then the two screen absorber is added, followed by the outer glazing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFaYEPyH_X1DKloKq2Z88jc9TdLG9OKe9bg9-B-FWocxtAHt-uDGYqyjiiWHRBdRVsTZD8wX2BYB4DZyFE1Gg7q0sTkcvVEgxygGIktNdB8fF9lWWi8L4VOOokkRVqqtqCVdoJge4-3Lg/s1600/STSglazing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFaYEPyH_X1DKloKq2Z88jc9TdLG9OKe9bg9-B-FWocxtAHt-uDGYqyjiiWHRBdRVsTZD8wX2BYB4DZyFE1Gg7q0sTkcvVEgxygGIktNdB8fF9lWWi8L4VOOokkRVqqtqCVdoJge4-3Lg/s1600/STSglazing.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The glazing being applied to the collectors, which already have the absorbers installed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3txkTSR_gwVoV0BvePcSXvVngdpEulG1uXLcI4n8mJ4kNE5gBT8KwEccaP7NR0AAKcWdC_eY2BcLBhW7SZLDP3M3fh_26kQUeZx8oxGYEf7TdaOIJMYxDtUp4CC_DYQXJBqgQnoHzawr4/s1600/STSdiagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3txkTSR_gwVoV0BvePcSXvVngdpEulG1uXLcI4n8mJ4kNE5gBT8KwEccaP7NR0AAKcWdC_eY2BcLBhW7SZLDP3M3fh_26kQUeZx8oxGYEf7TdaOIJMYxDtUp4CC_DYQXJBqgQnoHzawr4/s1600/STSdiagram.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
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This diagram shows how simple the collector is. The solar heated absorber heats the air, which rises out of the collector and draws new air into the bottom. No fans, no controls, no electricity, no maintenance.</div>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/ShopThermosyphon/ShopThermosyphon.htm"><b>All the details on the collector build from Ivan...</b></a></div>
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Gary</div>
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June, 9, 2014</div>
Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-38013992563077771882014-05-31T07:56:00.000-07:002014-05-31T07:56:03.722-07:00The Simplest Solar Water Heater<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carl came up with this very simple and effective solar batch heater that heats up one bucket of water. You put the 5 gallon bucket into the glazed box, put it in the sun, wait a few hours, and then take the heated bucket of water to where you need it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8tyw75MCYF_GsyUCjmAXgtNu7M7cr0zBtWaKveDq5UWp-lctjqiiHNT27fCAzMO403f3uP3XgEKGm52Mc8AIsPesT8OYl8RDV8c491LUfnChOLtIFoJRym57ZvRRS89nLY06gCjhAqER/s1600/bucketwaterheater01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8tyw75MCYF_GsyUCjmAXgtNu7M7cr0zBtWaKveDq5UWp-lctjqiiHNT27fCAzMO403f3uP3XgEKGm52Mc8AIsPesT8OYl8RDV8c491LUfnChOLtIFoJRym57ZvRRS89nLY06gCjhAqER/s1600/bucketwaterheater01.JPG" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfect for a cabin, emergencies or just locations without running hot water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its mounted on a turntable, so its an and advanced tech, human powered <b>tracking</b> solar water heater!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWWOEiqB6En8CUwSV5FP11H4ikvSN-WkkPPCjzXTLvUo-77TgYErAfI5PPQYOQkT3kDjcxXnC41x-WvBIHEWGTR0HndYZUio3PtrStTapBmAMCnFbwCeCWgd4yzK-UCwm_lvjHTtQVkQt/s1600/bucketwaterheater02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWWOEiqB6En8CUwSV5FP11H4ikvSN-WkkPPCjzXTLvUo-77TgYErAfI5PPQYOQkT3kDjcxXnC41x-WvBIHEWGTR0HndYZUio3PtrStTapBmAMCnFbwCeCWgd4yzK-UCwm_lvjHTtQVkQt/s1600/bucketwaterheater02.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A piece of foam cut to fit the bucket reduces heat loss from the water surface.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh88_N4I7IcwQ98Rjp5FPdJmMFRangYVHIUkmM1m54tX76_Shpj344CKAMVKjOFGf_fWg7Vh4qGysvQWSa_MXGIjhM-glF7C94PbEVPxIlojPc3VwsQH_1sC-K27euq3YAhVbj2JDX0Xr/s1600/bucketwaterheater03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh88_N4I7IcwQ98Rjp5FPdJmMFRangYVHIUkmM1m54tX76_Shpj344CKAMVKjOFGf_fWg7Vh4qGysvQWSa_MXGIjhM-glF7C94PbEVPxIlojPc3VwsQH_1sC-K27euq3YAhVbj2JDX0Xr/s1600/bucketwaterheater03.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very nice and very simple.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In one test, the bucket water heated from 53F to 122F over a 7 hour collection period.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/BucketBatch/BucketBatch.htm">More details on construction and performance here....</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May 31, 2014</span>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-67323068608839187262014-05-25T10:22:00.000-07:002014-05-25T10:32:06.477-07:00Large DIY Solar Water Heating System in Virginia Using Commercial CollectorsChris and Brenda are looking for ways to control energy expenses through retirement and built this very nice and very high quality solar water heating system.<br />
