In this project , we will be build an off grid Solar Air heater by transforming an ordinary window into an effective solar heating system. This design uses solar fans to move the heat into the room.
Also incorporates a greenhouse panel to help trap heat and increase the efficiency of the heater. This setup also doubles as a Solar oven.This design also allows the unit to be attached all year for ease of use and can keep the heat from entering the home when its not needed.
STEP 1 : MATERIALS REQUIRED
-
Greenhouse panels (enough to cover the top and three sides of your box)
-
Plywood (for the bottom of the box)
-
Reflective car shade
-
Black spray paint
-
Solar fans (optional, for heating)
-
Thermometer (for cooking)
-
Wood for supports and feet (optional)
-
Screws, hinges, and other hardware
STEP 2 : BUILDING THE CUBE BOX
Determine the size of your solar box based on your window and desired cooking/heating capacity. Sketch out a simple design, ensuring the top and three sides are covered with greenhouse panels.
Cut the plywood for the bottom and attach the greenhouse panels to the sides and top using screws and hinges. Ensure the box is sturdy and well-sealed to trap heat effectively.This cube serves as the main body of the solar heater.
Greenhouse panels are used for the top and three sides of the box, chosen for their ability to trap and retain heat effectively.The bottom of the box is made from plywood, providing a sturdy and flat surface for the reflective car shade and, optionally, cooking pots
STEP 3 : ADDING THE REFLECTIVE SURFACE
Paint one side of the car shade black and leave the other side reflective This allows you to switch between cooking and heating modes For cooking the reflective side faces upwards concentrating heat onto the pot For heating flip it to the black side to absorb heat and radiate it into the room.
STEP 4 : ADDING SOLAR FANS
Consider selecting small solar fans with clips or other mounting mechanisms that allow easy attachment to your window.
Secure the fans to the window using the provided clips or mounting hardware Ensure they are firmly attached and positioned correctly This fans used here is bought from Amazon for cheap
STEP 5 : ACTING AS A SOLAR OVEN
To use it as a Solar Cooker, take off the three fans, put in the solar oven thermometer. The interior of the box is equipped with a reflective car shade placed at the bottom.
For solar cooking, the reflective (shiny) side of the car shade faces upwards to reflect sunlight directly onto the cooking pot, maximizing heat concentration.
A black pot is used inside the solar oven because dark colors absorb heat efficiently. This pot is placed on top of the reflective surface to ensure it captures the maximum amount of solar heat.
Image credits : Frugalgreengirl
