My solar collector project

I'm building this to try and heat my workshop or at least add supplemental
heat this winter. We'll see how it turns out...

This is the progress so far:


So this is the rough idea


the currogated metal and roofing material
That I will use for the heat absorber and glazing respectively


This is the bracket I made to hold the fan and
connect to the duct work.


Here is another angle. The air goes into the collector
via the 8" duct and warm air returns through the 4" duct


A view of the heat box so far, there is a single baffle in the center.
The box is sealed with silicon and joints have been covered with
aluminum tape


Another view of the insulated heat box

10/13/2008 - updates...


Cut out vent holes for air in and out


Taped them on the other side


This is the air distribution box that the 8" duct will
vent through and the 4" return will pass through as well.


Starting to insulate the distribution box

10/20/2008 - updates...


This is the thermal switch installed near the heat outlet


The distribution box is connected over the holes for the
air in and air out vents.


Looking into the air box through the air inlet.


Here the heat aborbtion plates are installed and will be painted
flat black with high temp paint.


This is the fan assembly bolted to the wall inside and ducted
through the wall to the solar collector.


Here it is installed outside the house.
The chimney in the background is NOT connected, It is merely
a left over from a previous wood furnace installation.

So there you go. So far all I know is it works. I have only had it outside for 1 day
It kicks on the fan automatically and blows warm air.