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While it is loosely based on the $1K design, it has a number of unique features that are aimed at achieving a long and maintenance free life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2ZqhXZI27RyFutZKVZT74FbDK8fNb-8qgfM3EIgwLvgIfmwIzwGHvQTRslmSUUq9uR0PTEWbhCcVgRgKAgSWlWGf0vQuY-vymYf7eWGcFeHdSn7L6mAALm_CX-E7AK-0OGX80XXtgAdz/s1600/VA4K01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2ZqhXZI27RyFutZKVZT74FbDK8fNb-8qgfM3EIgwLvgIfmwIzwGHvQTRslmSUUq9uR0PTEWbhCcVgRgKAgSWlWGf0vQuY-vymYf7eWGcFeHdSn7L6mAALm_CX-E7AK-0OGX80XXtgAdz/s1600/VA4K01.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
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The system uses two AET 40 sqft commercial collectors to provide plenty of hot water and the potential for some space heating later. Using SRCC certified collectors has the advantage that the cost of the whole system will be eligible for the federal 30% tax credit.<br />
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Chris built the single pass heat exchanger form 3/4 inch copper pipe using soldered elbows to provide a hundred ft of effective length.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQUZSV6NjzPpUmdp2_S5Tp9NGTmx1d9G_97iVzn8j1PkybX2ps_aBWQYiTajkOiZ9_Ab7kOTJNzG00JwjYMVyF_OCygO-d-EMUHuB4SZ14uR9_ANzuFnpSd9L6tAGnRF9j2bw8TVrk3sx/s1600/VA4Khx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQUZSV6NjzPpUmdp2_S5Tp9NGTmx1d9G_97iVzn8j1PkybX2ps_aBWQYiTajkOiZ9_Ab7kOTJNzG00JwjYMVyF_OCygO-d-EMUHuB4SZ14uR9_ANzuFnpSd9L6tAGnRF9j2bw8TVrk3sx/s1600/VA4Khx.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the heat exchanger</td></tr>
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A MAXDTC controller was used to provide good control flexibility and to provide data logging for the system.<br />
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Chris worked out a ramp arrangement to get the 150 lb collectors up on the roof. There is also a good description of the very nice mounting system.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14TxVVS17tJCZ-xIWRRzYr7qFUavDd8jYX0hSvBVXinDoMgmHrJKfpsFz2LxJ1KcWYlvD0jlPEO0kgZi-P660w4Vk-rf7lGovh3iv8J9K2XfYSn6v5jaxdJOdRSrT5ZhrhoYC6GkwI_rl/s1600/VA4Kinstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14TxVVS17tJCZ-xIWRRzYr7qFUavDd8jYX0hSvBVXinDoMgmHrJKfpsFz2LxJ1KcWYlvD0jlPEO0kgZi-P660w4Vk-rf7lGovh3iv8J9K2XfYSn6v5jaxdJOdRSrT5ZhrhoYC6GkwI_rl/s1600/VA4Kinstall.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramp and sleds being used to move collectors up to roof.</td></tr>
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Chris put together a<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/VA4K/VA4K.htm"> 13 page pdf that describes the system and performance in detail...</a><br />
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Gary<br />
May 14, 2014Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-76697538953471552742014-05-20T07:54:00.000-07:002014-05-20T07:54:16.390-07:00Bio-Home Open House in Lethbridge AlbertaTodd Hudson is having an open house on May the 23rd and 24th of his amazing Bio-Home in Lethbridge Alberta CA.<br />
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The house has a very impressive set of solar energy, renewable energy, and sustainable food raising/growing features --<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/References/Events/ELPHAOpenHouseMay2014.pdf"> read the brochure for the full story...</a><br />
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Highly recommended!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZRsVraqAzSZ3_sVEPWMQ7jB7y6Lxj88gEVKzDP54VsYojy9sCotV9ckHCt_KTAFxb6BWlOy2b-n3h2-9-tPLYQPiKGJLl-r8DTctwDJKCuyS4kO7ODu0iNWZY8RcryBFtxYoGQJYyNQr/s1600/ToddOH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZRsVraqAzSZ3_sVEPWMQ7jB7y6Lxj88gEVKzDP54VsYojy9sCotV9ckHCt_KTAFxb6BWlOy2b-n3h2-9-tPLYQPiKGJLl-r8DTctwDJKCuyS4kO7ODu0iNWZY8RcryBFtxYoGQJYyNQr/s1600/ToddOH.jpg" height="640" width="491" /></a></div>
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I've worked with Todd a little bit over the past couple years as he has worked through the designs for the dozens of unique features that the house has. His ability to turn promising concepts into reality on the ground is very impressive.<br />
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/References/Events/ELPHAOpenHouseMay2014.pdf">The full flyer with all the house features listed and <b><i>important parking and RSVP directions</i></b> is here...</a><br />
