Good results testing my Soda Can solar furnace during a full sun day in Melbourne. Results promising reaching 75 degrees Celsius (167 degree Fahrenheit) issues with 12volt fan read on…
Aim: To using soft drink cans in a solar heater to heat my home during winter.
Day 2 test – I painted the Pepsi Max cans flat black with high temp paint and screwed the perspex in place. Air still leaking in so I sealed 2 sides with sealant (no more gaps). Temperature rose to 75c and I started to panic about fan parts melting.
When I turned the fan on it kept on cutting out not sure if I’ve damaged the fan, a 12v Cooler Master (95cfm) or it has a high voltage cutout, hoping the later as panel is rated at 18volt in full sun.
May need a lower voltage solar panel or use some sort of regulator, don’t know much about this and I’m happy to take advice.
Conclusion: Basic construction valid, over 75 degrees Celsius output with an ambient air temperature of 25 degree Celsius it was a full sun day. I can improve efficiency by properly sealing all sides.
Painting the cans flat black made a significant improvement. Biggest problem I have now is getting the heat out of the unit.
I need to put a lot of thought into fan/solar panel combinations. Will need expect guidance.
Conversions.
75c = 167f
72c = 161f
60c = 140f
Post time: Jun-21-2017