APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY: A FIELD STUDY OF RESIDENTIAL THERMOSIPHON SOLAR SPACE HEATERS IN VALLE DE LAS PALMAS, MEXICO

摘要

Safe, comfortable, affordable housing is a significant challenge in many parts of the world. Using simple passive solar design can help alleviate some of the thermal comfort issues. With this in mind, research and development into a thermosiphon solar space heater by a graduate student at Cal Poly Pomona. Different system design and materials were tested for the ultimate goal of an onsite application in Valle de las Palmas, Mexico. Through coordination with a nonprofit, houses were chosen and systems were installed. Data was gathered on what worked and what did not. This paper discusses the research design process and ultimate on-site installation of the systems with data to show what worked and what did not.