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Joan and I will be there Friday afternoon -- please say hello if you come by then.<br />
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GaryGaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-88696501953767947412014-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:002014-04-30T09:34:16.689-07:00A DIY Solar Generator for Emergencies<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John provides a very detailed description of a small and portable solar generation system that can provide power for emergencies or camping or routine use.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WdA9XY4XlnTCsuG5ZHYAQ9cUEazlLWs-3wsTj0_toaLQr66-sZ1zuXIGrpwyChcmInYwsSK0GiAGtXMztR3HuCAfWxxM6idm6gAy2NLoScD3DeSdQHt0Mz-F6vD4xS2dcnxG_CjvDjlX/s1600/PortableSolarGen01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WdA9XY4XlnTCsuG5ZHYAQ9cUEazlLWs-3wsTj0_toaLQr66-sZ1zuXIGrpwyChcmInYwsSK0GiAGtXMztR3HuCAfWxxM6idm6gAy2NLoScD3DeSdQHt0Mz-F6vD4xS2dcnxG_CjvDjlX/s1600/PortableSolarGen01.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
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The system consists of a 45 watt PV panel, a charge controller to regulate battery charging, an off the shelf power pack that contains both the battery and inverter, and a PVC pipe rack you make to support the panel.</div>
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The system will provide power for things like a laptop, some modest lighting, charging cell phone batteries, and a number of other things that are very handy to have in an emergency.</div>
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The instructions are very detailed and the project is easy to build. A good way to get started with solar.</div>
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Thanks very much to John for providing this material!</div>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/PV/PortableSolarGen/PortableSolarGen.htm">All the details including a 34 page pdf here...</a></div>
Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-19215698176189943452014-04-10T18:33:00.000-07:002014-04-10T18:34:29.039-07:00Four Interesting New Projects from Around the WebThis is a catch up on some new and interesting projects I've seen around the web and and added links to in Build It Solar. <br />
Four very interesting projects...<br />
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<b>George Plhak Releases Generation 2 of His Concentrating Parabolic Reflector Solar Array</b></h2>
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I was <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Concentrating/GeorgesPlans.htm">very impressed</a> with George's first generation parabolic solar array, and thought that the plans and documentation were very good. His new generation 2 document and plan set are even more complete, detailed, and wide ranging. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhClAfRVPcay-Y4oU0_dgxjftvQK95WWTYF7M5cYpH8vKYGU7JIYUEUxK6vrc7C0OkBggO-QxF_FQbOkmHypadyurMnxiHoWaOVZwd4Ps5gabVPbcmj4UshwAAjnKs_MTOgTHEE4eefo6/s1600/GeorgeGen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhClAfRVPcay-Y4oU0_dgxjftvQK95WWTYF7M5cYpH8vKYGU7JIYUEUxK6vrc7C0OkBggO-QxF_FQbOkmHypadyurMnxiHoWaOVZwd4Ps5gabVPbcmj4UshwAAjnKs_MTOgTHEE4eefo6/s1600/GeorgeGen2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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George goes over a number of design improvements, lessons learned, and provides much additional reference material for those interested in concentrating solar applications.</div>
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This is one of the very few cases where I think you get your moneys worth paying for project plans.</div>
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For all the details ....<a href="http://georgesworkshop.blogspot.ca/2012/08/diy-solar-parabolic-trough-20-intro.html">http://georgesworkshop.blogspot.ca/2012/08/diy-solar-parabolic-trough-20-intro.html</a></div>
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The Lucy Caliente Thermosyphon Solar Water Heater Plans and Construction Manual</h2>
