[Strawbale] [SB-r-us] re: Passive Heating

[Mark BP / Low Energy Design Ltd]

Jeff, I agree with most of what you're saying.  But...
Fwiw, most active solar installations in Britain put the solar tank in 
the loft.  Standard practice in Mediterranean countries appears to be to 
put it on top of the roof (above the height of the panels to allow a 
thermosiphon effect).
"Traditional" house design in Britain includes a cold water tank in the 
loft, so that fluctuations in mains pressure don't affect the 
occupants.  The loft is also used as the main place for dumping stuff 
(much as north Americans use basements, or garages, or expensive 
commercial storage facilities), and the joists are dimensioned to bear 
the weight resulting from this practice.  The main hot water tank (for 
those who haven't moved to a [tankless] combi boiler system) is 
typically in an airing cupboard on the upper floor, either in or 
adjacent to the main bathroom.
The precedents certainly exist.  Having lost track of this thread, 
though, I don't know whether they're relevant.....
Mark


Jeff Ruppert wrote:

>For many years now we have been designing passive solar homes with bale 
>walls, good roof insulation and a certain percentage of south glass to 
>floor area.  Very simple and works very well.  In most cases, the 
>heating systems are over-designed and most people choose to use their 
>woodstoves to make up the difference (very cheap).  When you begin 
>placing water up high in a structure you are asking for trouble, IMHO.  
>There should not be much heat to gain in your rafter cavities from 
>water, and if you do it in your attic space, you will need to beef up 
>the ceiling joists. 
>
>Simple passive solar design with a slab or bale walls with lots of 
>plaster for thermal mass will go a long ways toward providing you with 
>the heat you need.  It really doesn't need to be complicated.
>
>Look to historical examples.  Did people during any part of the past use 
>water storage high up in a building with widespread success for heating 
>purposes?  If you find lots of examples, let me know.  Reinventing the 
>wheel can be a big pain sometimes.  I applaud innovation, just be 
>careful when spending so much money.
>
>Jeff Ruppert, P.E.
>
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