Free heat

Dtp1979 · 26-12-2022 2:20pm #1

Ok slightly exaggerated but still, I want to get close.

I have a 2,000 litre buffer tank new. Got it for feck all. It has a coil on it so I’ll be using solar (5 panels) to heat that part. I also have a solid fuel boiler that I will pipe into the buffer. This will be lit most days as I have access to very cheap fuel.

I also want a third source heating this buffer. I was hoping to fit 6-8 small 600watt 12v wind turbines on the shed roof and have these heat 12v dc immersions directly. No battery’s or any fancy stuff.

so my question is would I be better off with 1-2 large immersions and have the 6-8 turbines joined together it 6-8 small immersions with each immersion having its own turbine essentially?

Ubbquittious · 26-12-2022 2:28pm

The concept is sound except for the turbines. They might give you some heat but there is a chance that they won't be worth the hassle particularly if you are putting up lots of small turbines with lots of moving parts that can all break individually and may end up breaking your heart. If you really want a turbine you are probably better off with 1 big one on a big mast. Also make sure that where you place your buffer tank you benefit from the heat seeping out of it. Interesting project i am dying to see how you will get on

Jonathan · 26-12-2022 2:51pm

Ditch the turbines and replace with a large solar thermal array.

the_amazing_raisin · 26-12-2022 2:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120035017#Comment_120035017

Or solar PV and power a DC immersion heater?

Dtp1979 · 26-12-2022 3:15pm

I get the solar angle but solar will give me nothing from 5pm until 7am most winter days. I live on top of a hill with a decent breeze 24/7 so wind is surely the obvious choice to make up any deficit? I plan on doing all the work myself as I’m a plumber by trade and pretty handy at all aspects of most things related to this job.

i don’t like the look of big windmill type things and they cost a bloody fortune tbh. I see some good reviews for smaller neater turbines online. Are they really that bad?

graememk · 26-12-2022 3:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120035022#Comment_120035022

If heating directly, solar tubes hands down.

80% efficient vs 20% per SQ m for pv

If going pv id put it through an inverter and run a standard immersion

Jonathan · 26-12-2022 3:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120035022#Comment_120035022

If heat is aim of the game, why go for a less efficient setup using PV + DC element?

Dtp1979 · 26-12-2022 3:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120035109#Comment_120035109

Cause it only heats from 8am to 5pm in the months where heat is needed most

graememk · 26-12-2022 4:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120034970#Comment_120034970

I agree.

Turbines aren't worth the hassle,

12v turbines would be lucky to output 100w nevermind 600! At 600 that's 50 amps!

A 2000L tank cycled between say 65 and 35. Is the guts of 70kwh.

If you get it heated via solid fuel (it's turf isn't it? 😂 Don't worry I'm the same) during the day it should be enough to carry you until the next day.

What's the rating of the solid fuel boiler?.

I'm doing it on a smaller scale using night rate/solarpv

Dtp1979 · 26-12-2022 4:46pm

24 kw solid fuel boiler. But it won’t be lit all the time. I don’t plan on the buffer being able to heat the house 24/7 just yet. It might need longer recovery time

bullit_dodger · 26-12-2022 5:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120035082#Comment_120035082

Are they really that bad?

Yes. (1119) Wind Turbines for Home: Is it Worth It? - YouTube

graememk · 26-12-2022 5:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120035297#Comment_120035297

Running flat out the boiler should be able to heat it in 3-4 hrs.

But that should be able to heat the house for a day. And maybe even a little bit in the morning... Depending on how heat leaky it is though

Dtp1979 · 26-12-2022 9:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120035406#Comment_120035406

What she’s saying isn’t putting me off. I’m not in an urban area. I’m on a high hill overlooking maybe 5 counties all flat unsheltered landscape

unkel · 26-12-2022 10:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120036388#Comment_120036388

Been there done that with a small wind turbine and they don't work. Except when you live on top of a hill like yourself with nothing around you. I would still stick it on top of a long pole, minimum 10m and make sure that pole itself doesn't move, so use guy lines. And set it up as far away as you can from anything. Just buy one that gets some good reviews, will costs a few hundred quid. If it works, buy more. If it doesn't work, ah well, nice experience, sell it on.

Keep us updated on this!