Solar Air Heater

myminifactory

My submission is a design for a solar air heater utilizing repurposed 250ml cans and innovative 3D printed components. The concept behind this project is to create an efficient device that harnesses solar energy to heat the air, which can then be used for various applications such as warming shelters for people or animals, greenhouses, or even buildings. To ensure optimal performance, I have designed a system that allows for thermal storage and release of heated air during periods when sunlight is not available. A key objective of my design was to create a functional device that is both safe and easy to assemble. By incorporating features that take advantage of 3D printing capabilities, I aimed to showcase the possibilities this technology offers in part design compared to traditional manufacturing methods. With 3D printing, we can now design complex parts with intricate features that would have been impossible or extremely expensive to produce using conventional means. Another goal was to incorporate multiple repurposed 250ml cans, reducing waste and minimizing the number of containers that end up in landfills. To address safety concerns related to cutting these cans, I designed a special cutter that facilitates safe processing while protecting users from sharp edges. To ensure ease of assembly, I have designed parts that snap fit together without requiring any tools. This design also allows for versatility, enabling users to configure the system in various ways by connecting multiple individual assemblies as needed. The drawings submitted include one example configuration, but numerous other configurations are possible and can be imagined. One of the standout features of this design is the "Manifold" part, which I believe showcases the capabilities of 3D printing without the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods. I find it difficult to envision how this complex part could be manufactured in a single piece using conventional techniques. In addition to the main submission, I have included explanations for the drawings uploaded with the photos. Drawing 1 provides an exploded view of the components, including the 3D printed parts: Manifold, Intake Cap, and Exhaust Cap. These parts snap fit together securely, allowing users to configure multiple manifolds in series as desired. Drawing 2 shows the assembly of two manifolds and other components, while Drawing 3 presents a diagram illustrating the air flow through this device. The heated air is efficiently conducted from the can side walls due to the swirling effect created by the helical feature on the tube. This design also allows for passive operation if the configuration is tilted exhaust-side up. Drawing 4 showcases one possible configuration, an array of 10 by 10 manifold assemblies contained within a structure that could be made of wood. I envision this setup being mounted on a building's roof. I have also included photos of individual 3D printed parts and assembly shots for further reference. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Pete Blaszcak