To All:
We are working on a science project involving solar energy. This project is basically a take on the thermosiphon system. To quickly explain we have a solar collector made from copper tubing. 24" x 24" with 4 vertical tubes 20" long. Connected at the top and bottom of each of the 4 verticals by 1/2" copper tubing with one 3/4" tube extending from the middle vertically about 4 feet to a heat sink? This is where the heat transfer fluid should transfer its heat to the heat sink and then on to a small water resevoir where hot water can be drawn off. Voila hot water.
Only problem is we are trying to find out the percentage of Glycol we should use. (if this was the experiment then we would do that). We could use 100% or use a percentage similar to what is in a automobile 50/50.
Another question is the amount we should use. Full or something lessor.
The principal is based on the sunlamp heats the solar collector the transfer fluid heats and the hot gas rises (since heat rises) and transfers its heat to the heat sink which then tranfers its heat to the water. cooled the transfer fluid turns back to a liquid and returns to the bottom to begin its process all over.
Mike