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My Parabolic Trough Water Heater | 27 comments (27 topical, editorial)

Re: My Parabolic Trough Water Heater (3.00 / 0) (#15)
by fcfcfc on Sun Sep 7th, 2008 at 07:03:26 PM MST
(User Info)

Hi:
Looks nice... I think you would have better results from a lot of different perspectives though, if you would insulate the pipe rather than the whole unit. What you need is a piece of borosilicate glass one inch bigger in diameter than the receiver pipe. This will give you a 1/2" "dead" air space for insulation. It will solve you expansion issues with the mirrors and the whole exo-structure thermal stress problem. The tube will get hotter and get hotter faster as well. Just make sure your reflector material is up to the "weather" challenge....
A good material for the exposed reflector is this:

http://www.reflectechsolar.com/index.html

.....Bill

Re: My Parabolic Trough Water Heater (3.00 / 0) (#16)
by brianc4 on Sat Sep 13th, 2008 at 04:05:53 PM MST
(User Info)

Bill,

Thanks for the link to the reflective material it may be just the stuff I am looking for!
I have looked at the borosilicate glass tube designs on the net and they are neat compact & efficient but also very expensive. I would love to use the design but can't afford it at this time so I was playing with other designs I can afford.
Brian Clark

[ Parent ]

Re: My Parabolic Trough Water Heater (3.00 / 0) (#18)
by fcfcfc on Sun Sep 14th, 2008 at 07:04:23 AM MST
(User Info)

I may be able to help you there... What is the diameter of the receiver pipe you are using..??..

.....Bill

[ Parent ]

Re: My Parabolic Trough Water Heater (3.00 / 0) (#19)
by brianc4 on Mon Sep 15th, 2008 at 09:58:14 AM MST
(User Info)

Bill,

For The prototype I used a 2" schedule 40 aluminum pipe 2-3/8" outside diameter.

I can change pipe size if needed.
Brian Clark

[ Parent ]

Re: My Parabolic Trough Water Heater (3.00 / 0) (#20)
by fcfcfc on Mon Sep 15th, 2008 at 02:40:00 PM MST
(User Info)

Hi: I might be able to get you 2 lengths of 70mm borosilicate glass from broken single wall evac tubes, around 5' long each. I would just have to get them cut off smooth. That is around 2.75 inches outside. The cost to cut the glass at the glass shop should not be more than around $20 plus the shipping and packaging to send it to you where ever you are, if interested.....

[ Parent ]

My Parabolic Trough Water Heater | 27 comments (27 topical, 0 editorial)

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