Ebo David wrote:An idea and a word of caution:
Take a look at thermoactuators (wax motors). You may be able to come up with an arrangement where a couple of them push/pull a control rod to track the sun across the sky without the use of electronics... I know of some dead simple analog circuits that basically do the same thing, and require no computers. If interested, hit me up in a couple of days and I'll see if I can find reference designs on the net.
Most fire-codes require that there be at least 2x egress points from each room. You are effectively blocking off the emergency access out of the bottom window. In case of fire you or someone might need to crawl out that window. Please think about how you will accommodate that..
Mike Haasl wrote:When I first saw your trombe wall sketch I thought it was brilliant and I still do. I thought you were going to provide the cold air from the lower window, let it sink to ground level and then let the greenhouse effect heat and raise it to the upstairs window. I think that would really help it to move air.
Mike, you are correct about my original intention. However, the bottom windows open to the cellar, and there is no direct air flow path from the house interior to the cellar. I plan to house tilapia tanks in the cellar for an aquaponics system once the greenhouse is built, and the smell of the fish tanks is another concern. I was a licensed tilapia grower in Virginia, but a sudden freeze in my detached greenhouse killed all the fish. My current plan is to locate the fish tanks in the cellar, and the growing beds in the greenhouse, and to pump the water through the wall. A Rocket Mass Heater (maybe two) will be added to keep the greenhouse within temperature tolerances in the nighttime and on cloudy days.
Mart Hale wrote:How you have to prepare depends on your resources, and what trouble will come your way.
I have 3,000 Watts of solar, but that will be worthless if an EMP hits and takes out my charge controller. Emp may be from solar ejection, or by war.
Julie Reed wrote:
I do not like to sell, but I love to tell stories and teach.”