2007-11-26
sustainable resources
An inexpensive solar furnace has been built to heat a house in Nova Scotia ...at least, that's where I think it has been built.
The builder of this remarkably uncomplicated contraption is Dan Robichaud. I learned of his efforts via a Yahoo group to which I subscribe that's devoted to harnessing renewable energy.
On his web pages describing his efforts he notes, "I am only doing this as a hobby, I am not an expert. I have researched this online and over the years I have seen hundreds of hobbyists claim to make these out of scrap wood and beer or soda cans.
Several companies offer commercial versions of this for over $2,500 [Canadian].
My goal is to build it under $100 [Canadian]."
What he does possess is the initiative to see the project through to completion and then, is rewarded by seeing that it works.
His "eureka" day was seeing "The outside air temperature was 9 degrees Celsius – and the internal temperature of the unit reached 37.1 degrees Celsius. The unit maintained over 25 degrees Celsius internal temperature for over three hours in intermittent sunlight."
I look forward to seeing updates on his efforts.
An inexpensive solar furnace has been built to heat a house in Nova Scotia ...at least, that's where I think it has been built. The builder of this remarkably uncomplicated contraption is Dan Robichaud. I learned of his efforts via a Yahoo group to which I subscribe that's devoted to harnessing renewable energy.
On his web pages describing his efforts he notes, "I am only doing this as a hobby, I am not an expert. I have researched this online and over the years I have seen hundreds of hobbyists claim to make these out of scrap wood and beer or soda cans.
Several companies offer commercial versions of this for over $2,500 [Canadian].
My goal is to build it under $100 [Canadian]."
What he does possess is the initiative to see the project through to completion and then, is rewarded by seeing that it works.
His "eureka" day was seeing "The outside air temperature was 9 degrees Celsius – and the internal temperature of the unit reached 37.1 degrees Celsius. The unit maintained over 25 degrees Celsius internal temperature for over three hours in intermittent sunlight."
I look forward to seeing updates on his efforts.
PHOTO CREDIT: Dan Robichaud
Labels: furnaces, home heating, solar heating, sustainable resounces
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