Did you ever move on this project? I downloaded your PDF but I wasn't sure what orientation I was seeing. Based on your label of the "western kitchen" is the side view supposed to be from the south (looking northward at the house)? What the temperatures like, summer and winter? You're quite high so I would assume there's a big drop-off at night. I love the idea of using passive-solar for heating but it would all be for naught if you don't have sufficient insulation. I really think insulation has to come first! As for your intended design, the barrels of water should all be facing the south so that they are directly exposed to the sun. Where are you relative to the equator? Is the sun going to be hitting both the south and north sides of the sunroom? If not, you don't want windows on the side opposite the sun; build a regular wall (and insulate it). Ideally you would be able to insulate the room once the sun set, e.g. drapes. Also, you might do just as well with concrete for thermal mass, rather than water barrels. Finally, you want ductwork to draw the coldest air in the building, e.g. near the floor and away from the warm exhaust vents. This will give you the best efficiency in transfering heat from the water and/or concrete into the air. P.S. I'm not an expert, just another homeowner like you! So take my suggestions with a grain of salt? |