Hot Water/ Solar Kiln

Mark M · August 18, 2003, 12:31:57 PM

I am thinking about building a kiln. What I would like to make is a combination solar/hot water unit that would run off the sun in the summer and off the wood stove when it isn't so warm and sunny. Is this a reasonable thing to do? Does anyone have any advice or can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks
Mark

Captain · August 18, 2003, 01:49:08 PM

I am curious how to increase the efficiency for heated use in the winter. You'll lose a lot more heat in the winter through the glazing in the winter then you will gain......at least here in New England. I envision them as two seperate structures, a summer kiln and a winter (or lately rainy season) kiln.

Captain

Mark M · August 18, 2003, 02:05:18 PM

Hi Cap'n

I was thinking about some insulated doors or panels that cover the window.

Mark

dail_h · August 18, 2003, 03:25:17 PM

Mark,
Check out timbergreenforestry.com,alot of good stuff

Buzz-sawyer · August 19, 2003, 10:49:28 AM

Mark i like the idea and have researched it and drawn several plans up....I have collected stuff to build as well....including a old household boiler...plan is to simply build fire box under it...it was propane...but it is not that hard to build a simple convection flow type wood fired water heater....
Don

Captain · August 20, 2003, 05:28:37 AM

Hey Mark,

I had thought of that option too. I had also thought that a forced hot air system may be the way to go for me. I could burn slabs and off cuts for free and not worry about a water system freezing....just will have to train the wife to stoke the furnace while I'm at work.....