Experimental study of using solar energy storage wall for heating Iraqi houses purposes

Abstract

In this article a simple type solar heat storage Trombe wall was built and tested at Baghdad winter. This wall had an area of 0.8281 m2 and facing south, it is consisted of a wooden box covered with clear glass of 3mm thickness, and 18 plastic refill bottles (2.25 liter capacity each) arranged in this box. Many holes are made at the bottom and upper faces of the box to facilities the air circulation across the plastic bottles, which are filled with water to increase the heat capacity. A small air fan was used to increase air circulation through the box. The wall was tested at Baghdad under Iraqi condition at December 2006, January, and February 2007. The results show the ability of this wall to assist the heating systems in houses at night up to 5:30 A.M. of the next day in winter seasons.