Solar heat is trapped by a hair-thin solar-selective membrane--a virtual “black hole” to sunlight. Heat is then transferred to air with ultra-efficient manifolds guiding high-velocity laminar flow across both sides of the membrane. The heated air exits downward into the building where it’s needed via an output collimator. As in a racing engine, the air stream encounters no obstacles or sharp turns during its travels that would reduce its velocity.
How many Skyheaters should be installed on a building? This calculation is simplified by the fact solar air heating is not meant to replace a fossil fuel heating system but rather to offset fuel consumption As a result, calculations that normally apply to fossil-fuel systems are not appropriate.
As such, the more Skyheaters installed, the greater your savings. The number of panels you choose to install is only limited by budget and available roof space. The more Skyheaters are installed, the less time the main system stays on, which results in greater energy savings. When heat is not needed, or when the sun is obscured, the Skyheaters do not operate, nor will they leak heat into the building during Summer.
How big are they? The Skyheater is eight to ten feet in width and stands a little over twenty-eight inches above the curb. Weight is approximately 100 pounds. (For metal buildings, this weight easily clears the 200 pound load limit typical of raised seam roof panels). The optional reflector, shown throughout, augments heat output and weighs approximately 25 pounds. The Skyheater housing is constructed of heavy gauge aluminum for excellent weatherability.
What makes them go? Inside the building, the Skyheater’s intake fan plugs into a small control module powered by building electricity. The fans draw very little current; 25 Skyheaters can be ganged into the same controller, and no tie-in between this controller and the building’s fossil fuel system is necessary.
More cost-effective than photovoltaics.
Skyheaters add heat to a building during winter months, saving energy costs and lowering fossil fuel emissions. The Skyheater also de-laminates ceiling air, which reduces heat loss through the building roof. This adds up to a 40% cost savings, watt-per-watt, over PV running year-round.
Phone
voice: 865 523-4313
fax: 865 523-4846
Address:
Solar Labs
1006 North Mary Street
Knoxville, TN 37914
What makes a Skyheater so efficient?
