Solar Thermal High Mass Space Heating System
Innovative Power Systems installed this 14-collector solar thermal high mass radiant space heating system in Northfield, MN in 2007. A high mass radiant heating system differs from a traditional heating system because it uses a two foot insulated sandbed under the foundation of the house as the thermal storage instead of water tanks. Tubing is installed in the sandbed and heat from the solar collectors is transferred directly to the sandbed. There is no heat distribution system in the house. As the house cools down, heat from the sandbed naturally rises, heating the house. With the super-insulated walls and south-facing windows, the solar thermal system is producing more than 90% of the total space heating load of the house, in Minnesota!