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This is a very detailed and free set of plans for a simple thermosyphon collector for warm climates (where no freeze protection is needed).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQs3rNh49CzibojqwhQKBYbB_CxA4dyOIFGqe3mGzkCxb4yXrFbHF9GayUaSkYOGfOUXOWAYnKt94n8bReTh8eGKwuzWbN6Ki2n7E6zVd-c7YuhBf5g-uCUSBWdrPHs1jaUIMR161RVeR/s1600/Lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQs3rNh49CzibojqwhQKBYbB_CxA4dyOIFGqe3mGzkCxb4yXrFbHF9GayUaSkYOGfOUXOWAYnKt94n8bReTh8eGKwuzWbN6Ki2n7E6zVd-c7YuhBf5g-uCUSBWdrPHs1jaUIMR161RVeR/s1600/Lucy.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a simple system in which the collector is located below the solar hot water storage tank and thermosyphon flow from collector to tank does all the heating -- no pumps or controllers needed. The hot water gravity feeds to showers or other places it is needed. Fresh water is added to the tank via a float valve.</div>
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The full <a href="http://www.linaria-ev.de/construction-manual-solar-water-heater/">construction manual can be downloaded from the Linaria site...</a></div>
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I understand that the decoration on the tank increases the performance by 13%.</div>
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Making Collector Fins from Recycled Printers Plates</h2>
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Water heating solar collectors require fins to transfer solar heat into the collector tubes. Most DIY collector builders use aluminum fins and many ways have been worked out to <a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/Fins/Fins.htm">make them</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbTLlT1IO8cku2VE8tv-sq6bbbGGGngl7cNgvnYm1dwqhlbmZ38TuCivtA1a0Bg15jQxZ9LnvfpdFBnYRqVZUAfmKtLL6rnlfJm-lPpWfbqsrLA0SSY1dwq4qhlu5yaCy774E5AlAdzOP/s1600/PrinterPlates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbTLlT1IO8cku2VE8tv-sq6bbbGGGngl7cNgvnYm1dwqhlbmZ38TuCivtA1a0Bg15jQxZ9LnvfpdFBnYRqVZUAfmKtLL6rnlfJm-lPpWfbqsrLA0SSY1dwq4qhlu5yaCy774E5AlAdzOP/s1600/PrinterPlates.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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Soren has worked out a way to make solar collector fins from recycled printers plates. He shows in detail how these free or nearly frees printers plates can be made into effective collector fins.</div>
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<a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/Fins/PrintPlateCollectorfins.pdf">All the details here...</a></div>
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Thanks to Soren for sending this in!</div>
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Biomeiler -- Heat Extraction from Large Compost Piles</h2>
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There is a lot of interest in extracting heat from large compost piles, but there is not a lot of detailed information online describing how to build a practical pile and extract heat from it. This project describes in quite a bit of detail the building of a large compost pile with embedded tubes for heating water. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKlyD8szXUEfH60qz0BUO88WVKEmagQxW3Z6pTMZ9JQdkD7QY5kc-cIqTAMz6Rgk_IkAPLW3aDMCMQJtiXo4ewCU021qJb7djDmwE4IaTReJkaOy4W8Sv9Gnytfos5QPlKpOp5z41xt_T/s1600/Biomeiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKlyD8szXUEfH60qz0BUO88WVKEmagQxW3Z6pTMZ9JQdkD7QY5kc-cIqTAMz6Rgk_IkAPLW3aDMCMQJtiXo4ewCU021qJb7djDmwE4IaTReJkaOy4W8Sv9Gnytfos5QPlKpOp5z41xt_T/s1600/Biomeiler.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large ground wood compost pile in the making. Embedded tube spirals heat water.</td></tr>
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This large compost pile is said to provide temperatures up to 160F and last more than a year.</div>
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<a href="http://www.linaria-ev.de/biomeiler/">All the details here.... </a> This is in German, but Google translator and lots of pictures help.</div>
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This is another project from the interesting<a href="http://www.linaria-ev.de/"> LINARIA E. V. site...</a></div>
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Gary</div>
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April 10, 2014</div>
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<b><br /></b>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-78710018454580561212014-04-08T08:45:00.000-07:002014-04-08T08:45:06.887-07:00Build-It-Solar NewsletterJust started a newsletter for Build-It-Solar. <br />
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The plan is to publish the newsletter about once a month. It will give a brief description of new projects added to the site over the month. It may also cover some popular or seasonal projects -- and other things that seem note worthy. Maybe some low tech cooling projects for next months newsletter?<br />
