Re: earth plastering hand warmer tip

[Sebastian Gunner <sebg@optushome.com.au>]

> 
>  I am now thinking about incorporating this in the construction of the
> house.  For example, a system of piping (either continuous flow or with
> manifolds) installed on the north-facing roof. Fed by household cold water
> plumbing and installed upstream of  the tankless water heater.  Perhaps
> installed in an insulated, glassed structure.  Definitely with a
> pressure-relief valve!!
> 
> The winters here are mild so am not sure if the heat gain can stay ahead of
> the heat loss.  I have no doubts concerning the summer!
> 
I don't know your climate but would suggest a loop of pipe or zig zag loop
running up the slope of the roof on the north side (Given Chile and
Australia have the Sun on the same side).  A storage tank with the pipe
coming from the high end of the roof connected to the top of the tank and
the pipe coming from the bottom of the roof connected to the bottom of the
tank.  This will generate a thermo siphon, as the water heats in the pipe it
will rise to the top of the system and the cooler water in the tank will
fall drawn out the bottom to be reheated.  A third connection to the tank at
the top leads off to the existing water feed to the hot water system and a
forth connection of cold wate,r this needs a one way valve, connects to the
bottom of the tank.  The tank should have a pressure release valve.  There
should also be a one way valve on the connection of the thermo siphon at the
top of the tank to stop the system reversing at night and using the heat in
the tank to warm the night sky via the pipes.  It is important too that the
connection of the thermo siphon enters under the waterline near the top of
the tank.  If it is above it will not work well at lower temperatures.
Some time people throw out old water heaters because the heating element is
broken it may be possible to convert one of these by adding one or two more
water connections depending on the system being thrown out.  Some of these
have stainless steel tanks!  Make sure the tank is insulated.
This system will allow you to generate much more hot water keep it hot
overnight.  The tank will keep the heat longer than if the water is just in
pipes.  Really there will be times you just don't need the tankless heater.


-- 
Sebastian Gunner
Em: sebg@optushome.com.au
Em: sebg@iprimus.com.au

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