Alternative Trickledown Absorber

At a glance..

This resource describes an alternative to the “Trickle Down Mat” (TDM), that John Canivan uses in his Trickle Collectors. This is a step by step pictorial of the tools, materials, and assembly of a trickle down absorber frame made from galvanized steel roofing, drywall “J” end cap and “L” bead corners. Most anyone with some basic DIY experience should be able to construct this absorber with a minimal learning curve.

The details..

"An Alternative TrickleDown Absorber" is a comprehensive guide on building a trickle down absorber for solar collectors. Written by Richard Heiliger, the book provides detailed instructions and illustrations that make it easy to construct your own unit. The author describes an alternative method of constructing the "Trickle Down Mat", which has been used in John Canivan's Trickle Collectors.

The book focuses on material selection based on surviving high stagnation temperatures, increasing longevity of the unit while keeping costs reasonable compared to pre-made options available in the market. It includes information about assembling the collector frame from galvanized steel roofing, drywall

gutters and acrylic felt as well as applying Mylar inner glazing to prevent heat loss and degradation of polycarbonate

.

The materials required are listed along with recommended tools needed such as drill bits, power screwdriver, machinist square etc., making it easier for anyone with basic DIY experience to assemble their own absorbers without much difficulty or prior knowledge about sheet metal fabrication.

Overall," An Alternative TrickleDown Absorber" offers readers a practical solution towards building efficient solar collectors at home using readily available materials and simple techniques.