GBlist: Re: Overheating a solarium

[Stephen Thwaites <stephen@thermotechwindows.com>]

I have a fuzzy memory of a conference presentation on a computer
modelled solarium whose exhaust fan would shut down. It shut down
because the air it was exhausting melted its fire protection fuse.

The hidden agenda behind my original post was to establish a record high
temperature for a poorly design solarium/unintentional kiln.

But as is often the case on this list i got unexpected great info -
thanks




John Salmen wrote:
 
> most solar kilns designed for wood are intended to produce an end result
> with a wide variety of fluctuation during the drying period). 

i suspect we can cure in much less than 1 day. I have no concerns about
day-night swings.

> My first thought is that you need to design an insulated oven enclosure to
> the smallest dimensions you need for just the windows themselves and supply
> the heat to that enclousure. This would give you the greatest control and
> you can use any form of collector to provide that heat probably more
> efficiently. An insulated box for the window units with a solarwall cladding
> might be more efficient than glazing. Because you don't really need airflow
> just uniform heat I would be tempted to use liquid which I think would give
> you more control with fewer gadgets.


Ovid Curmudgeonsen Metamorphoses II wrote:

> No sweat.
> 
> I think that I would make the thing as two separate units:
> 
> (1) A superinsulated "kiln compartment" in which the lineals
>     would be racked
>                 and
> (2) A trombe-wall type solar collector compartment with a very
>     narrow air space, glazed sloped wall @ 60 deg from horizontal.
>                 with
> (3) The Kiln Room at the top end of a thermosiphon loop
>                 and
> (4) Reflectors (made from salvaged mirror or AOL CDs) to reflect light
>     at the solar glazing to double the bang for the buck, if
>      necessary.

Both John and Ovid are suggesting a more sophisticated approach than a
simple solarium.  I'm hoping that we won't need to do this. However i
had considered a low mass trombe wall/ air thermosyphon. If we build a
solarium i will make sure we can retrofit a higher tech option if
necessary. I'm just hoping simpler will work well enough.

I'll keep you posted on our quest for the world's most overheated
solarium.......

Thanks again


Stephen Thwaites
Thermotech Windows
Ottawa Ontario


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