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You can sign up using the signup link just to the right.<br />
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Let me know if you think there are other things that should be included.<br />
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The newsletter is managed by the MailChimp service. They appear to be responsible about not sharing your data. You can unsubscribe with a single click at any time.<br />
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Gary<br />
April 8, 2014<br />
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<br />Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955563853943736114.post-89575452779560497532014-04-03T11:06:00.001-07:002014-04-03T11:06:18.575-07:00DIY Shower Water Heat ExchangerWhen you think about what goes on energy wise when you take a shower, its mind boggling wasteful. Your hot water tank heats up several gallons of water from about 60F to about 120F typically using about 6000 BTU worth of energy. The water flows over you once, and then right down the drain taking nearly all of that 6000 BTU of energy you just put into it right down the drain.<br />
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Tyler has worked out a pretty simple heat exchanger to extract some of the heat from the shower water as it goes down the drain and use this heat provide some of the heat to the incoming shower water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69_tHbGHaJ2wNfEo04eusEP9pTOsddZ48gWXWKJLUC1F_Vyaj9YnTOZ6m4f6FCdv3Ord78Weq2fmRk7wN2XhL4KZl1rUTJ2TPFFjVqxYCiFNL18uRAzx58wewyLsyqhbjy86fz6ZHI9aw/s1600/pexgwhx01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69_tHbGHaJ2wNfEo04eusEP9pTOsddZ48gWXWKJLUC1F_Vyaj9YnTOZ6m4f6FCdv3Ord78Weq2fmRk7wN2XhL4KZl1rUTJ2TPFFjVqxYCiFNL18uRAzx58wewyLsyqhbjy86fz6ZHI9aw/s1600/pexgwhx01.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grey water heat exchanger is inside the ABS stack on the left. It joins the<br />main stack on the right near the floor.</td></tr>
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The grey water heat exchanger consists of a bundle of PEX pipes. The cold water on its way to the shower runs through this bundle of PEX pipes which are inside the gray water drain from the shower. So, the outgoing hot water draining from the shower transfers some of its heat to the cold water that is on its way to the shower.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7kGcNeZXc9Kr-SMeQlflAXThnI0Kl3I_KOZ__EOzIWth8-v3wu9cXRhqychC8-dhpVVO3tEeGITeqsvSk6P4cOs3R9ysgDmS5q7tYjmIfG_zrfCbWAMRxrGw7pGv8fnouGtzYs1TOj_J/s1600/pexgwhx02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7kGcNeZXc9Kr-SMeQlflAXThnI0Kl3I_KOZ__EOzIWth8-v3wu9cXRhqychC8-dhpVVO3tEeGITeqsvSk6P4cOs3R9ysgDmS5q7tYjmIfG_zrfCbWAMRxrGw7pGv8fnouGtzYs1TOj_J/s1600/pexgwhx02.jpeg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bundle of PEX pipes ready to go into the drain pipe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeIGs2zEtq3oVCr1W-F8_CBtS-z_BwCVGcwu5SxhagT8rZt9FJt9fYsGK_SeeOXhlDgGBX-KoCpgBO_ZPol4k_ayoETFVKGr7h0Z8EZF82ZaUdqL_m9RcoufqaB2qDrB9oPtegMzGZ3vg/s1600/pexgwhx03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeIGs2zEtq3oVCr1W-F8_CBtS-z_BwCVGcwu5SxhagT8rZt9FJt9fYsGK_SeeOXhlDgGBX-KoCpgBO_ZPol4k_ayoETFVKGr7h0Z8EZF82ZaUdqL_m9RcoufqaB2qDrB9oPtegMzGZ3vg/s1600/pexgwhx03.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bundle of PEX pipes being stuffed into the grey water drain stack.</td></tr>
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Be aware that in many places this single wall heat exchanger design would not meet code.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.builditsolar.com/Experimental/PEXGrayWaterHX/PEXGrayWaterHX.htm">Tyler gives quite a bit of detail on the construction and performance of the heat exchanger -- all the details here....</a></span><br />
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Please leave any comments or questions in the comments section at the link above.<br />
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Also at the link above is some more information and DIY and commercial grey water heat exchangers.<br />
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Gary<br />
April 3, 2014<br />
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<br />Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04159305838358067511noreply@blogger.com