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Note that where it says 'pdf' that
means another document will open in your browser or you can
save it to your harddrive on your computer. You'll need Adobe
Acrobat Reader to view these files. Most computers have this,
but if not, it is free to download at Adobe.
Solar
Cooking
Using plastic as a window for solar cookers.
Tips
for use of different types of plastic, as an alternative to
glass. [15kb pdf]
Many design options exist for making solar cookers.
You can get some plans online from Solar
Cookers International website. Also be sure to browse
the
site for recipe ideas and other tips.
We will be boiling water (in small container ~1/2 pint), and
also cooking something to eat (your recipe) at the Olympics.
Make sure you try out your cooker before the Olympics.
There are several great books on making Solar
Cookers. We really like this one — Heaven's Flame
by Joseph Radabaugh. Your teacher might have a copy or it
is available from Homepower.com
or Amazon.com
For best results
- try to keep the box (oven) sealed when cooking. Leaks let
out the heat that you've captured.
- use dark cooking pots to maximize heat absorption.
- provide adequate insulation.
- additional reflectors (properly oriented) can direct more
sunlight into your oven providing more 'fuel' to cook with.
Solar Fountains
Solar Fountain presentation/guide from Workshops
conducted in 2004. This is rather large file so be patient
if dialup. 1.2
MB pdf.
Sample
Wiring Diagram [pdf] if including the Volt and Amp meters.
Try wiring this using alligator clips jumpers or other temporary
means, when testing it out. Can also insert a switch anywhere
inline, if desired.
We've packaged the most expensive items in a
solar fountain (solar panel & pump) as an event kit.
For those that want extra equipment for another project or
for the High Schools, who are using some of their own solar
panels & pumps, here is a list of resources. Most of this
equipment is NOT available at your local hardware store, yet.
So allow for time to order and ship anything you'll need for
projects.
We buy the Rule Bilge pumps (Model 24 360 gph)
from West Marine. They have various other models to choose
from. Also, some of the product distributors listed below
also carry Rule Pumps (eg. Backwoods Solar, Sierra Solar).
Another great pump for fountain projects is the Attwood V500
bilge pump
model
# 375188
There are several solar equipment distributors
that have both solar modules and pumps. You can shop at most
convenient and helpful location. We do not endorse any of
these suppliers, though each has been around for more than
5 years.
Solar Depot - Sacramento, Petaluma, Corona, CA
Sierra Solar - Grass Valley, CA
Real Goods - Hopland, CA
AAA Solar - New Mexico
Solatron - Victorville, CA
Backwoods Solar - Idaho
Pumps - Dankoff
Solar - New Mexico
Might be able to find some deals at Home
Power want ads.
you'll have to download the last section of the their online
magazine to browse the ads or pick a copy up at the local
book store (Border, Barnes/Noble, etc.)
Solar Cars
Josh Church, our Solar Car Event Grand Marshall,
provides
race tips[pdf] based on several years of conducting solar
car races.
Tips
for building Model Solar Race Cars [pdf]. Developed by
Solar Schoolhouse's Hal Aronson. Presented at Solar Car Workshop
March 2003 and updated for 2004. Includes images of a sample
race car.
Curriculum resources from DOE- National Renewable
Energy Lab (NREL) specifically about Junior Solar Sprint (Solar
Cars). Includes classroom investigations, tips on construction,
teacher guides, etc. http://www.nrel.gov/education/student/natjss.html
Chimacum
Solar Car website: Teacher & Student Lesson Plans
with lots of great illustrations for all aspects of designing
solar cars. Developed by a teacher at Chimacum Middle School
in Washington State. This school has now adopted solar cars
as part of their standard curriculum for 7th grade.
Model Solar Homes
Model Solar Home Design guide - tips for building
model solar homes. The basics. assembled by Hal Aronson. rather
large file so be patient if dialup. 1.6
MB pdf.
Quick
Tips for Model Solar Homes for the Olympics[pdf] - Hal
Aronson/Tor Allen. Includes finding latitude for your location,
Sun Angle formulas, etc.
Websites of solar homes... get some ideas
SolarStrategies.com
- this modular build house is a typical new england saltbox
style home, with lots of windows, properly sized eaves, and
solar electric systems.
Solar Decathlon - A 2002 competition
for university students from architectural programs. Goal
was to design independent powered homes. A wide variety of
designs emerged. Next competition is scheduled for 2005. Two
schools from California are participating - Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo and University of Southern California. TIPS
from Solar Decathletes 2002 - includes lessons learned
by the the 10 teams in design and building their zero energy
homes. good stuff!
What's your latitude? enter your city, state
OR zip code here. http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/gazetteer
Sun Angle Charts for your location: Given
a date and time, you can tell exactly where the sun will be
in the sky using a Sun Angle Chart. Also the Sun Angle (elevation)
at noon on Summer Solstice (June 21st), Winter Solstice (December
21st), and Equinox (March 20th and September 20th) are easily
available at a glance. Useful in designing the overhangs on
your model solar home. These charts in adobe pdf format. Lodi[pdf]
Imperial[pdf]l
Indio[pdf]
Example
chart-how to read[pdf].
To produce a custom sun angle chart for your location try
this online
tool at the University of Oregon
Solar Hot Water
Heaters
A
Primer on Solar Hot water heaters, written by Ken Olsen
and published in Homepower.com, provides overview and design
differences of the different types of systems available.
Solar
Hot water design guide from AAA Solar. They also have
a full catelog of equipment available.
Manufacturer of a variety of solar hot water
systems - Sunearth
- located in Ontario, CA. Diagrams, specification sheets
are available online. Check out the OG-300 Certified Systems.
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