tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782071132773305341.post2248286209795570121..comments2023-07-01T05:09:27.649-04:00Comments on Schaller Eco Home: Nothing like a good foundationUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782071132773305341.post-2575025442478787832009-09-11T23:30:38.547-04:002009-09-11T23:30:38.547-04:00Jamie:
Sorry, it's taken me so long to answer....Jamie:<br />Sorry, it's taken me so long to answer...obviously we've had our hands full.<br />We have given much thought over the past year to the controls of the system, in particular, the earthbox and here are our thoughts and how we arrived at the decisions we made. First, tanks are expensive, have limited life cycles, and are inefficient methods for storing the copious amounts of hot water produced during a sunny day. The first solar design/quote I received from a solar company contained 2-huge storage tanks and was over $25K for just the solar portion (panels, tanks, and associated components). It seemed expensive and wasteful to me. Thats when we started researching the earthbox idea. Our earthbox is approx 3' deep and 1500 square feet in area. Thats a huge thermal mass to absorb energy. It is designed not to exceed 80 degrees in temp. When all hot water demands are met (domestic hot water, and radiant heating if needed) then hot water is then sent to the earthbox in the foundation. Walking on the cold concrete floors, even this summer in the house, was mildly unpleasant. As far as opening windows...that's exactly what the house is designed for. In a traditionally heated home, opening windows is taboo, but in a solar home it is perfectly acceptable. After all the heat is FREE. Nobody is going to yell at me for wasting heat!! If it gets warm, we have automatic window openers in our cupola for drawing warm air out of the house. Additionally, we are placing the solar panels in an array on the ground, so if we need to, we can shade or cover a portion. I understand your concerns regarding the "cruise ship" effect, but I also see great advantage in this. In winter, when we have numerous cloudy days in a row, our slab and earthbox will take a long time to cool down, hopefully, limiting the use of the backup propane system. I see a glass half full.<br />When we get our system operational, I'll post some schematics of the controls for people who are interested, like yourself. <br />KarannJeremy and Karannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13034572912618073392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782071132773305341.post-892326714047916482009-07-15T08:41:02.369-04:002009-07-15T08:41:02.369-04:00What I am talking about is your ability to control...What I am talking about is your ability to control temperature with that much mass - a lesson learned by the solar pioneers (Mark being one). The dog that bites reference is to the loveable pooch who every now and then nips. <br /><br />Your "earthbed" is likely to produce internal temperatures that, due to charging by the sun or overcharging due to control "lags", will flywheel up into the 80's and stay there for a very long time as you wait for it to slowly discharge all that heat energy, and you will have no way, short of opening all the windows, to turn that "radiator" down.<br /><br />I just wanted to know if you were aware of this and how you thought your control system(thermostat) was going to deal with what is in effect an effort like turning a cruise ship - it happens very slowly and requires adept anticipation.Jamie Wolfnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782071132773305341.post-11185906190170839642009-07-15T00:16:36.698-04:002009-07-15T00:16:36.698-04:00Hi Jamie:
I'll work on trying to post addition...Hi Jamie:<br />I'll work on trying to post additional information on the mechanicals and controls for the system. I'm trying not to get ahead of myself by posting only information on what we are installing or working on currently. In several weeks we'll be working on installing the solar and heating systems so stay tuned. I'll also try to send you some info through your website. A biting dog?? That's an odd analogy. I guess I look at my project from a different point of view as your friend Mark. People who are willing to take risks and try new things can teach others and bring positive change, even when setbacks or failures occur.Jeremy and Karannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13034572912618073392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782071132773305341.post-48869959263425873232009-07-08T15:41:18.216-04:002009-07-08T15:41:18.216-04:00I appreciate your effort to construct a low energy...I appreciate your effort to construct a low energy building but am concerned about the engineering of your "earthbed".<br /><br />Could you post a description of how the mechanical system was designed, what the buildings design loads are and how the system was sized, and most significantly, how you imagine controlling temperature with all that mass?<br /><br />As my friend a veteran solar designer Mark Kelley says - this could be a "dog that bites"!Jamie Wolfhttp://homesthatfit.comnoreply@blogger.com