An inexpensive solar collector-storage system for space heating—I. Design methodologies

This research paper is aimed at investigating means for space heating using processes suitable for implementation in areas where the conventional energy resources are scarce. Bearing in mind the low cost of capital investment and utilization possibilities, mainly space heating, we have designed and fabricated a simple solar collector-storage system. The objectives of this research paper are: (1) exploring the possibility of using different materials for the insulated base, the transparent coverings, the collecting plate, box structure, potential candidates for sensible heat storage, etc., (2) to design a suitable medium capacity solar collector-storage unit and (3) to discuss the constructional features of the system under investigation.