Does any one have any links or other information on designing and building a thermal mass?

I want to dump excess heat into a block of concrete and gravel and need to know some of the particulars, such as how big, plumbing, how long it might take to heat, heat loss duration etc...

I'm thinking something on the order of 7ft x 9ft x 3 ft, with 3 different plumbing lines for connection to solar collector, tank and house water to water heater.


thanks

Todd... the best & cheapest thermal mass would be H2O. There are many types of tanks available, with or with out heat exchangers...

Thanks, but I already have a 500 gallon tank. I want to add an additional heat storage module that is a custom built concrete and gravel thermal mass to dump excess heat into once the tank reaches a predetermined temp. The water tank will sit on top of the TM. 5 sides of the TM will be heavily insulated so most of the TM heat loss will be radiated into the water tank. This is to help to keep the tank water hot during the night time and periods of no or little usable sun.

So back to the original question, Does any one have info on the design, construction and performance of a concrete and gravel thermal mass available?

thanks

Specific heat of some solids

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/sp...ids-d_154.html

You won't find much on using concrete because it has to high of a heat expansion/contraction. Gravel has too much resistance to thermal flow because of the airspaces between stones.

__________________
"I believe that intense beer immersion therapy is the only answer." Oggie

Al Gore - the James Baker of Enviromentalism

Every dollar spent on cutting your power usage saves $4 dollars on solar setup costs.

You don't think the tank will transfer heat to the thermal mass prior to the switch-over? Still think you would be better off to use another water tank for this purpose. Also, there are tanks available with phase change materials (wax). Should soon be in the US & Canada. (from Europe) Good Luck.

Information on following page will help you to get help in design a thermal mass for your home http://harmoniouspalette.com/PAHS-retrofit.html

I have his Solar Thermal book, it's got some good info.
The sand bed under your concrete floor looks pretty interesting.
He also has training classes.


http://arthaonline.com/bookpage.html

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Jeff

Apricus 60 tube DHW system
1yr anniv on 8/1/09