A sand heater is a heat storage device that uses sand as a medium to store thermal energy. It utilizes heated air circulating through pipes inside a sand-filled vessel, effectively transferring the heat to the sand.
How a Sand Heater Works
Here's a breakdown of the operational process:
- Hot Air Circulation: Hot air is forced through a network of pipes within a large container filled with sand.
- Heat Transfer: As the hot air circulates, it transfers its heat to the surrounding sand, which has a high capacity for storing thermal energy.
- Heat Extraction: The hot air, now cooler, exits the sand-filled vessel and flows into a heat exchanger.
- Water Heating: In the heat exchanger, the remaining heat from the air is used to heat water, which is then distributed through building heating systems.
Key Features of a Sand Heater
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Heat Storage | Sand serves as the primary medium to store thermal energy efficiently. |
| Pipe Network | A system of pipes ensures even distribution of hot air throughout the sand. |
| Heat Exchanger | Transfers heat from the circulated air to water for practical heating applications. |
| Building Heating | The heated water is circulated in building heating systems to provide warmth. |
Practical Applications and Benefits
Sand heaters offer a range of practical benefits:
- Thermal Storage: They can store thermal energy over longer durations which is useful for intermittent heat source applications such as solar.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Sand is a relatively inexpensive and readily available material.
- Versatility: They can be integrated into various heating systems, including residential and commercial setups.
- Environmental Impact: Using sand as storage offers a more sustainable way to store and use heat by using an inert material.
In summary, a sand heater employs sand as a thermal storage medium, using circulating hot air to transfer heat, subsequently heating water for building systems. This process offers an effective method for thermal energy storage with practical benefits.
