3191 -- The Testing of a Passive Solar Window Heater PDF

A passive solar window heater for supplementary space heating was designed, constructed, and tested. This flat-plate passive collector was constructed by covering a wooden frame with a dimpled, black chrome plated absorber sheet. Six rear air passages insulated on the room side provided a 5 foot vertical solar-heated chimney. The 6 ft x 8 ft window heater was installed in a south-oriented window, and experimental data were taken during summer and winter conditions. Instrumentation was provided to measure and record temperatures, solar insolation, and air velocities. Useful heat gains were determined and provided operational data for mathematical model verification and the development of simplified design procedures and recommendations.

Units: Dual