Overview:

This prototype is a complete installation of our design which includes a solar collector, thermal closet and controllers were implemented on a home in Victory Gardens.

Design:

The system consists of two inline fans, a solar thermal collector, aluminum ducts, and a filter. With the use of an inline fan, ambient air is drawn and heated by a solar thermal collector. Once the ambient air passes through the solar thermal collector, the heated air will then travel through an air filtration system before entering the dryer closet. This will prevent dirt from contaminating the clothes inside the closet. Hot air will enter the closet dryer from the bottom right, allowing the hot air to rise uniformly and dry clothes. An outlet fan located at the top of the closet will simultaneously draw the air out of the unit to improve the dryer’s efficiency. Finally, the humidified air will be exhausted back into the atmosphere. Humidity and temperature sensors are installed throughout the entire system, which all lead to a single microcontroller. The microcontroller functions as the systems process control unit.