My intent is to create some device that will obviously collect heat yet is portable, and is made from some pretty low-tech materials. In this case plywood, paint and glue, simple mirrors from a big box store (cost for six 12" x 12" mirrors being $10). The collector was to be a one gallon glass jug but then was changed to this BIG PICKLE jar. The black components are two painted pop cans. Although recycling glass may be a good thing, I was wondering how something already created could be further used in its original condition. No recycling needed.
This system, at this stage in development, is a success. The outside temperature at 10:15 am EST (note thermometer sticking up above the unit) was approximately 60 degrees F. This unit does not yet have the fan assembly attached but I had to test this regardless! Within less than 5 minutes, the thermometer reading the inside temperature was over 250 degrees F. Since the interior was melting away due to some other issues, and my thermometers really only were marked to 230 degrees F, I figured enough fun for the day and shut down the test.
I'll admit that now I'm already designing the next version which will be substantially less complicated. As such, you can notice one of the 12 mirrors was never installed. I ran out of mirrors and could not bring myself to attempt to cut yet one more odd-shaped mirror. Between hand cutting and using a tile saw, this was one task best avoided.
Notice the wood dowel at the top right corner of the base. That is the Collector to Solar Radiation Orientation Device (CSROD). No shadow cast by the CSROD means the device is in it's optimum position. Took me about 5 seconds to set the collector correctly and lock it in place. You can bet my next version will have a CSROD installed!
I shall post the construction aspects of this system in some following posts.
Pretty spiffy, but I might be a little biased.
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