for a project I have to make solar panels produce energy, does anyone know how i would do this? I found where I can buy the panels but I dont know how to get to them creating energy in order to produce warm heat or cool air, any suggestions or sites that would help?
Facade: First, the panels must obviously face south to gain the most energy at mid day (meridian, when the sun is at it’s highest point).
Declination angle: The panels should be angled at an ideal 52 degrees above the horizon so that the maximum flat part of the panel is exposed to the sun at meridian.
For heat: The top part of the panel will be hot and that is where you would have a vent (connect a tube or duct at this point to direct the heat to a place where it will be used or stored).
For cooling: The panel needs to be up high so that the air duct at the bottom of the panel comes from the room where there is cooler air. The hot panel with the top vent open, will draw the cooler air up out of the room (remember, hot air rises) If the room is connected to an earth tube, it will really start to get cool. You can simulate an earth tube for your project by using a metal tube in the shape of a ‘U’ and placing it in a deep tray filled with ice. Connect with air tube feeding into the room.
Buy (or borrow) a number of thermometers to show the temperature at every important point in the system (panel air out, panel air in, room air, earth tube air, etc. – just run it and experiment).
I hope this gives you an idea of how to start.
Send an email to the company you bought this from.
References :
Facade: First, the panels must obviously face south to gain the most energy at mid day (meridian, when the sun is at it’s highest point).
Declination angle: The panels should be angled at an ideal 52 degrees above the horizon so that the maximum flat part of the panel is exposed to the sun at meridian.
For heat: The top part of the panel will be hot and that is where you would have a vent (connect a tube or duct at this point to direct the heat to a place where it will be used or stored).
For cooling: The panel needs to be up high so that the air duct at the bottom of the panel comes from the room where there is cooler air. The hot panel with the top vent open, will draw the cooler air up out of the room (remember, hot air rises) If the room is connected to an earth tube, it will really start to get cool. You can simulate an earth tube for your project by using a metal tube in the shape of a ‘U’ and placing it in a deep tray filled with ice. Connect with air tube feeding into the room.
Buy (or borrow) a number of thermometers to show the temperature at every important point in the system (panel air out, panel air in, room air, earth tube air, etc. – just run it and experiment).
I hope this gives you an idea of how to start.
References :
The author is committed to conservation.