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I am interested in Adding heat capacity to my solar hot water system. *I would like information on building a 2000 gallon tank. Does anyone have any information they can share on building a large heat capacity storage system? *I live near Chicago and have hydronic radiant heat
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2000 gal seems quite large, you will need a lot of panels to bring the temp up high enough for use in hydronic radiant floor heating (110 degrees). Most residential systems use 250-400 gallons. Take a look at these it will give you some ideas http://stsscoinc.com/
This may have the info you are looking for:
Naval Solar thermal manual.pdf -
My curre nt system
My current system consists of 90 evacuated tube system with 80gal storage. I also have a 50 gal storage seperate for the hydronic heating system. My issue is that in the spring, summer and fall, I have to cover 3/4 of the tubes so as not to overheat. I appreciate your input and I have already started looking at the website you sent me. I can problably heat 10,000 gal of water to 180'f in the summer, but I just wish I can store it and keep in warm all winter. Additional ideas are welcomed.Comment
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NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional
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Additional Information
I do not know the exact angle, the location is in Valparaiso, IN, 50 miles east of Chicago.Comment
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30 tubes at 30-40 degrees tilt should be good for 80-100 gallons in summer for a family of 3-4.
The additional 60 tubes should be mounted at a much higher angle 60-70 degrees for winter use. The best design would be to put them under an overhang to shade them in the summer. But I don't think you will be able to heat 2000 gallons in the winter which is when you want the additional capacity. Assuming 30K BTU per day per 30 tube array (8 hrs of sun ) = 90K BTU per day total. With your 50 gal. tank you may be able to heat your home in Sept, Oct, March & April when temperatures are mild.
What were your water temps this December in your solar tanks? How many square ft are you heating, and how well insulated is your house?Comment
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Amercian Solartechnics in Maine makes standard and custom size solar storage tanks. The lining is rated to 190 (possibly 200 deg F). I just installed one, not that difficult and all the parts could be carryied in through a door by one person. Alternatively Hearth.com which is a wood burning site has endless discussion on various storage systems.Comment
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Keep an eye out for a farm milk tank for your thermal mass.
Stainless, insulated and built with fittings and heat transfer (previously chiller) loop.
Most are built to lose only a degree C/day fully exposed. Wrapped it just gets better.
for example.Comment
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Propane and Plywood
Used propane tanks are also good value. If you don't mind DIY, Gary gives step by step instructions for site built tanks that come in at less than $1/gallon:Keep an eye out for a farm milk tank for your thermal mass.
Stainless, insulated and built with fittings and heat transfer (previously chiller) loop.
Most are built to lose only a degree C/day fully exposed. Wrapped it just gets better.
for example.
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