SOLAR 'HOME' DESIGN AND TESTING

 

 

 

Objectives: Participants will be able to:

 

1.         research and assimilate solar energy concepts.

2.         select appropriate previously used materials and apply them in constructing a model.

3.         apply solar concepts successfully to a solar "home" model.

4.         collect and compare quantitative data.

5.         observe and appreciate the ability of other participants to apply their

knowledge in a learning environment.

6.         experience both formal and informal methods of evaluation.

 

Contest Objective:

 

Using direct radiant solar energy, attain the highest possible temperature inside the structure during the heating time allotted and to retain the highest possible temperature until the termination of the testing period.

 

Introduction:

 

The ability to understand and apply the principles of solar energy can have a substantial effect upon the financial well‑being of persons, their families, the environment, and the nation. The next generation will be facing a serious energy crisis as fuels, which have taken millions of dears to form, are depleted. Utilization of renewable energy sources will conserve these valuable fossil fuel reserves which are essential feed stocks for the medical, agricultural, polymer, and other sectors of society.

 

This activity is intended to provide participants with an enjoyable, valuable learning experience while capitalizing on the innovative nature of humans. Emphasis is placed on recycling previously used materials which would have usually been discarded.

 

Materials:

 

1‑ thermometer

1‑ Solar Home Temperature Record Sheet

1 ‑ Solar "home" data graph

1 ‑ Blank paper

1 ‑ Pencil

Materials desired for building the solar "home" are to be provided by each participant.

Examples: insulation, thermal mass, glazing, drapes, paint, etc. The use of recycled

materials is mandatory.

 

Procedure:

 

1.         Review resource materials concerning the topic of solar energy, solar energy

acquisition, solar energy use and thermal energy storage.

2.         Relating the concepts acquired during instruction and research, apply your

knowledge in the design of a solar "home". Sketches, experiments and materials

testing to determine the best design and VERY highly encouraged. One pictorial sketch

of your final design is required.

3.         You are NOT permitted to spend any more that $1.00 for new materials to build your

"home".

4.         You may select any materials for your design that you feel appropriate as long as they

do not violate the rules.

5.         You must provide "living space" for the "occupants"! This space must NOT be

smaller than 2,000 cubic centimeters.

6.         Construct your "home" and bring it for performance testing on the date specified.

Testing prior to the date scheduled far the class activity is HIGHLY recommended.

 

SOLAR "HOME" DESIGN AND TESTING

 

RULES

 

            1.   On the day of the testing, you will be provided a thermometer with which to measure the

      interior temperature of your structure. Be sure to provide a 1/4" aperture for inserting the

      thermometer.

 

            2.   Take your structure to the testing site. You will also need the Temperature Record Sheet,

                    a writing instrument and thermometer.

 

3.       Place your structure, as you desire, in the test area. Neither your body nor your structure may

                    infringe upon other participant's solar space!

            4.    Insert the thermometer into the structure when directed to do so.

            5.    At specified intervals, record the temperature readings.

            6.    Continue to record temperature changes at specified intervals for the heating period of the test.

       These will be announced by a time‑keeper.

            7.     Take your structure to the test cooling site and record your structure temperature.

            8.     Continue to record temperature changes at specified intervals for the. cooling period of the test.

            9.     Using your recorded temperature, graph the heating/cooling cycles on the data graph sheet.

            10.   Each participant will give a presentation to the group concerning design strategies, construction

        materials, and the highest and lowest temperatures attained.

 

N TE: STRUCTURES WHICH ARE PREHEATED OR PRECOOLED PRIOR TO THE EVENT WILL

BE DISQUALIFIED! HEATING OR COOLING BY SOURCES OTHER THAN DIRECT RADIANT

SOLAR ENERGY DURING THE TEST WILL ALSO ELIMINATE THE PARTICIPANT. ADDITIONS

TO OR SUBTRACTIONS FROM THE STRUCTURE AFTER THE TEST BEGINS ARE PROHIBITED.

DESIGNS MUST BE CONSIDERED "PRACTICAL" AND "REALISTIC", i.e. "SOLAR OVEN'

DESIGNS ARE NOT REALISTIC. FUN AND FAIR PLAY ARE ESSENTIAL!