OM SOLAR - External Duct System

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	External Duct System

This method involves superimposing the OM Solar system's air-handling unit on the roof's surface. This system may offer cost advantages in terms of installation and overall performance, depending on structural conditions and the local homebuilding culture.

Numbering in these diagrams follows the direction of hot air flow.

Exterior air inlet
Inducting external air under the eaves.
Heat-collecting air layer
The solar-heated air rises slowly to the top of the roof.
Glassless heat-collecting surface
The use of sheet metal increases the temperature of the hot air.
Glass-covered heat-collecting surface
Air temperatures are likely to rise quickly when the air passes under the glass-covered surface.
External ridge duct
All the air passing upward under the roof collects here and is then sent to the air-handling unit.
Air-handling unit
Moves the hot air into the interior air ducts by means of a small fan.
Photovoltaic panels
Supply power to the air-handling unit.
Interior duct
Distribution unit
Distributes the hot air into the vertical ducts.Effective hot air flow into and throughout interior spaces is assured by the distribution unit.
* Effective hot air flow into and throughout interior spaces is assured by the distribution unit.
Vertical ducts
Distribute the hot air into the interior.
Floor registers
Distribute the hot air from the underfloor crawlspace.
Direct heat gain
Heat from sunlight entering through windows is stored in the concrete or stone floor.

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