Insulation Tips!
The best way to protect outside piping is by using aluminum jacketing over either fiberglass or iso foam insulation. The jacket must be carefully installed to prevent moisture penetration. This is done by “shingling” or lapping the joints downhill. Seams should be on the bottom. Caulking is used if the other measures are not adequate. […]
Like Father, Like Son…
This is a picture of Danny Pleasant putting sheet metal on a 1000 gallon tank for a commercial job, circa 1982. The second picture is Danny and his son, Brian, building sheet metal for a 2500 gallon tank going to the WTU in 2010.
‘Going Around Your Elbow to Get to Your Thumb’ in Solar Water Heaters
Every once in a while someone will ask me if it makes sense to collect solar energy with photovoltaic panels and then use that electricity to heat water. The answer is a rather emphatic NO. The reason is very simple. Photovoltaic (PV) systems have efficiencies in the 10-15% range and solar thermal systems have efficiencies […]
“Do-It-Yourself” Solar Water Heating Systems?
I came across a video yesterday touting the benefits of a “Do-It-Yourself” solar hot water system for homeowners. As a life-long scientist and inventor, I applaud anyone’s efforts to create a better mousetrap. I have learned in my three decades of experience in the solar industry that some ideas are better than others. “Better” doesn’t always […]
Solar Water Heating Systems for Hot Tubs?
Surfing the internet this morning I came across an interesting link: http://solarhotwater.cliknsav.com/solar-thermal-hot-tub-heating-system-hd/. Adding a small solar hot water system to your hot tub can help you reduce your cost of energy over the long run. How much depends on where you are geographically and what incentives are available in your area. I thought the author did […]
How Do You Shove a 400lb…
…heat exchanger into a 2500 gallon solar hot water storage tank? Ve-e-e-r-r-y carefully. Take a look-see as me and the crew attempt to do so without losing any fingers or toes. Click the image below to access the video of today’s action! Dr. Ben
What is Agriburbia!?!
It’s a very cool concept with a funky name! Imagine living in a community where you got the best of county living and the suburbs. It’s a farming village in the heart of North Raleigh. I was recently approached by the developers of this project to offer my insights into renewable energy. Each cabin will […]
Making Great Progress!!!
We’re moving right along on our Fluid Handling System for the solar hot water system at the Warrior Transition Unit. Sam is measuring for the collector pump pipe penetration through the cavity in the first picture below. The second photo shows the “almost complete” sheet metal jacket including the door over the front cavity. This […]
Warrior Transition Unit Tank Arrives!
Another special delivery! The 2500 gallon tank for our solar hot water system in Bethesda arrived today. The red face is the working end with the heat exchanger collar in place. The wood skids are sitting on top of four clamp-on wheels that Sam and I use to move the tank around and get underneath […]
Another Fluid Handling System is in the works for the Walter Reed Health Care System!
I love getting special deliveries. Today the mailman dropped of two heat exchanger collars. As you can see in the picture below, they couldn’t quite fit into a standard envelope. And yes, some additional postage was necessary. The next step is to weld one of those collars into a 2500 gallon cylindrical tank. This will […]