PV to electrify old iron

hot_rod

2016 technology matched to 1800 technology.

I installed a 12VDC, 200 watt element into this old radiator and filled with water. A couple 120W PV modules for power.

This element has a temperature control built on, goes up to 190F! Apparently they get used for off grid brewing applications.

I'll roll the rad into the shop, around 65F today and see how it performs.

I'm starting a tiny home project and adding some radiators, or panel rads might work into the plan. With some PV on top, the 12VDC rads could be a dump circuit, or off grid heat and power.

Gordy

How long is the element?

hot_rod

6"

hot_rod

Hatterasguy said:

Interesting concept.

However, with 680 BTUH available, it's going to take forever to heat all that cast iron to the point where it can actually deliver a few tidbits of warmth.

You need a lot of energy to warm up a heavy CI rad

Consider installing it in a very tiny panel rad.

I have the time

I have a couple low mass copper radiators I built with 120V elements, just trying to put a RE spin on it.

It may well be too much mass, and weight for a tiny home project, some clever wall panels may be in the future.

Steamhead

I get that it might take a long time for this to be an issue, but what provision did you make for expansion and relieving excess pressure?

hot_rod

Steamhead said:

I get that it might take a long time for this to be an issue, but what provision did you make for expansion and relieving excess pressure?

I just left the top vent plug out, filled it 1/2 way. I don't know that I would ever run it with and element, I have a boiler and solar thermal to connect to it.

Just tinkering with the PV and DC element, seeing how much heat I could pull from the sun with a wire.

hot_rod

Hatterasguy said:

hot rod said:

I have the time

I have a couple low mass copper radiators I built with 120V elements, just trying to put a RE spin on it.

It may well be too much mass, and weight for a tiny home project, some clever wall panels may be in the future.




I think I put a 150W, 120V element into this one, it goes into the bottom in the copper closet flange. About a quart of mineral oil in it. The copper conducts the heat nicely and the setpoint control keeps it all regulated. It's rarely gets plugged in, more of a conversation piece and office decoration.

That's a beauty.

Can you put one or two of the elements in that one?

Solid_Fuel_Man

It would be quite interesting to compare this simple DC resistance heater with the panels, and solar thermal like evacuated tubes or flat panel. Cost of total system, to heat output. Set similar systems side by side in the sun and see what happens btu wise....

Taylor